Before Procedure
Will I be contacted prior to my procedure by the facility?
Yes, a pre-operative nurse from our facility will contact you the day prior to surgery to give you your check in time and details pertinent to preparing for surgery. You may also be contacted by a member of our billing department to address any financial matters relating to your procedure such as co-payments and deductibles. Feel free to contact us at any time with questions you may have.
Should I arrange for a driver the day of my surgery?
Yes. You will not be allowed to drive or take a taxi alone after surgery which requires a general or IV sedation anesthetic. Please arrange for an adult to drive you home or accompany you in a taxi.
What forms of payment are accepted?
- Cash
- Credit card (We do not accept American Express)
- Checks (made out to Sawtooth Surgery Center)
- Money order
- Care Credit
What do I need to bring with me the day of surgery?
- Please bring your insurance card. Our staff will need to make a copy of this when you check in.
- Please bring payment of any patient responsibility (e.g. co-payment, deductible, down payment).
- Please bring a list of all medications and supplements you are currently taking.
- Please bring any special equipment given to you by your doctor for use after surgery (boot, shoe, brace).
- Please bring any medication you may need during your stay (e.g. inhaler or insulin).
My child is having surgery, what do I need to know?
A legal parent or guardian is required to be in the building at all times for patients under the age of 18. Children may bring a favorite toy or blanket with them to take to the operating room for added comfort. We do not allow parents, guardians, or escorts in the operating room. Your child will be taken back for surgery by the operating room nurse and nurse anesthetist that will be caring for them during their procedure. Bring an extra pair of clothes as sometimes the anesthetic can cause them to have an accident.
Day of Procedure
When should I arrive?
A pre-operative nurse will contact you the day prior to your scheduled procedure to give you your check in time. Please ensure your phone number is up to date with your surgeon's office.
What may I eat or drink prior to my procedure?
A pre-operative nurse will inform you of eating and drinking restrictions when they call you to give you your check in time. It is imperative you follow the provided directions. If you do not, your procedure may be delayed or cancelled.
What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing that is easy to take off and put on. If you will be wearing a brace or walking boot we suggest wearing a pair of shorts that can easily slip over it. Please do not wear contact lenses. If you must wear them, please bring your lens case and solution with you. Please avoid wearing any jewelry or piercings.
Can I have someone with me while I wait for my procedure?
Yes. We believe that familiar faces assist in reducing anxiety you may be experiencing about your surgery. We allow no more than two individuals to accompany you in your room during your stay. A waiting room is available for all other members who wish to accompany you.
After Procedure
What can I eat when I get home?
Your surgeon may have specific post-operative instructions regarding diet. Please refer to the instructions you received at discharge. Generally, we suggest eating lightly after surgery and drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid use of alcoholic beverages.
How will my pain be managed?
The management of your pain is of great importance 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 our facility, you will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain using a numerical scale (1-10), or for children, the "Faces Pain Scale".
We will often use a combination of different modalities to help keep you comfortable - choosing from oral medications, intravenous medications, nerve blocks, injection of local anesthetic during the surgery, etc. Prior to the surgery, the management of your pain should be discussed with both your nurse anesthetist and surgeon. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember that information on pain management gives you the appropriate expectations and hence a smoother, more comfortable recovery. It is important to follow instructions regarding your post operative pain medication closely. Many pain medications take 20 to 30 minutes to begin to work. For best results, the pain medication should be taken before the pain becomes too strong.
Should I continue my regular medications?
Most patients should continue their usual medications after surgery. Patients who have diabetes and those patients on blood thinners may require some adjustment of their medications. 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 do I have to stay after my procedure?
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.