Patient Education

Surgery FAQs

Gather relevant insurance information, including your health plan insurance card or Medicare card, and bring them with you the day of your surgery. Bring your ID card and any copayment or deductible payment with you.
One of our nurses will be calling you to compile a health history and give you instructions. We will also let you know your arrival time. Your arrival time is approximately one hour before surgery.
Make dependable arrangements with a friend or relative to drive you home after your surgery. You will not be released to drive yourself home if you have had anesthesia or pain medication.
Make arrangements for a friend or relative to stay with you for the remainder of the day and the night following your surgery if you have had anesthesia.
If you are on medication, check with your physician to see whether you should take it the night or morning before your surgery.
If you have any health changes prior to your surgery, such as minor elevations in your temperature, a rash, a cold, or cough, contact your physician and the Surgery Center immediately.
If you suspect that you are pregnant, contact your physician; medications may be harmful to your developing child.

Do not put solids in your mouth after midnight. This includes gum, candy, lozenges, mints or antacids.
Failure to follow these instructions may cause cancellation of your procedure.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
When you brush your teeth, rinse your mouth without swallowing.
Do not use any tobacco products the day of your surgery.
Shower or bathe to minimize the chance of infection.
Do not wear make-up.
If appropriate, bring insulin or your inhaler with you.
Wear loose comfortable clothing to avoid pressure on your surgery site.
Wear flat, preferably slip-on shoes.
Jewelry is not allowed in the surgical room; please leave jewelry and valuables at home.
If you wear contact lenses, bring your lens supplies and glasses.
Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours.
Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking. We will also ask you about any allergies you might have.

Please arrive at the time given to you by the Surgery Center, this is typically within 30 minutes to 2 hours prior to surgery time.
Check in at the Reception Desk, where we will review your insurance information.
Please bring a photo ID, such as a driver's license and your insurance or Medicare card.
You will be asked for your insurance co-pay or deductible payment unless prior arrangements have been made with our Patient Accounts representative.
If you have other questions or concerns, please notify the nurse who helps prepare you for surgery. They will answer your questions or have your doctor visit you before you go to surgery.
After your surgery, when you are awake, a friend or family member may join you in the Phase II Recovery Area.
When you are fully awake and alert and it is safe to do so, a staff member will go over specific instructions for your at-home care and you will be discharged.
Upon discharge, a friend or family member must take you home and should stay with you for 24 hours. You will not be released to drive yourself home if you have had general anesthesia, sedation, or pain medication.