Preparing for Surgery
Your doctor’s office will schedule your surgery and, if necessary, an in-person interview with an Ambulatory Surgery Center nurse. If an in-person interview is not required, an ASC nurse will contact you by phone prior to your procedure. Procedures that do not require anesthesia do not require an interview.
In-person interview—If you are scheduled for an in-person interview, come to the first floor of the RMH Outpatient Center. The registration clerk will register you, collect your insurance information and direct you to the interview nurse on the third floor. The interview provides a chance for you and the ASC nurse to review information such as how to prepare for surgery, what will happen the day of your surgery and what to expect afterwards. The nurse will ask you questions about your health history and your current medications. Please bring a list of your current medications to your interview (including over-the-counter and herbal drugs), as well as any forms given to you by your doctor’s office. During the preoperative interview, the nurse may arrange for any medical tests that have been ordered by your surgeon or anesthesiologist.
Telephone interview—If your procedure does not require an in-person interview, an ASC nurse will call you to review medical information and preoperative instructions over the phone. In addition to this phone interview with the ASC nurse, you must also register with the hospital by telephone within two days of scheduling your surgery. Please call 540-564-5660 or 888-790-6067 (toll-free). The registration clerk will collect insurance information and create a chart to be used on the day of your surgery.
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You will need an adult to escort you to and from the hospital on the day of your surgery. If possible, this person should also accompany you to the preoperative interview so that he or she can be given instructions as well. The person who escorts you will be responsible for your valuables and clothing, and for taking you home after you are discharged. For your safety, you will not be admitted to or discharged from the ASC without an adult as your escort. We also require that you arrange for someone to stay with you during the first 24 hours after your surgery. At the time of your interview, you will need to designate persons with whom we may discuss medical information.
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Tell your doctor as far in advance as possible of any changes in your plans regarding your surgery. Also tell your doctor if you develop a cold or any other illness. It is very important for your doctor to know your current medical conditions prior to surgery. Discuss with your doctor what medications you should take prior to your surgery and advise him of any over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements you are currently taking.
The ASC interview nurse will provide detailed instructions regarding what you may have to eat or drink prior to your surgery. Please note that “clear liquids” include only the following: water, tea, apple juice, soft drinks and black coffee. Follow all instructions carefully. Failure to follow instructions may result in the delay or cancellation of your surgery.
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If you have an Advance Directive or living will, please bring a copy with you the day of surgery. If you would like more information on Advance Directives, please ask your nurse.
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