+1.718.264.6703

​​Hillside Surgicare

CENTER IS CLOSED

Dedicated to Excellence in Patient Care

​​​​​​​​​​​​FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

BEFORE SURGERY

Will I be contacted by the facility prior to my procedure?

Yes. You will be contacted by a nurse a few days before your procedure. This call will include a routine health assessment, instructions for the day of surgery, and answers to any questions you may have.  You may also be contacted by someone in the business office to address financial matters such as your responsibility for co-payments and deductibles.

What tests are required prior to my surgery?

Any pre-operative tests will be determined by your physician or anesthesiologist and communicated to you prior to the date of your surgery.

What should I bring?

Please bring photo identification and your insurance card(s). Our staff will need to verify and make copies when you check-in on the day of your surgery.
Be sure to bring any medications that you may need during your stay at the facility such as an inhaler
Please bring a list of all drugs you are currently taking, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements
Please bring payment of any patient responsibility (e.g. co-payment or deductible)
Please do not bring jewelry, or other valuables.

Should I arrange a ride to the facility?

Yes. You will not be allowed to drive after surgery. Please arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and for someone to stay with you when you arrive there.

Will I  be able to eat and drink before surgery?

No. Your physician or a pre-operative nurse will inform you of eating and drinking restrictions prior to surgery. It is very important that you follow the provided instructions.  If you do not, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled.

Should I take my routine medications on the day of surgery?

You will be given instructions regarding medications by your physician or a staff member. Also, as noted above, please be prepared to list all medications (including name and dose) you are taking and to bring any with you that may be needed during your stay (e.g., inhaler).

What can I do to help ensure that I have the proper procedure on the correct surgical site?

Your safety is our primary concern. You will be asked numerous times to confirm both the procedure you are having and the surgical site. In most cases, your surgeon will mark the site prior to your procedure

What can I do to help prevent a surgical site infection?

Take a shower using antibacterial soap the night before and the morning of surgery. Do not shave or clip the area where the surgery will be done unless your physician directs you to do so.
Make sure you, your family and any other caregivers wash hands frequently while at the facility and at home following your surgery.
Also, be sure you follow all instructions provided, regarding the care and cleaning of your surgical site as well as the administration of post-operative medications and bandages.

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WHAT TO EXPECT THE DAY OF YOUR SURGERY.

What will happen when I first arrive at the facility?

On your arrival at the facility, you will be registered by a member of our staff. The registration process is quick as we have obtained most of your information prior to your arrival. This process allows us to verify all of your key information so we can better serve you.

What should I wear?

For your comfort, we encourage you to wear loose fitting clothing. Please avoid wearing any jewelry, body piercing, nail polish and cosmetics, and leave contact lenses at home or bring your lens case with you.

What should I do with my clothes and additional belongings?

A nurse will escort you into the pre-operative area where you will change your clothes. Your belongings will be safely stored until you are ready to go home.

Will I see my physician prior to surgery?

Yes. You and your physician confirm both the specific type of procedure you are having as well as the surgical site of that procedure.

When should I arrive?

You will receive instructions regarding arrival time during your pre-operative phone call.  It is important that you arrive at the designated time.

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WHAT TO EXPECT REGARDING YOUR ANESTHESIA.

Are there different kinds of sedation or anesthesia?

Yes. There are different categories of sedation and anesthesia: Regardless of the type of sedation or anesthesia you receive, anesthetic agents and techniques are used to provide a safe and speedy recovery. Your anesthesia provider will discuss them with you before surgery.

What are the risks of anesthesia?

All surgical procedures and all anesthetics have risks. These risks are dependent upon many factors. Your anesthesiologist will assess you preoperatively and every precaution will be taken to minimize your risk. We routinely see minor symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, sore throat, dizziness, tiredness, headache, muscle aches and pain, most of which are easily treated.  Please feel free to discuss any questions with your anesthesia provider.

Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery?

It is important to refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents (complication related to vomiting) during your surgery. This complication may be very serious. Specific instructions will be provided to you prior to your procedure. It is very important that you follow the provided instructions.  If you do not, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled.

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AFTER SURGERY

What will happen if I am not well enough to go home?

Admissions to a hospital from a surgery center happen occasionally. In certain circumstances, your physician or anesthesiologist may determine that you need to be transferred to a hospital for additional post operative care.

What if I am not feeling well once I get home?

If you are in serious pain, or exhibit warning symptoms described in your discharge instructions, please call your physician, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

What can I eat when I get home?

Your surgeon may have specific recommendations for your post operative diet. We generally suggest that you eat lightly after surgery, and strongly encourage you to drink plenty of fluids. You should avoid alcoholic beverages.

How will my pain be managed?

Pain management is very important to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our post operative call at home. During your stay at the facility, you will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain using a numerical scale.

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Prior to surgery, the management of your pain will be discussed with both your anesthesiologist and surgeon. It is important to follow instructions regarding your post operative pain medication closely.  For best results, the pain medication should be taken before the pain becomes too strong as effective pain relief may take up to 30 minutes. 

Can my family be with me after surgery?

Yes. After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area. A nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are comfortable as the anesthesia begins to wear off. Once you are awake and alert, your family will be invited back to the recovery area.

May I drive home?

No. Patients will not be allowed to drive after a procedure and must make necessary transportation arrangements.  If you plan to walk or take public transportation from our facility after a procedure, please make sure you are accompanied by a responsible adult.

Should I continue my usual medications after surgery?

Most patients should continue their usual medications after surgery. These instructions will be clarified with you before you leave the facility. If you have any questions, please call your surgeon or primary care physician.

How long will I stay after my surgery?

The amount of recovery time varies from patient to patient. After your procedure, a nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are alert and stable. You will be sent home as soon as your health care team feels it is safe to discharge you from the facility.