Patient Information
Preparing for Surgery
At the Center for Health, Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC, our goal is to provide you with excellent care and make your surgical experience as comfortable and safe as possible. Our surgeons and nurses take many steps to make sure your procedure goes as planned. You can help by becoming an active, involved, and informed member of your healthcare team. Please review the following information to ensure that you are properly prepared.
PLEASE NOTE: Your surgeon may have given you his or her specific instructions. Information on this page is designed to provide you with general guidelines. Please refer to your surgeon’s specific direction if you have any questions. If you have further questions, please call our Pre-Op Center for Health Chart office (PRECHEC) at (309) 683-4704.
General Information
Pre-Testing
Your surgeon may require pre-testing. Please follow your surgeon’s instructions and have the pre-testing done promptly. If you have any questions, please call your surgeon’s office directly.Smoking, Drugs, and Medication
Ideally, patients will quit smoking one month prior to surgery. However, if that is not possible, patients must NOT smoke or chew tobacco at least 24 hours before the procedure. There should be no illegal drugs in your system.Some medications must not be taken for a specific amount of time prior to surgery (i.e., blood thinners). Please discuss your medication list with your primary care physician to determine when and how to reduce/discontinue medications, as well as when and how to restart them after surgery. DO NOT stop taking medications without your physician’s guidance.
Billing Information
It is your responsibility to determine if your insurance company or HMO requires pre-certification before you have a procedure performed at our facility. If you fail to do this, you may have charges that an insurance company or HMO does not pay. You can contact your third-party carrier by calling the number on the back of your coverage card or through your insurance agent. If you have medical insurance through your job, your human resources personnel should be able to give you a number to contact.If you are paying for the procedure yourself, you may have already arranged for the payment through our business office. If this has not been done, please contact our business office at (309) 683-4807. Self-pay arrangements are required before services are performed.
Registered Nurse Phone Interview
A nurse from our Pre-Op Center for Health Chart office (PRECHEC) will call you three to four days before your procedure. You will be asked about your health and be given special instructions. It is important to speak with one of the PRECHEC nurses.If we haven’t spoken with you two days before your scheduled surgery, please call (309) 683-4704 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Confirm Time of Arrival
Your surgeon’s office may have instructed you on what time you need to arrive for your scheduled surgery. If not, a representative from the Center for Health, Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC will call with your arrival time one business day before your surgery. If you miss this call or do not receive a message from us regarding your surgery arrival time, you may call us at (309) 683-4720 between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.Schedule a Responsible Adult to Take You to CFHASC
You will need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your procedure. It is recommended that this person remain with you the rest of the day and throughout the next night to monitor any post-op reactions. Now is a good time to plan ahead to make arrangements with someone who can be with you during this time.Pediatric Patients
Surgery can be overwhelming for children and their parents. Our child life specialist and compassionate staff are skilled at making medical procedures a comfortable experience for the entire family.Some children will do better on the day of their procedure if they’ve been prepared by having a pre-op tour. If you think this type of preparation would help your child, please call (309) 655-7433.
Parents, please arrange for your other children to stay with family, friends, or other caregivers for the day of the patient’s surgery so you can remain focused on your child.
Legal Guardianship
A family member or significant other must call the PRECHEC office at (309) 683-4704 at least one week before the day of surgery if legal guardianship (i.e., Power of Attorney, DCFS, etc.) exists for the patient. This will verify that surgical consent has been addressed.Advanced Directives
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is initiated as the need arises. We do not honor Living Wills.Interpreter/Special Needs
These services are available with advanced notice. Please notify your surgeon’s office of any special needs.Patient’s Rights and Responsibilities
As a patient at the Center for Health, Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC, you are guaranteed the right to medical care that respects your personal privacy, values, and property. If you have concerns that these rights have been violated, we have a process to assist you in addressing this.Change in Health
If your physical condition changes, for example, if you develop a cold, cough, flu-type symptoms, fever, or other changes in your health, call your surgeon prior to your arrival at the Center for Health, Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC. If your surgeon determines that it is unsafe to proceed with your surgery, we will reschedule.One Day Prior to Surgery
Confirm Time of Arrival
Your surgeon’s office may have instructed you on what time you need to arrive for your scheduled surgery. If not, a representative from the Center for Health, Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC will call with your arrival time one business day before your surgery. If you miss this call or do not receive a message from us regarding your surgery arrival time, you may call us at (309) 683-4720 between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.Change in Health
If your physical condition changes, for example, if you develop a cold, cough, flu-type symptoms, fever, or other changes in your health, call your surgeon prior to your arrival at the Center for Health, Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC. Should your surgeon determine it is unsafe to proceed with your surgery, we will reschedule.Diet
• Eat a light supper that will not upset your stomach.
