What to bring to the Indiana Surgery Center
- If the patient is a minor and you are the non-parental guardian, you must present legal documentation of guardianship. Surgery will be cancelled if the surgical consent is not signed by a legal guardian.
- If you have power of attorney for the patient, you must present legal documentation.
- Bring any written orders or instructions from your surgeon.
- Bring an accurate descriptive list of any medications you have been on or are currently taking, including prescriptions, herbal medications and diet drugs.
- If you wear contacts, please remove them. Please wear your glasses and bring a case to put them in.
- Bring a friend or relative to drive you home.
- Children are encouraged to bring a special toy or blanket.
- If you are scheduled to stay overnight in the recovery center please bring any personal items or toiletries you wish to have.
- Bring all insurance, Medicare and Medicaid cards, and any payments due at the time of surgery.
Also, please remember ...
- Stop taking herbal medications and diet drugs at least one week prior to surgery.
- Be sure to discuss with your surgeon your medications and when to stop taking them before your surgery.
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
- Do not apply any make-up, cologne or perfume the day of your surgery.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
The day of your surgery
When you arrive, please check in at the reception desk. Our Patient Communications Coordinator will briefly verify your registration information, insurance coverage and payment arrangements, and ask for your signature on the necessary forms. You will be given a pager so that we may easily and privately locate you when your nurse is ready to take you to your room. Your family will then be given the pager so that we may easily and quickly locate them. Your surgeon will update your family on your progress immediately after surgery is finished.
Next, your nurse will escort you to your private room where preparation for your procedure will occur. Until it is time for your surgery, a family member or friend is welcome to stay with you. A parent or guardian must stay with a child under the age of 18.
Once in your room you will be asked to change into a gown and robe. A brief health history will be taken, as well as your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and breathing rate). If preoperative testing is necessary, it will be completed at this time. Any preoperative medication ordered by your physician will be given as well. Your nurse will review your discharge instructions with you and your family. You will also be visited by your anesthesiologist and surgeon and have the opportunity to ask any remaining questions you may have.
When it is time for your procedure, your family will be asked to return to the lobby. At this time your surgical nurse will briefly interview you and escort you to the surgery suite. If able, you will walk with your nurse; otherwise you may be transported by either wheelchair or cart. Once in the surgical suite you will receive your anesthetic and your procedure will begin. The amount of time you spend in surgery is dependent upon your particular procedure.
Your family and friends are a very important part of your care. For this reason, we ask them to remain within or near the lobby. If for any reason they need to leave the building, they should notify personnel at the front reception desk. The lobby area provides telephone, TV, magazines, children's area and coffee/tea/hot chocolate. Public restrooms are located in the building lobby.
After surgery, depending on your type of anesthetic, you will be observed by the nurses while the effects of your anesthetic diminish. You will spend approximately 30 to 60 minutes in recovery.
You will be returned to your private room once your condition has stabilized. If you have had general anesthesia, you may still feel "sleepy," but your friend or family member is welcome to rejoin you. Parents may return to their child. Once you are feeling more alert, your nurse will again review discharge instructions with you and your family member or friend.
When your surgeon or anesthesiologist has determined you are ready to go home, you will be escorted to the discharge lounge. Your family member or friend can pull their vehicle right up to the Indiana Surgery Center's covered exit for your departure. It is important that you stay as long as necessary at the Indiana Surgery Center; however, we recognize that you will want to return home as soon as possible to continue your recovery in the comfort of your own home.
