Know what to expect and be prepared. Pre-procedure and post-procedure instructions are listed below.

Surgery Preparation

Once your surgeon has scheduled your procedure at the surgery center, you will be contacted by our pre-admit nurse. She will review your medical history and discuss any pre-surgical medical tests needed prior to your surgery. It is important that you know your surgery may may be postponed or canceled if you neglect to contact us or complete the necessary testing prior to your surgery date.

Pre-procedure instructions

  • Please complete all pre-surgery tests as soon as possible. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of your surgery. EKGs are performed free of charge at the surgery center during regular business hours (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except holidays) and do not have to be scheduled.
  • Do not eat or drink anything (including mints and chewing gum) after midnight the night before your surgery.
  • You may brush your teeth and rinse the morning of your surgery.
  • If you are taking medications for your heart, blood pressure, seizure, reflux, or to help you breath (bring inhalers), they should be taken early on the morning of your procedure with a very small sip of water. If you are on insulin, please take half of your usual morning dose. If you are taking blood thinning medications (Coumadin, Plavix, Lovenox, daily aspirin, ibuprofen), stop those medications seven days prior to your procedure, unless your physician has given different instructions regarding blood thinners.
  • Do not smoke, chew tobacco, or drink alcohol 24 hours prior to your procedure.
  • Please bathe the night before or the morning of your surgery and refrain from using perfumes, colognes, and/or lotions.
  • Do not bring your home medications to the surgery center unless you are instructed to do so.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing (no jeans, boots, or tight shirts).
  • Leave all valuables and jewelry at home.
  • If you wear contact lenses, please bring a case for them.
  • Please bring your glasses or contact lenses.
  • Do not wear makeup the day of your procedure.
  • Bring photo identification and your copay.
  • If you become ill between now and the day of surgery, please contact your surgeon’s office.
  • You must have a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Do not make additional plans or activities on the day of your procedure.
  • Please make sure any assistive devices your surgeon has prescribed for you (CPM, polar ice machine, specially fitted brace, etc.) are brought to the surgery center the day of your procedure.
  • Although we do not expect any event requiring lifesaving measures while you are at the surgery center, be informed the surgery center will initiate resuscitative efforts if a cardiac or respiratory arrest occurs. If you have an advanced directive, bring a copy to the surgery center to place in your chart for use in case of a hospital transfer. You may download a blank copy of a healthcare advanced directive.

 

Post-procedure instructions

You will be discharged from the surgery center once you meet the discharge criteria set by your physician. Your nurse will review with you written discharge instructions regarding diet, rest, exercise, and medication(s). If you have any questions regarding the instructions, please make sure you ask your nurse before you are discharged. Since it is normal to feel dizzy, drowsy, or even nauseated 12 to 24 hours after anesthesia, you should wait at least 24 hours to operate any mechanical equipment, sign important documents or make important decisions. You must have someone drive you home and stay with you the first 24 hours. Should you have any problems or concerns once you get home, do not hesitate to contact your physician. One of our nurses will contact you the next business day after you surgery to check on you.

 

Your rights and responsibilities as a patient

It is important to us that you are aware of your rights and responsibilities as outlined by federal, state, and accrediting body regulations. While you will receive this information during the registration process, if you would like to read the information before your procedure, you may download the Patient Rights.

 

No Surprises Act

Click here to learn more about the No Surprises Act.