Patient Information.

Preparing for your surgery can make the day of surgery less stressful. Your surgeon will explain to you what he/she would like you to do prior to your surgery to ensure the best outcome. You will also receive a phone call from a Surgery Center staff member. We strive to provide you with the best service available. Please do not hesitate ask any questions you may have about your upcoming surgery. It is our desire that you be as comfortable and informed as possible about your planned procedure. Some important information follows:

BEFORE SURGERY 

• Your doctor will schedule your procedure for you with the Surgery Center.
• Preadmission lab work will be determined by your surgeon. Please let us know where your lab testing is done so we may obtain the results.
• You will receive a call from one of our Registered Nurses prior to the day of surgery. At this time, we will review your health history, medications, and discuss important pre-operative instructions. We do not receive this information from your physicians office.
• Our billing office will obtain information about your insurance and make you aware of your estimated financial responsibility.
• You will receive a call from either your surgeon’s office or our scheduling office the day before your procedure to inform you of the time to arrive on the day of surgery.
• It is important to make arrangements to have a friend or relative drive you home after your surgery as well as someone to stay with you the first night.
• If you are taking any medications (particularly medication for heart disease, blood pressure or diabetes), it is very important that you discuss this with your doctor prior to your procedure.
• If at any time before your surgery you become ill or develop any new health problems, please contact your surgeon immediately. Changes in your health may impact your surgeon’s decision to perform surgery.
• The evening before your procedure: Do NOT eat or drink anything after midnight.
• However, if your procedure is scheduled after 12 noon, you may have clear liquids, such as soda, apple juice, water, tea, or black coffee (no creamer or milk products) up to 4 hours prior to your arrival time. NO SOLID FOOD!

THE DAY OF SURGERY

• If you normally take BLOOD PRESSIRE, HEART or REFLUX medication in the morning, you may take it with a small sip of water on the morning of the surgery.
• Patients who are minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Two people may accompany you to The Surgery Center of Beaufort. It is important for one responsible person to stay at the Surgery Center during your surgery and recovery period.
• Someone must be available to drive you home. You will not be permitted to drive.
• Bathe or shower and brush your teeth (taking care not to swallow any water) the morning of surgery. This will assist you in feeling refreshed as well as minimize the chance of infection.
• Remove all make-up, nail polish, contacts, all jewelry including body piercing, and hair accessories.
• Please bring all of your medications with you on the day of surgery.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing. It is recommended that:
• Patients having cataract surgery wear a front-button, short sleeve, 2 piece outfit
• Patients having shoulder surgery wear a front-button shirt—one large enough to cover the operative arm.
• Patients having orthopedic surgery are encouraged to bring a pillow for the ride home.
• Leave all jewelry and other valuables at home.
• Children are encouraged to bring a favorite blanket or toy.
• Parents of children should bring a bottle or sippy cup for use after surgery.
• Bring all of your insurance information with you, including your insurance card.
• Be prepared to pay any deductible and co-insurance fees on the day of your procedure.
• Due to our cool environment, it is suggested that family members/visitors bring a light jacket or sweater.

FOLLOWING YOUR SURGERY

• After your procedure, you will be taken to our post-operative area and cared for by one of our registered nurses.
• Your friend or family member will be able to join you during this recovery period.
• A beverage and light snack will be offered if tolerated.
• Both verbal and written instructions will be provided for your care at home.
• If indicated, a prescription will be given to you for any necessary medications. By law, our staff cannot call in prescriptions for pain medication for you.
• We know you will rest and recover most effectively in your own home. Therefore, we do everything we can to help you return home as soon as possible following surgery.
• You will receive a phone call from one of our nurses within 2-3 days of your surgery to see how you are doing and answer any questions you may have.
• Do not hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns before that. SCB staff members are available from 7:00am until 5:00pm; at other times call your physician.
• You will be given a Patient Satisfaction Survey when you are discharged. You are encouraged to complete it and return it in the self-addressed envelope provided. We appreciate your candid feedback so we will know how to improve our service.