How To Prepare For Surgery
The Center for Ambulatory Surgery, a leading provider of outpatient surgical services, offers patients and physicians a safe, convenient and affordable alternative to hospital based surgery. The surgery center is equipped with the finest state-of-the-art equipment and the expert healthcare staff provides highly individualized care to every patient.
The following patients WILL NOT BE ADMITTED at The Center.
Patients with:
- TYPE I LATEX ALLERGIES.
- ASA 4 Classification as per State Law
- Unstable asthma (patient with audible expiratory wheezing)
- Uncontrolled Diabetes (Blood sugar greater than 300)
- Patients with glucose of >200 with positive urine ketones
- Younger than 5 months of age (Note: infants who were discharged from the hospital/NICU stay with history of apnea post-hospital discharge or had long histories NICU stay with known apnea will not be admitted to The Center until they are one year of age)
- History of blood dyscrasia, etiology unknown
- Significant recent EKG changes
- Seizure disorder with recent seizure activity (unless recent seizure has been consulted with and adequately treated by neurologist)
- Patients > 350 lbs
All ASA III will require medical evaluation and clearance.
Pre-registration
Pre-registration includes the admission forms, the billing forms, co-payments and money matters. If possible, bring relevant parts of your medical history; e.g., x-rays, consultation etc., from other healthcare providers.
You will be required to pay any co-payments or uncovered fees on the morning of surgery.
Please contact us at (888) 590-6849 if you have any questions regarding pre-registration.
The Night Before Surgery
We will make every effort to contact you personally the day before surgery. This call is intended to help us prepare for your visit and help you better prepare for your stay. During this call, we will be asked a routine set of questions. You will be given instructions as to what time you are expected; medications you may take unless indicated otherwise by your surgeon or anesthesiologist, fasting requirements and other arrangements you may need to make.
The following items should be removed or left home on the day of surgery:
- All body piercings
- Valuables/jewelry
- Contact Lenses
The following is a listing of items you must bring the day of surgery:
- Insurance Card
- Photo ID
- Glasses (if you wear contacts)
- Crutches/Walker/Cane, if needed
- Co-Payments if applicable
If you notice any recent change in your health, particularly fever, colds, etc. or you are unable to keep your appointment for any reason, please notify your surgeon and The Center immediately.
If the patient is a minor, at least one parent/guardian must remain on the premises at all times and accompany the child home.
Patients who have had sedation or anesthesia will not be permitted to drive or take public transportation following their procedure. Please make appropriate arrangements prior to the day of surgery. If you have been given general anesthesia, you must have a companion with you for at least twelve hours after surgery.
The Morning Of Surgery
You may take a shower or bath. When brushing teeth, please be sure not to swallow or ingest any water. Do not use make-up, hair spray, nail polish or toiletries as these may affect anesthesia monitoring.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes including low-heeled comfortable shoes. Shirts or blouses with buttons in front are usually best. When you arrive, we will provide you with a surgical gown and non-slip socks to wear during your visit.
Please make every effort to arrive on time for your appointment. Our goal is to minimize every patient’s wait time prior to surgery.
Checklist before leaving home:
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
- Leave all jewelry and valuable at home.
- Bring cases for eyeglasses, contacts and dentures.
- Bring insurance ID cards.
- Photo ID.
- Co-Payments, if required.
- Make sure you have a ride home and someone to care for you following surgery.
- Remove any body piercings.
Recovery At Home
Your surgeon will have prepared you for your post-operative treatment plan. We strongly encourage you to make arrangements to have an adult family member or companion to assist you during the post-op period. The nurse will relay any special instructions to you before you leave The Center for Ambulatory Surgery. Written instructions will be given to both you and your family member/companion as well.
Guidelines include the following:
- Call your surgeon if you have any unusual symptoms or unexpected changes in your condition.
- Do not take any other medications other than those prescribed by your physician.
- Avoid all alcoholic beverages.
- Do not drive or operate machinery or heavy equipment for at least 24 hours after surgery.
- Avoid signing any legal documents for at least 24 hours after surgery.
- A nurse will from The Center will call you the day after your surgery to follow-up on your care. At this time we welcome your feedback regarding your stay at The Center.