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.
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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.
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Will I be contacted prior to my procedure by the facility?
Yes. You may receive several calls. You will be contacted a few days prior to your procedure by a member of your health care team. This call will include a routine health assessment, instructions for the day of procedure, and answers to any questions you may have. You may also be contacted by someone in the facility’s business office to address financial matters such as your responsibility for co-payments and deductibles. Finally, you may also be contacted by your anesthesiologist.
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What should I bring?
- Please bring a photo identification, your insurance card(s), and if vaccinated, a copy of your COVID card. Our staff will need to verify and make copies when you check-in on the day of your procedure.
- Be bring any glasses, hearing aids, or inhalers if you use them.
- Please bring a list of all medications (prescriptions and over the counter) you are currently taking.
- Please bring payment of any patient responsibility (e.g. co-payment or deductible)
- Please do not bring rings, watches, or other valuables.
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Should I arrange a ride to the facility?
Yes. You will not be allowed to drive after surgery. Please arrange for an adult to drive you home and stay with you after the procedure. You may not take an Uber home unless you have a companion to ride with you. You are not allowed to drive until the day after your procedure.
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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 procedure may be delayed or cancelled.
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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).
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What if I think I might be pregnant?
Please be sure to notify your physician, anesthesiologist and nurse prior to the date of surgery if you think you may be pregnant. The surgical procedure, anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing baby. Any woman of child bearing age will have a pregnancy test completed upon arrival. This information will be discussed during your pre-call.
Day of Procedure
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What will happen when I first arrive at the facility?
When you arrive at the facility, you will call the facility at 609-698-0700 and then will be checked-in by a member of our staff. A nurse will ask you for a photo identification card that matches the information on your insurance card, your COVID card if applicable, the number of the person driving you home, and will ask you to wear a mask. 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.
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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 and piercings.
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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. Your belongings will be safely stored in a locker until you are ready to go home. We recommend that you leave all valuables and additional accessories at home.
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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. The anesthesia provider will also speak with you in the pre-operative area 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. We are currently not allowing any visitors in the center at this time. We will call you once your family member arrives into our PACU. At that point, they can make their way back to the center.
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Will I see my physician prior to procedure?
Yes. The nature of most procedures will require that you and your physician confirm both the specific type of procedure.
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When should I arrive?
You will receive instructions regarding arrival time during your pre-operative phone call. It is important that you arrive at the designated time. Arrival times can change several times leading up to your procedure date. When scheduling your procedure, please plan accordingly.
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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
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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 surgery, and often there are, your physician or anesthesia provider will discuss them with you before surgery.
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May I request the type of anesthesia I will receive?
Depending on the type of surgery, there may be anesthetic options. Your physician or anesthesia provider will discuss available options with you after reviewing your medical history.
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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.
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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.
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Will I be billed separately by the anesthesiologist?
Yes. You will receive a separate bill from your anesthesia provider if anesthesia was administered.
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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
