Patient Information

At SCA surgery centers, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care in a friendly, professional and safe environment. The following are guidelines to help you know what to expect from our surgery centers and staff prior to your procedure. Procedures may vary slightly among centers; therefore, be sure to review them with facility personnel and ask any questions you may have. Your doctor and staff should welcome questions. If you do not understand the answers, you are encouraged to ask for them to be explained clearly. Research shows that patients who are well informed about their procedure and treatment are more satisfied with their results.

Prior to Surgery

The surgery center will verify your insurance benefits and obtain any necessary authorizations. You should be aware, however, that this does not necessarily ensure payment by your health plan. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the benefits applicable to the procedure you will have performed at our center. You will be called and informed of your financial responsibility prior to your scheduled procedure date.

Payment of that portion of the facility charge not covered by your insurance company will be required on the day of your procedure. Cash, checks and credit card payments are accepted. If you anticipate difficulty with your bill, please let us know before your procedure so that we can work together to establish a fair solution.

It is imperative for your safe recovery that your physician and anesthesia provider are aware of your complete health history and current health status. Please be forthcoming with any health issues that may impact your safety, i.e.; heart and/or lung problems, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, drug resistant organisms, a history of infection, and so forth. Notify your physician if there is any change in your physical condition, such as a cold, fever or flu symptom. If there is a chance you are pregnant, please notify your physician immediately.

Arrange for a responsible adult to come to the center, receive your post-procedure instructions, take you home and stay with you at least overnight following your procedure if you are scheduled for a general or sedation anesthetic. You are not permitted to drive yourself home after receiving any anesthesia.

All patients are asked to read and complete a consent form for their procedure. Make sure you understand the risks and benefits of your procedure and the risks of not having your procedure done. Ask your physician if this is not clear to you. In the case of a minor child or dependent adult having a procedure, a parent or legal guardian must do the following:

• Sign the consent
• Bring documentation of legal guardianship to the center on the day of the procedure
• Remain on premises during the procedure

Communication between the patient and surgery center is necessary. A communication representative can be arranged either by the patient or the surgery center if the patient cannot read, cannot speak English, uses sign language or has any difficulty in communicating.

Day-of-Surgery Guidelines

• Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the day of your procedure unless otherwise instructed by your physician or the facility. You may brush your teeth, taking care not to swallow any water.
• Follow your doctor's orders regarding the taking of any medications the night before or the day of your procedure.
• Refrain from smoking after midnight the day of your procedure.
• Bathe or shower the morning of your procedure.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing such as sweat pants or baggy shorts, which will fit over bandages or dressings following surgery.
• Wear low heeled, comfortable shoes.
• Do not wear contact lenses.
• Remove makeup and jewelry.
• Leave valuables at home.
• Pediatric patients may appreciate a favorite blanket or stuffed animal for reassurance.
• Your doctor may prescribe medication for you to take following your surgery. Bring your insurance card and the means to pay for your medications.
• If you have an Advanced Directive or Living Will, bring a copy with you to the facility.
• Bring a list of all your medications, including any herbal or homeopathic supplements, and any over-the-counter drugs that you take on a regular basis. Include full name, strength and dosage information with everything you write on this list. Check with the facility regarding any of your medications that may need to be brought with you to the facility (inhalers, insulin, etc.)
• Arrive promptly at the scheduled time. Occasionally schedules run ahead of time. If you plan to be away from home the day of your procedure, or if you are from out of town, please call the facility with an alternate telephone number (i.e., cell phone) where you can be reached. They may call and ask you to come in earlier.
• Your physician should mark the site he or she will conduct the surgery on before your procedure begins. Don’t be afraid to ask your physician to do this to make your surgery safer.
• During your stay, your pain will be assessed through the use of a pain scale and a pain management plan will be established. Effective pain management will be an important part of your plan of care. Notify your physician or staff when you have pain.

After Surgery

Following your procedure, you will be brought to the recovery room; this is a monitored care area, so families and friends generally are not allowed. Your physician should speak with you and/or your family or friends after your procedure.

The time you spend in the recovery room will vary depending upon the type of procedure performed, the type of anesthesia that was given and your individual needs. Most patients are discharged within one-to-three hours after their procedure.

Once you are stable, you will be transferred to another part of the recovery unit so you can rest and be taken care of until it is time for your discharge. Here the postoperative nurse will invite your family and/or friends to stay with you. You will be offered something to drink and a light snack.

The nurse will review post-operative home care instructions with you and your responsible adult caregiver, as well as explain any special instructions provided by your physician regarding diet, rest and medications. This is the time for both you and your caretaker to ask any questions you may have regarding your post-operative instructions, or your follow-up appointments.

Since it is normal to feel drowsy after receiving anesthesia, we also strongly advise you to postpone the following activities for 24 hours after discharge:

• Driving and operating equipment
• Signing important papers
• Making significant decisions
• Drinking alcoholic beverages
• Taking any sedatives or other drug without your physician's approval

If you have unexpected problems, please call your physician. If you or your responsible adult caregiver feels that an emergency exists after your discharge to your home, please immediately go to your local hospital emergency department or call 911. EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE NOT PROVIDED AT THE SURGERY CENTERS. A staff member from the surgery center will attempt to contact you within a few days after your discharge to check your progress and answer any questions you may have about your procedure.

In addition to any financial responsibility to the surgery center, you also may receive separate statements or bills from your surgeon, anesthesiologist and pathologist for any portion of your procedure not covered by insurance.

SCA's goal is to deliver premium care for our patients in a safe, caring, and relaxing environment. No one is better qualified to measure our success than a former patient. That's why we welcome your feedback. Please feel free to call or write the facility administrator to share with him or her any comments or concerns you have regarding your experience at our center.