Frequently Asked

Questions

Contact Us

You will receive a call from our nursing department a couple days prior to your appointment to complete your health history, medications and ride information. This will take approximately 20 minutes. It is a valuable tool our staff to have clear health information. You should be given a card with Internet site and access code from your scheduling office/physician. If you do not receive this, please call the surgery center and we can give you the information over the phone.

Many patients are required to have tests prior to surgery. You will receive instructions and orders for pre-operative testing from your surgeon. Tests may include:

  • Laboratory work, pregnancy testing
  • EKG (within three months)
  • Chest X-ray (within six months)

Food or liquid in your stomach may cause your surgery/Procedure to be postponed or canceled. Please follow these guidelines:

  • Women who may be on your menstrual cycle, please do not use tampons
  • Have a light dinner and limit alcohol intake the evening prior to your surgery
  • Cessation of smoking 24 hours prior to surgery is recommended as beneficial to your post-operative recovery
  • A consent form will be signed upon your arrival. If a patient is under the age of 18, the consent must be signed by a parent or guardian.
  • Parents must remain at the center until their child is discharged.
  • If you are a conservator for a patient, please bring copies of your medical power of attorney.
  • Once you have been registered, you will be admitted to the pre-operative area where you will be admitted for your surgery by a nurse and assessed by an anesthesia provider

First time patients please arrive 30 minute prior to your scheduled appointment time to allow sufficient time to fill out new patient paperwork. Returning patients or follow up visits please arrive 15 minute prior to your scheduled appointment time.

In-Office Procedures- If you are having a procedure completed in clinic with no general anesthesia, then please arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.

Surgery Center Procedures- Please arrive one hour prior to your scheduled procedure time to complete the necessary pretreatment procedures.

Hospital Procedures – The hospital will contact prior to your procedure with an exact time and location of arrival. Usually you are required to arrive 1-2 hours before your procedure.

All procedures require that the patient not eat or drink 8 hours before the scheduled appointment. Additionally, all blood thinning medication must be stopped for 5-7 days prior to the procedure, and a driver is required to take the patient home afterwards. You may also need medical clearance by another doctor before your procedure. Depending on your other medical conditions and age this may be done by your PCP, cardiologist, pulmonologist, or at a pre-surgery anesthesia clinic located in the hospital (PAT clinic).

  • Follow preparation instructions
  • For upper endoscopy(EGD) nothing to eat/drink after midnight
  • For Colonoscopy, you must finish your preparation/any liquid within 3 hours of your arrival time to the center
  • A consent form will be signed upon your arrival. If a patient is under the age of 18, the consent must be signed by a parent or guardian.
  • Parents must remain at the center until their child is discharged.
  • If you are a conservator for a patient, please bring copies of your medical power of attorney.
  • Once you have been registered, you will be admitted to the pre-operative area where you will be admitted for your procedure by a nurse and assessed by an anesthesia provider
  • Since we have limited space in our reception area, we ask that only one family member or friend accompany you. Please leave young children and siblings at home.

Some medications may be taken on the day of your procedure/surgery with a minimal sip of water. On your pre-operative phone call a nurse will discuss which medications you are able to take.

PLEASE check your blood sugar prior to your arrival to the center

Remove contact lenses. Do wear your glasses and bring a case for storage while you are in surgery. Wear comfortable, loose clothing and low-heeled shoes. A gown will be provided during your stay at the center. All jewelry, including watches and body jewelry should be removed and left at home.

Most patients remain in the post-anesthesia care unit for at least one hour after completion of surgery. You will not be able to drive. A responsible adult must be available to drive you home after your surgery. You will not be allowed to return home without a responsible adult.

If you are having an anesthetic, you should plan to have a responsible adult remain with you the first 24 hours following surgery/Procedure.

You may feel dizzy or drowsy after your surgery. For your comfort and safety, do not drive or drink alcoholic beverages for the rest of the day. You will receive post-operative instructions from your doctor prior to leaving the center. Follow these instructions carefully. If you have problems after returning home, call your doctor’s office.