When You Arrive at the Center

Please plan to arrive promptly at the time you were instructed. After you have registered at the reception desk and met payment obligations with the business office you will be escorted to our pre-operative room and we will begin getting you ready for surgery.

One of the Registered Nurses will greet you, review your health history and answer any questions you may have. We will ask you to change into a special gown, placing your clothes and any other items in a personal belongings bag, which will accompany you until discharge. If you have not previously signed a consent form in your Doctor's office, you will be asked to do so at this time.

What to Bring the Day of Surgery

  • Bring your insurance card and driver's license with you.
  • Arrange for cash or a check to be held by friends or family waiting for you in case a prescription needs to be written and filled at a nearby pharmacy before you are discharged.
  • Arrange for an interpreter to accompany you to the center if you do not speak English. This person should remain at the center until you are discharged.
  • Arrange for care of your children for 24 hours following surgery, as you could feel drowsy for that period of time.
  • Leave your valuables, including jewelry and watches, at home.
  • Wear loose comfortable clothing.
  • Do not wear contact lenses or make-up.
  • If your child is scheduled for surgery, we encourage you to bring his or her favorite toy for extra comfort.
  • Children may be brought in wearing pajamas. Please bring an empty bottle or sippy cup if your child can't drink from a cup. Bring formula as a second choice if juice is not preferred.
  • Please leave children not having surgery at home.
  • If you are on any medication(s), prescription, over-the-counter or herbal, please bring a complete list along with the dosage(s). If it is easier for you, please bring in the medicine bottles themselves.

Translator

Arrange for an interpreter to accompany you to the Center if you do not speak English. This person should remain at the Center until you are discharged.

Anesthesia

Anesthesia services are provided by Anesthesiologists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists who are highly qualified in all aspects of outpatient anesthesia. You will be evaluated before surgery by a member od the Anesthesia Team and will be able to have any questions answered. Be sure to talk about medications you are currently taking, even over-the-counter drugs. The appropriate type of anesthesia will be determined by our Anesthesiologist in consultation with your Surgeon.

Recovery

You will be wheeled from the operating room to the recovery room. There, nurses check your blood pressure, pulse and respiration rate. Medications for pain or nausea may be administered. Since many patients feel slightly disoriented after surgery, your nurse will first assure you that the surgery is complete and that you are safely in the recovery room. She will then encourage you to wake up, move your arms and legs and offer refreshments such as water or fruit juice. As soon as you are comfortable, your family member or friend may join you. It is important to communicate with your nurse and let them know if you need pain medication or have special concerns.

Once you feel alert and comfortable, you will be asked to get dressed. Before being escorted to your car, we review your home-care instructions with you and your family and give you a copy for easy reference. You will also be given any prescriptions for any pain medication recommended by your physician.

While you rest in the recovery room, we will be happy to direct your family member or friend to a pharmacy to fill your prescription, if you desire.

Payment

Bring your insurance cards with you. Arrange for cash or a check to be held by friends or family waiting for you in case a prescription needs to be written and filled at a nearby pharmacy at discharge.

At Discharge

For your safety and well being, you must have an adult family member or friend drive you home after surgery. We cannot permit you to leave unescorted. The medical staff will discharge you when they are assured you are in stable condition. HOWEVER, you could still feel sleepy, slightly dizzy, or nauseated. These are possible (and normal) side effects of anesthesia and can last for 12-24 hours.