• Do not eat after midnight (or 8 hours before your scheduled arrival time).
• Do not drink alcohol, take any illegal drugs, chew tobacco, or smoke within 24 hours prior to surgery. It is recommended that patients stop smoking at least one month before surgery.Medications
Ask your physician about your prescription drugs. Some medications must not be taken for a specific amount of time prior to surgery (i.e., blood thinners). Please discuss your medication list with your primary care physician to determine when and how to reduce/discontinue medications, as well as when and how to restart them after surgery. DO NOT stop taking medications without your physician’s guidance. Ask your physician what medications you should take on the day of surgery.Responsible Driver
Remind your responsible adult that they will accompany you to CFHASC for your procedure. It is recommended that this person remain with you the rest of the day and throughout the next night to monitor any post-op reactions.Clothes & Linens
• Lay out clean clothes to wear day of surgery.
• Change bedding to clean sheets.Day of Surgery
If your physical condition changes, for example, if you develop a cold, cough, flu-type symptoms, fever, or other changes in your health, call your surgeon prior to your arrival at the Center for Health, Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC. Your surgeon may determine it is unsafe to proceed with your surgery, and we will reschedule.
• Do not eat or drink unless instructed to do so. This includes no mints, gum, or water.
• Do not take any medications unless instructed to do so. Please ask your primary care physician ahead of time. If you must take medications (per your physician’s specific instructions), take them with a tiny sip of water.
• Do not drink alcohol, smoke, chew tobacco, or take any illegal drugs.
• Take a bath or shower.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes and comfortable shoes.
• Do not wear makeup, including lipstick and mascara or perfume. It is recommended that you remove fingernail polish.
• Leave ALL jewelry and valuables at home. Remove all piercings. CFHASC is unable to accept liability for lost valuables.
• Bring a list of current medications and doses.
• Bring all papers, X-rays, or equipment/devices given to you by your physician.
• Children may bring one favorite toy.
• Children aged 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who will remain on the premises throughout the procedure.
• Parents, please make arrangements for siblings to stay with family, friends, or other caregivers.
• To ensure your comfort for the ride home, bring pillows and a small garbage can in case you feel nauseous from the anesthesia.Parking
Park in the Surgery parking lot. Use the entrance off Route 91 with the smaller sign, the north entrance, and go straight to the back of the building.Registration
Please check in at the Surgery Registration Desk.
Bring your insurance card and any other necessary paperwork.
Bring any co-pay your insurance requires. We accept cash, checks, credit, and debit cards.
Bring photo identification.
If you have any questions or concerns, our Registration staff will gladly help you.Visitors
Due to limited seating, please limit the number of visitors that accompany you to the surgery center to no more than two people. Your visitors must have your permission to hear your medical information before being allowed in the preoperative area.Visitors should remain in the designated waiting area during your surgical procedure. Your surgeon may speak with them after your surgery has been completed.
For the comfort of all our patients, especially children, who are required to fast, we do not allow visitors to bring food from outside as the odor can cause upset stomachs. There is a café and vending machines on the premises. Coffee and water will be offered to your visitors after you have been taken back to surgery.
If your visitors need to leave the waiting area, they should tell our Registration staff.
Patient Safety
At CFHASC, your safety is our top priority. Our surgeons, nurses, and staff take many steps to make sure your procedure goes as planned. You can play a vital role by becoming an active member of your healthcare team.ID Bracelet: Before putting your Identification (ID) bracelet on, check your name for correct spelling and your birth date for accuracy. Tell a staff member if anything is wrong. You will be given a new bracelet with corrected information.
Consent to Surgery: Review all the information on the consent form before you sign it. You or your legal guardian must sign a Consent Form before surgery can take place. Ensure your name, surgeon’s name, and procedure are correct. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask for clarification. If you don’t understand, ask again.
Patient Identification: Our employees will ask you to tell them your name, birth date, the surgery to be performed, and the location on your body of the surgery or procedure. If it is appropriate, you should point to the part of the body. Expect us to check your ID bracelet when you tell us your name and birth date. Don’t be alarmed if your surgeon asks you to identify yourself. They know who you are. This is how they make sure they have everything correct to ensure your safety.
Preoperative Interview: The nurses and surgeons may ask you to answer the same question up to four times. Do not be alarmed by the repetition. This is how we make sure we have everything correct.
Site Marking: Your surgeon may place an ink mark where the procedure is expected to be done. The mark should not rub off easily. If it does, please tell the nurse. It is very important your surgeons and nurses see the mark before surgery begins. Do not mark non-operative body sites — this could cause confusion.
Time Out: Once you are in the operating room and immediately before your surgery begins, everyone in the operating room will stop all activity and take a short “time out” to check one last time that you are the correct patient and that they are doing the correct procedure on the correct body part.
