BEFORE YOUR SURGERY

Laboratory Tests:

Basic routine laboratory tests can be performed on the morning of your surgery at Surgery Center of Plano.  However, your doctors may order additional pre-operative lab tests to assist in screening and preparing you for surgery.  These may include specific blood tests, and EKG and chest X-ray.  If additional tests are ordered, your doctor will give you a completed "Physician Pre-Op" form.  You will need to bring the pre-op form with you when testing is performed.

Confirmation of Appointment:

A member of our staff will attempt to call you prior to your surgery date in order to confirm your appointment, complete a pre-operative questionnaire, and answer any questions you may have.

If the patient is a child, please remember:

• one or both parents (or guardians) must remain at the Surgery Center while the child is at our facility;
• a parent (or guardian) must sign release permits for surgery if the child is under 18 years of age;
• guardians must bring written proof of guardianship on the day of surgery - without this documentation, surgery may be delayed.

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

Please talk to your doctor about any daily medications you currently are taking, especially heart, diabetes or blood pressure problems; be sure to mention any over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, Bufferin, Nuprin, Advil or Motrin.

Transportation:

For your safety and protection, you will not be allowed to drive a motor vehicle.  If your surgery involves a general anesthetic or other type of sedation, please arrange for a responsible person to remain at the Center during surgery and to stay with you the first night at home following surgery.  If the patient is a child, it is best to have someone along with the driver to help care for the child on the trip home.

The Night Before Surgery:

• For your safety, please do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 mid-night (including water) the night before your surgery.  This also includes hard candy, gum, or prescription medications (unless ordered by your doctor).
• Bathe or shower the night before and the morning of surgery to minimize the chance of infection.  Teeth may be brushed but DO NOT swallow water.
• Refrain from smoking after midnight on the day before your surgery.

When to Notify Your Doctor:

If, for any reason, you cannot keep your scheduled appointment for surgery, of if you notice any of the following conditions, contact your doctor immediately:

• your suspect that you are pregnant, or
• you experience changes in your health such as cough, fever or a cold.

The Day of Surgery:

• Bring your insurance card and drivers license, and any special referral forms needed by your insurance company.
• Arrange for cash or a check to be held by friends or family waiting for you in case a prescription needs to be written and filled at a nearby pharmacy before you are discharged.
• Arrange for an interpreter to accompany you to the Surgery Center if you do not speak English.  This person should remain at the Center until you are discharged.
• Arrange for care of your children for 24 hours following surgery, as you could feel drowsy for that period of time.
• Leave your valuables, including jewelry and watches, at home.
• Do not wear make-up or contact lenses.
• If your child is scheduled for surgery, we encourage you to bring his or her favorite toy for extra comfort.
• Children may be brought in wearing their pajamas.  Please bring an empty bottle or tippy cup if your child can't drink from a regular cup.  Bring formula as a second choice if juice is not preferred.
• Please leave children not having surgery at home.
• If you are on medication, please bring your prescriptions with you along with the dosages.
• Please bring with you any forms from your doctor, if requested (i.e., Physician Pre-Op Orders, History & Physical, Diagnosis and Consent).

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT SURGERY CENTER OF PLANO

Please plan to arrive promptly at the time discussed with your doctor.  If you have not previously signed a consent form in your doctor's office, you will be asked to do so at this time.  After you have registered at the reception desk, one of our nurses will spend time with you to answer any questions you might have and help with preparations for your surgery.  Simple blood tests may be performed.

Your nurse will escort you to a private dressing room where you will be asked to put on a special gown, cap and footies.  Your clothing and other personal belongings will be placed in a garment bag and transferred to the Recovery Room prior to your discharge.

THE PROCEDURE ITSELF

Anesthesia:

Anesthesia services are provided by anesthesiologists highly qualified in all aspects of outpatient anesthesia.  Your anesthesiologist will evaluate you before surgery and answer any questions you may have.  Be sure to talk to your anesthesiologist about any medications you are currently taking, even over-the-counter drugs.  The appropriate type of anesthesia will be determined by your surgeon in consultation with the anesthesiologist.

Recovery:

Immediately following surgery, you will be taken to our fully-equipped recovery room where your blood pressure and pulse will be closely monitored by specially trained nurses.

The amount of time you spend in recovery depends to a great degree on the type of surgery and/or anesthesia you have had.  Some patients spend as little as 1/2 hour in the recovery room area; others spend 3 hours or more.  Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will answer your questions regarding length of stay in the recovery area.

After Surgery:

For your safety and well-being, you must have an adult family member or friend drive you home after surgery.  We cannot permit you to leave unescorted.

The medical staff will discharge you when they are assured you are in stable condition.  HOWEVER, you could still feel sleepy, slightly dizzy or nauseated.  These are possible (and normal) side effects of anesthesia and can last for 12 - 24 hours.

AT HOME AFTER SURGERY

We suggest that you eat lightly for the first 24 hours after your procedure.  Be sure to follow any specific post-operative instructions your doctor gives you regarding diet, rest, activities and medication.  The Surgery Center will provide you with a written summary of these instructions.  In addition, a member of our staff will call you the day after surgery to see how you are doing.

Dizziness and nausea are normal after receiving an anesthetic; therefore, you should wait 24 hours after returning home before:

• driving or operating equipment
• signing important papers
• making significant decisions
• drinking alcoholic beverages
• taking any medications not prescribed or acknowledged by your surgeon.

FEES

Surgery Center of Plano charges a facility fee for each surgical procedure performed by your surgeon.  This fee includes the cost of a pre-operative evaluation, nursing personnel, medications, supplies, and the use of the operating and recovery rooms.

You will receive a seperate bill from your surgeon and anesthesiologist (if one is needed for your procedure) and from any other medical department whose services were required while you are here, such as radiology or pathology.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Surgery Center of Plano accepts most major commercial insurance, HMO/PPO plans, Medicare, Workers Compensation and Medicaid.

The Surgery Center will bill your insurance company as a courtesy; however, any balance due is your responsibility.  Payment will be requested from you if reimbursement from your insurance company is not received within 60 days.

Please check with your insurance company for pre-admission requirements such as second opinions and pre-admission certification.  This will facilitate the admitting process.

Uninsured and/or self pay patients will be required to pay for services on or before the admission date unless other arrangements have been made with the Surgery Center.

The Surgery Center recognizes our obligation to remain flexible in financial matters.  In the event any of the above conditions cannot be met, the center will attempt to make other financial arrangements.  These arrangements must be made prior to admission and must be approved by the administrator.

Surgery Center accepts American Express, Discover, Master/Visa, personal checks, cashier's checks and cash.

SURGERY CENTER HOURS

Surgery Center of Plano is open daily, Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Surgery is scheduled by appointment only.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS

We want you to feel comfortable and informed about your surgery, and would like your experience at Surgery Center of Plano to be as pleasant as possible.  Please feel free to call us anytime if you have any questions or concerns.  We also welcome your comments and suggestions about your experience with us.  Our phone number is (972) 519 - 1100.