Why does my responsible adult need to stay during my procedure?
If you are not receiving any form of sedation (some pain patients and some endoscopy patients) you do not need a responsible adult to stay during your procedure. If you are receiving any form of sedation, we do require that a responsible adult stay in the building during procedure and listen to your discharge instructions and drive you home. Once a patient has received sedation they are no longer competent to provide information or make medical decisions. We provide services significantly different than a visit to the doctor. Although our rates of complication and infection are significantly lower than the national averages, the procedures performed here are potentially invasive and do pose risks. It is also required by Medicare and the Joint Commission on the Accreditation for Healthcare that we discharge the patient to the care of a responsible adult.
What time will I have to be at the facility?
Our administrative staff will call you two days before your surgery or one day before your pain injection to let you know what time you need to be at our facility. They may leave a message at home if you are at work. If you have not received a call by 4:00 pm, please call our facility. Also, please arrive at the time we give you as the schedule often changes once you have left your surgeon’s office.
What should I bring with me to the facility?
You should bring your Insurance Card, your Driver’s license, a form of payment, and a list of your medications. Please leave all other valuables at home including all jewelry (watch, rings, etc.).
Should I take my medication in the morning before surgery?
You will receive a preoperative call from one of our nurses prior to your procedure who will review your medications. You surgeon will also likely provide you with instructions.
What time should I stop eating and drinking?
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before your surgery. If you do eat or drink before surgery, you may be sent home and your surgery may be rescheduled. For your safety, since you will be receiving anesthesia you are to have nothing (including water) after midnight except for medications you were instructed to take.
For a colonoscopy, what should I do if I have any problems or questions about the preparation?
You can call your physician’s office anytime day or night. They are the ones who have created the instructions for your preparation and are best suited to answering specific questions or concerns. You may also call our facility between the hours of 7am and 5pm, if you are having trouble getting in touch with your physician.
How long should I plan to be at the facility?
You will be at the facility until you are ready to go home and this varies greatly depending on the type of procedure you are having. Most cataract and endoscopy patients should plan on being here for two to two-and-a-half hours. Recovery time really depends on the individual as well as the type of anesthesia they received. Some patients do require additional monitoring or care before they go home, some require less. Check with your Doctor or Nurse if you have specific questions or needs.