Frequently Asked Questions.

1. Will I have to get undressed?

This depends on the procedure you are having done. In most cases you are required to remove all or part of your clothing.

2. How long will I be there?

You will be asked to arrive 1-1 1/2 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time for most cases. This gives us enough time to register you, and prepare you for surgery. Surgery times vary depending on your surgery. You will be in the recovery room for 30-60 minutes. This time varies depending on your type of surgery, and your response to anesthetics, and pain management.

3. What kind of anesthesia will I get?

Your anesthesiologist will interview you and obtain a comprehensive medical and surgical history. He/She will formulate a safe plan for anesthesia on this information, and your general state of health.

4. Are you part of the hospital?

Beaufort Memorial Hospital has an investment in the surgery center; however, we are governed and operate independently from the hospital.

5. Can I be with my child while they're in surgery?

No. You will be with them in the preoperative area before surgery, and will be called into the recovery room when your child is settled in recovery.

6. Why can't you tell me an appointment time right now?

The schedule changes daily, so arrival times are given the day before surgery once the schedule is confirmed.

7. Why does someone need to stay?

Guardians/parents of minor children are required to stay. We prefer that drivers stay at the Center if possible. The doctor likes to have someone to talk to after the procedure, as the patient is sedated. If the driver can not stay, then we ask for a phone number to call the driver.

8. I gave all my medical history at the doctor's office. Why do we have to go over it again?

We do not have access to your chart at the doctor's office. It is important for the center to do a complete patient history for our chart. This information is necessary for the staff to provide you with a safe surgical procedure.

9. Why am I waiting after my scheduled time?

The daily schedule is based on each physician's case load for the day. Each patient's case is assigned an approximate duration time, and your arrival is based on that estimation. This assists us in planning the schedule for the day. Sometimes cases take a shorter or longer amount of time based on the physician's findings.

10. Why do other people get called before me, when I've been waiting longer?

The surgery center is equipped with several operating rooms and procedure rooms. This allows us to have several physicians working at the same time. People being called before you may be seeing a different physician.