Infection Control: At the Center for Health, Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC, preventing infection is a priority. You will receive education on preventing infection after your procedure.
Anesthesia
Your surgeon will determine which type of anesthesia is most appropriate based on your procedure, individual medical history, and current needs. Regardless of the type of anesthesia you receive, you will be closely monitored throughout the surgery. If you have any questions, please ask your surgeon, nurse anesthetist, or anesthesiologist. The types of anesthesia include:
Local Anesthesia: An anesthetic agent (numbing medication) is injected into the surgical area to block pain sensations during the procedure. You may remain awake or receive another type of anesthesia to help you relax. Procedures commonly performed under local anesthesia include trigger finger release and cystoscopy.
Moderate Sedation: In this technique, you are given medication through an intravenous line or by mouth (a pill) to make you sleepy. You may also be given a local anesthetic. Although patients are not asleep, they usually do not remember much. Procedures such as eye surgeries and carpal tunnel release typically use this form of anesthesia.
General Anesthesia: This type of anesthesia is given through an intravenous line or inhaled. It affects your brain and entire body, so you are completely unaware; the anesthesia provider will assist your breathing. This will require a tube to be placed to support your breathing. This type of anesthesia is used for procedures such as gallbladder removal, shoulder surgeries, and tonsillectomies.
Regional Anesthesia: This involves injecting a local anesthetic agent (numbing medication) around major nerves or the spinal cord to block pain from a larger part of the body. You will receive medication to help you relax. Patients with regional anesthesia typically are less drowsy after an operation. Often, they experience less nausea and vomiting than may be experienced in patients who undergo general anesthesia.
Peripheral Nerve Block: This is a type of regional anesthesia that involves a local anesthetic agent (numbing medication) being injected near a specific nerve or group of nerves to block pain from the area of the body supplied by the nerve. Nerve blocks are most commonly used for procedures of the hands, arms, legs, and feet.
Bier Block: This is an intravenous regional anesthesia technique in which an extremity is made numb for surgery by injecting a local anesthetic agent (numbing medication) into a vein after a tourniquet has been placed on it. The tourniquet prevents the numbing medication from leaving the extremity and blood from entering it, giving you a numb (anesthetic) extremity and the surgeon a bloodless field to work in. You also receive sedation to keep you relaxed and sleepy during the surgery. This is commonly used with carpal tunnel release.
Epidural: This involves a local anesthetic injected near the spinal cord and nerves that connect to the spinal cord to block pain from an entire region of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, or legs. We rarely use this type of anesthesia at the Center for Health, Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC.
Clothing, Jewelry, and Makeup
To ensure your comfort and safety during your surgical procedure, please adhere to the following guidelines:
• Wear loose-fitting clothing. Button-down shirts are often easiest to put back on after upper-body procedures.
• Wear comfortable, secure shoes.
• Do not wear pantyhose.
• Do not wear makeup, including lipstick or mascara. We prefer that you not wear nail polish, especially colored polish.
• You may wear contacts but will need to remove them for eye surgeries or if you have general anesthesia before leaving the preoperative area.
• Leave ALL jewelry at home. Remove all body piercings before arrival.
• Your belongings will be secured in a locker. However, CFHASC is not responsible for personal items.Child Life Specialist
Our child life specialist has received specific training and education to help children and families reduce the stress of hospital visits, healthcare experiences, and procedures. Children must understand their experiences and feelings through play, education, and support.
Our Child Life Services Include:
• Preparing children for procedures or medical treatment using language they understand and/or medical play activities.
• Providing support and distraction during medical procedures.
• Offering play and expressive activities to encourage normal development and a sense of fun in spite of challenging circumstances.
• Promoting family-centered care by providing information, advocacy, and support to families.Returning Home
• If you are having nausea, do not eat solid food. Drink only clear liquids as tolerated. If nausea and vomiting continue, call your doctor.
• The medicine used to put you to sleep will be in your body until the next day. You may feel sleepy or lightheaded.
• You should not drive a car, operate heavy machinery or power tools, or make any personal or business decisions. Sign legal documents the next day.
• Observe your child closely for 24 hours. Children should lay on their back or side to prevent choking in case they vomit.
• For your protection and safety, we recommend a responsible adult be with you for the rest of the day and during the night.
• If you have pain not relieved by the medication, call your doctor. (Do not take sedatives, antihistamines, or sleeping pills for 24 hours without direct instructions from your doctor.)
• Call your doctor if you have trouble breathing, a temperature above 101 degrees, redness, foul odor, increased drainage and/or bleeding from the surgical site, not able to urinate within 6 hours, or any other problems or questions.
• In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.