About Your Procedure

Click on the Frequently Asked Questions below to learn about your procedure.

The questions below may help you for before, during, and after your procedure.

Before Procedure

What to expect before your day of procedure.

• What tests are required prior to my procedure?

  Any pre-operative tests will be determined by your physician or anesthesiologist and communicated to you prior to the date of your procedure.

• Will I be contacted prior to my procedure by the facility?

  Yes, you may receive calls from the facility. You may receive a call from a member of your healthcare team if there are any questions that we need answered in preparation for your procedure or if there are any special instructions for the day of your procedure. You may also be contacted by the facilities business office to address financial matters such as your responsibility for co-payments and deductibles.

• What should I bring?
  1. Please bring a photo identification and your insurance card(s). Our staff will need to verify and make copies when you check-in on the day of your surgery.
  2. Be sure to bring any medications that you may need during your stay at the facility (e.g., inhaler or insulin).
  3. Please bring a list of all drugs you are currently taking.
  4. Please bring payment of any patient responsibility (e.g. co-payment or deductible)
  5. Please do not bring rings, watches, or other valuables.
  6. Please leave phones, tablets, and other electronics with your driver.
• Should I arrange a ride to the facility?

  Yes. You will not be allowed to drive after your procedure. Please arrange for an adult to drive you home and for someone to be with you when you arrive.

• What may I eat and drink before procedure?

  Your physician or a pre-operative nurse will inform you of eating and drinking restrictions prior to surgery. It is very important that you follow the provided instructions.  If you do not, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled.

• Should I take my routine medications on the day of procedure?

  You will be given instructions regarding medications by your physician or a staff member. Also, as noted above, please be prepared to list all medications (including name and dose) you are taking and to bring any with you that may be needed during your stay (e.g., inhaler or insulin).

• What can I do to help ensure that I have the proper procedure performed?
  Your safety is our primary concern. Your entire health care team will follow rigorous guidelines regarding procedure confirmation. National Patient Safety Goals have been developed which require your involvement too. You will be asked numerous times to confirm your identity, your physician, and the procedure you are having. You should take a very active role in all discussions with your physician, your anesthesia provider and our staff regarding the identification of your procedure.
• What can I do to help prevent infection?
  1. Take a shower prior to your procedure. 

  2. On the day of your procedure make sure you, your family and any other caregivers wash hands frequently while at the facility and at home following your surgery. Also, do not hesitate to ask members of your health care team at the facility if they have washed their hands!

  3. After your procedure make sure you, your family and any other caregivers wash their hands frequently.  Also, be sure you follow all instructions provided by your health care team regarding after care from your procedure.

   
• What if I think I might be pregnant?

  Please be sure to notify your physician, anesthesia provider and nurse prior to the date of your procedure if you think you may be pregnant. The procedure, anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing baby.

Day of Procedure

• What will happen when I first arrive at the facility?

  When you arrive at the facility, you will be checked-in by a member of our staff. The admission process is usually very quick as we have obtained most of your information prior to your arrival. This final check allows us to verify all of your key information so we can better serve you.

• What should I wear?

  For your comfort, we encourage you to wear clothing that can be easily removed and stored. Please avoid wearing any jewelry, piercings, nail polish and cosmetics, and leave contact lenses at home or bring your lens case with you.

• What should I do with my clothes and additional belongings?

  A nurse will escort you into the pre-operative area where you will change your clothes if needed. Your belongings will be kept with you during your procedure. We recommend that you leave all valuables and additional accessories at home. You will be asked to leave your phone, tablet, or other electronics with your driver.

• What happens after I check-in?
  A nurse will conduct a pre-operative assessment that will include taking your vital signs and starting an IV if it is required for your procedure. The anesthesia provider will also speak with you to review all pre-operative information and discuss your anesthesia.  Our staff will keep your family and friends informed of your progress.  We understand the anxiety family and friends will have while you are having your procedure.  We will make every effort to keep them informed of your progress.
• What can I do to help ensure that I have the proper procedure performed?
  Your safety is our primary concern. Your entire health care team will follow rigorous guidelines regarding procedure confirmation. National Patient Safety Goals have been developed which require your involvement too. You will be asked numerous times to confirm your identity, your physician, and the procedure you are having. You should take a very active role in all discussions with your physician, your anesthesia provider and our staff regarding the identification of your procedure.
• What can I do to help prevent infection?
  1. Take a shower prior to your procedure. 

  2. On the day of your procedure make sure you, your family and any other caregivers wash hands frequently while at the facility and at home following your surgery. Also, do not hesitate to ask members of your health care team at the facility if they have washed their hands!

