Frequently Asked Questions
- What are ambulatory surgery centers?
- When will I be discharged from the Center after my surgery?
- When I return home from my surgery, will I be able to resume my usual daily activities, such as caring for my small children?
- How many visitors are allowed in my room at a time?
- Why do I have to be at the Center so far ahead of my surgery time?
- Who do I contact about my bill if I have questions or problems?
- Who do I call if I have questions regarding my postoperative instructions?
- Will the surgeon speak with my family after surgery?
- Should I take my routine medications?
- What types of entertainment accommodations are available for me to pass the time while I wait for my surgery to start?
- What types of entertainment accommodations are available for me if I have to stay in the overnight center?
What are ambulatory surgery centers?
Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) perform almost 6,000,000 surgeries per year. Patients who elect to have surgery at an ASC arrive the day of the procedure, have the surgery in an operating room, and recover under the care of the nursing staff, all without hospital admission. From pediatric patients to the elderly, both the patients and their families benefit from the comfortable environment of the ASC. ASCs are some of the most highly regulated health care providers in the country. Our ASCs meet licensure and regulatory standards from the Indiana State Department of Health. (Excerpted from Federated Ambulatory Surgery Association, 700 N. Fairfax Street, #306, Alexandria, VA 22314.)
Back to top >>
When will I be discharged from the Center after my surgery?
People feel best recovering in the comfort of their home environment. With the advent of improved anesthetic and pain medications, the patient recovery experience has been enhanced. To be discharged from the Center, each patient must meet established criteria.
Back to top >>
When I return home from my surgery, will I be able to resume my usual daily activities, such as caring for my small children?
Once you return home, it is very important that you follow the home care instructions provided by your surgeon and the Center. If you’ve received anesthesia, you need to arrange for someone to stay with you for 24 hours after you return home. In addition, you may want to have assistance with caring for your children or large pets. Check with your surgeon prior to discharge regarding your schedule to resume normal activity.
Back to top >>
How many visitors are allowed in my room at a time?
For your rest and comfort, it is preferred that no more than two visitors be in your room at a time. All Indiana Surgery Centers can refer you to hotels within the area that in some instances may be able to provide a discount. Please ask the Center personnel for more information.
Back to top >>
Why do I have to be at the Center so far ahead of my surgery time?
Your surgeon often determines when you’ll arrive at the Center. The preoperative time is used to complete the preoperative health assessment, complete any needed tests, and address any issues or questions—all in a relaxed, comfortable manner. Your nurse will complete a health assessment including your temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure and medical history. You will be asked to sign consent forms. Preoperative medications may be given at this time.
Back to top >>
Who do I contact about my bill if I have questions or problems?
Customer service for your account is provided onsite at the Center where your procedure was performed. Contact us to speak with our dedicated business office professionals. Please contact the Patient Accounts Coordinator at the Center where your procedure was performed.
Back to top >>
Who do I call if I have questions regarding my postoperative instructions?
Both your surgeon and the Center will provide instructions, both verbally and written, for your care at home. A nurse from the Center will attempt to call you within 24-72 hours after your procedure to check on your recovery and answer any questions you may have.
Back to top >>
Will the surgeon speak with my family after surgery?
Please feel free to call your surgeon or the Center for any questions you may have at any time. After your surgery, your surgeon will speak with your family or friend to provide an update on your status. Your surgeon may speak with you after your surgery; however, due to the effects of anesthesia you may not recall the conversation.
Back to top >>
Should I take my routine medications?
If you are concerned about continuing a current medication before your surgery, please contact the Center where your surgery is scheduled and ask to speak to a patient rooms nurse.
Back to top >>
What types of entertainment accommodations are available for me to pass the time while I wait for my surgery to start?
The Center has available telephone, TV/VCR, current magazines and publications. Feel free to bring a videotape to watch, or you can borrow videotapes from our media library.
Back to top >>
What types of entertainment accommodations are available for me if I have to stay in the overnight center?
The Center has available telephone, TV/DVD, current magazines and publications. Feel free to bring a DVD to watch, or you can borrow DVDs from our media library.
Back to top >>
