Your Surgery

Preoperative Instructions

Preparing for your procedure is very important. To insure your comfort and reduce the risk of any complications, please read the following instructions carefully. In the event that these instructions are not followed, your procedure will be subject to cancellation. We are very concerned about your welfare.

DO NOT

• Eat or drink or smoke anything (including candy, mints or gum) after midnight the evening before your procedure unless your physician has otherwise instructed you.

DO

1. Some procedures require a bowel prep.  Please read and follow all instructions regarding this prep and refer all questions to your physician's office prior to the day before your procedure.
    
2. Bring a list of all current medications including insulin, over the counter, herbals or creams as well as a list of allergies
   (For your convenience, a link to print a medication list is provided in the Preregister and Notices page)
    
3. Bring a copy of any custody papers or power of attorney documents that involve the patient
    
4. Bring a copy of your insurance card and a picture ID such as your driver's license
    
5. Take your heart, breathing (asthma), seizure, gastric reflux, high blood pressure medicine or any long term pain control medicine you take on a daily basis with a small sip of water the morning of your procedure
    
6. REMOVE ALL jewelry including anklets and toe rings before coming to the facility
    
7. REMOVE ALL body piercing before coming to the facility
    
8. Bathe or shower the morning of surgery and brush your teeth.
    
9. Wear loose, comfortable clothing as some procedures require removal of all clothing including underwear
    
10. Wear your glasses or bring a case and solution for storing any contact lens
     
11. Bring a favorite toy or blanket for younger patients
     
12. Bring a responsible adult to be with you and to drive you home.  Verification of a responsible adult will be made prior to your being admitted to the surgery center.  If responsible adult verification cannot be made, your procedure will be cancelled.
     
13. Notify your doctor if you take Coumadin, Plavix or any other blood thinner
     
14. Notify your doctor and our staff if you have an insulin pump. Your doctor will determine if and when it needs to be disconnected. Please bring any supplies necessary to reconnect the pump.
     
15. Notify your doctor and our staff if you have any internal or external devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators.
     
16. Notify your doctor and our staff IMMEDIATELY if you suspect you are pregnant
     
17. Notify your doctor and our staff of any changes in your health, even minor changes such as a cold or fever

IF YOU ARE LATE or cannot keep your appointment, please notify us by calling 205-838-3888.



Visitor Information

Althought it is necessary to have someone with you the day of your surgery for support and transportation, space limitation makes it necessary to limit the number of visitors to two (2) per patient. 

Please do not bring anyone with you who has symptoms of illness such as a cough, cold or virus. 

Children under the age of 14 are not permitted in patient areas without special authorization, as some of our patients should not be exposed to common childhood illnesses. Please make arrangements for your small children, or those of your care partner, to stay at home during your stay with us.

A parent or guardian should remain with younger patients at all times before and after surgery during their stay in the facility.

The physician will talk with your care partner following your procedure. It is important your care partner remains in your room or one of our waiting rooms until after the physician visit unless otherwise instructed.

Outpatient Services East does not have facilities to prepare food. Vending machines for snacks and soft drinks are available. A cafeteria is located on the 2nd floor in St. Vincent's East.


Day of Procedure

ARRIVAL TIME

The time you are given the day before your procedure is your arrival time. Waiting time prior to the procedure depends on: availability of patient beds, operating rooms, and/or your physician's schedule. We strive to keep waiting times to a minimum; however, some delays are unavoidable.

LENGTH OF STAY

For most procedure stays, you and your care partner should plan to be at the facility for a minimum of four (4) hours.

PREPARATION

Once in your room, you will be given instruction on what clothing should be removed.  You will be given a gown to wear.  At this time, you will also be given instruction on dentures and contact lens removal.

If your procedure requires anesthesia, you will meet an anesthesiologist who will review your history, answer your questions and discuss the anesthesia plan. Your care partner may sit with you during your preparation for the procdure, if you desire.

The nurse who will be assisting your physician will take you to the operating or procedure suite. Each operating or procedure room is fully equipped and staffed to handle your procedure and any possible complications.

AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE, you will be taken to recovery where you will be closely observed by nursing staff. The length of time in your procedure and recovery stay depends on the type of procedure and anesthesia you were given. Each patient’s response may vary.

YOU MAY BE DISCHARGED HOME FROM RECOVERY, or since some procedures are more extensive and each patient's recovery response may vary, you may return to your admission room to continue recovery.  You will be served cold, liquid refreshments.  It is not unusual to still feel sleepy when you are discharged.

Prior to discharge from the center, a nurse will explain your discharge instructions to you and your care partner. Following these instructions is important for a safe and expeditious recovery.


Following Your Procedure

• You must be accompanied and driven home by an adult.
• Please plan to have someone with you for at least 24 hours after your procedure.
• Take all medications as directed.
• Utilize your pharmacist for further information about prescriptions.
• If you are taking an antibiotic, finish the entire prescription as directed by your physician.
• Resume your home medications as instructed by your physician.
• Most pain medications are better tolerated with food.

Questions and/or Concerns

• If you have any questions or concerns after your procedure, please call your physician.
• Remember to make an appointment for a follow-up visit with your physician.
• A nurse from the surgery center will make attempts to call you to check on your progress and answer your questions usually within 24 to 72 hours of your procedure.

Billing Information

Charges at Outpatient Services East include: preparation for your procedure, use of the surgery or procedure suite and the recovery room, and all medications and supplies. Our charges do NOT include: your lab, pathology, surgeon or anesthesia fees. You will be billed separately by the offices responsible for these services.

As service to you, we will file with your insurance carrier for the services provided by Outpatient Services East. Outpatient Services East will verify your insurance coverage and notify you of any unmet deductible and/or co-pay amounts. You will be asked to pay this amount on the day of your surgery.

You are asked to have financial arrangements completed at least one day prior to your surgery date. If you have any questions or concerns about our billing, please call us at 205-838-3888.