  3. After your procedure make sure you, your family and any other caregivers wash their hands frequently.  Also, be sure you follow all instructions provided by your health care team regarding after care from your procedure.
• Will I see my physician prior to procedure?
  Most likely. The nature of most procedures will require that you and your physician confirm both your identity and the specific type of procedure you are having.
• How long can my family stay with me prior to my procedure?
  This will depend upon a number of factors. Due to patient privacy we generally do not bring family members back to the procedure area. However, we understand the need to have a family member or friend with you in certain circumstances. Please speak to someone from your health care team if you have a need to have your family member with you.
• When should I arrive?

  You will receive instructions regarding your arrival time during your office visit and printed on your instructions.  It is important that you arrive at the designated time.

• What if I think I might be pregnant?

  Please be sure to notify your physician, anesthesia provider and nurse prior to the date of your procedure if you think you may be pregnant. The procedure, anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing baby.

• Can I smoke?

  No. We advise against smoking on the day of your procedure. Smoking may interfere with the anesthesia and frequently produces nausea during the recovery period.

Anesthesia

• Are there different kinds of sedation or anesthesia?

  Yes. There are five different categories of sedation and anesthesia: Conscious Sedation, General, Regional, Monitored Anesthesia Care and Local Anesthesia. Regardless of the type of sedation or anesthesia that you receive, special anesthetic agents and techniques are used to provide a safe and speedy recovery. If there are alternative choices available for your procedure, and often there are, your physician or anesthesia provider will discuss them with you before your procedure.

• May I request the type of anesthesia I will receive?

  Depending on the type of your procedure, there may be anesthetic options. Your physician or anesthesia provider will discuss available options with you after reviewing your medical history.

• Will I receive any sedatives before procedure?

  Together, you, your surgeon and your anesthesia provider will develop an anesthetic care plan. This plan may include preoperative sedation and other medications if necessary.

• What are the risks of anesthesia?

  All surgical procedures and all anesthetics have risks. These risks are dependent upon many factors, including the type of surgery and the medical condition of the patient. Your anesthesiologist will assess you preoperatively and every precaution will be taken to minimize your risk. We routinely see minor symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, sore throat, dizziness, tiredness, headache, muscle aches and pain, most of which are easily treated.  Please feel free to discuss any questions with your anesthesia provider.

• Will I be billed separately by the anesthesia provider?
  How your procedure is billed is explained on your procedure billing form. If you have any questions, please contact our business office and they will be happy to help you.
• Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to procedure?

  It is important to refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents (complication related to vomiting) during your surgery. This complication may be very serious. Specific instructions based on national safety standards will be provided to you prior to your procedure. It is very important that you follow the provided instructions.  If you do not, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled.

After Procedure

• What will happen if I am not able to go home?

  Admissions to a hospital from a surgery center happen occasionally. In certain circumstances, your physician or anesthesia provider may determine that you need to be transferred to a hospital for additional post-operative care.

• What if I am not feeling well once I get home?

  If you are in serious pain, or exhibit warning symptoms described in your discharge instructions, please call your physician, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

• What can I eat when I get home?

  Your surgeon may have specific recommendations for your post operative diet. We generally suggest that you eat lightly after surgery, and strongly encourage you to drink plenty of fluids. You should avoid alcoholic beverages.

• What can I do to help prevent infection?
  1. Take a shower prior to your procedure. 
  2. On the day of your procedure make sure you, your family and any other caregivers wash hands frequently while at the facility and at home following your surgery. Also, do not hesitate to ask members of your health care team at the facility if they have washed their hands!
  3. After your procedure make sure you, your family and any other caregivers wash their hands frequently.  Also, be sure you follow all instructions provided by your health care team regarding after care from your procedure.
• How will my pain be managed?

  The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our post-operative call at home. During your stay at the facility, you will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain using a numerical scale (1-10).

  Most patients do not feel pain after an endoscopy procedure. Some patients report mild cramping from air inserted into the gastrointestinal tract during the procedure.  Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. You will be given instructions detailing what to expect after your procedure. If you are experiencing pain after procedure we recommend that you contact the physician’s office or the on call physician if after hours.

• Can my family be with me after procedure?
  After your procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area. A nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are comfortable as the anesthesia begins to wear off. Once you are awake, alert, and ready for discharge, we will escort you to your family member. If there is a need, special arrangements will be accommodated.
• May I drive home?

  No. Patients will not be allowed to drive after a procedure and must make necessary transportation arrangements.  If you plan to walk or take public transportation from our facility after a procedure, please make sure you are accompanied by a responsible adult.

• Should I continue my usual medications after procedure?

  Most patients should continue their usual medications after surgery. Patients who have diabetes and those patients on blood thinners may require some adjustment of their medications. These instructions will be clarified with you before you leave the facility. If you have any questions, please call your surgeon or primary care physician.

• How long will I stay after my procedure?
  The amount of recovery time varies from patient to patient. After your procedure, a nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are alert and stable. You will be sent home as soon as your health care team feels it is safe to discharge you from the facility.