Food and Drink
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to the scheduled procedure. This includes: no water, no gum, no hard candy/mints.
Medications
Consult your doctor if you are taking medication for heart, diabetes, blood thinners or respiratory problems. Remember to bring a list of all medications you are taking to the Surgery Center on the day of your procedure. If applicable, bring your emergency inhalers and migraine medications.
Tests
Your doctor may order other tests including lab work or EKG that need to be done prior to your procedure.
Symptoms of Illness
If you develop a cold, flu, sore throat, fever or persistent cough, notify your doctor promptly. Your surgery/procedure may need to be rescheduled for a later date.
Pregnancy and Outpatient Surgery Procedures
It is important to know if there is any possibility you may be pregnant. If so, you must notify your doctor prior to your procedure. If applicable, be prepared to tell the staff the date of your last menstrual period.
Pre-Op Phone Call
You will receive a pre-operative phone call from the Surgery Center staff the day before your procedure to review and confirm any instructions (e.g. arrival time, location, medication, etc) and ask questions.
What to Wear or Bring
On the day of your procedure, wear casual, loose-fitting clothing and flat shoes. We will provide you with a surgical cap, gown and surgical slippers to wear during your stay. We will keep your clothing and personal items in a bag for safekeeping. Feel free to bring reading materials. Cell phones may be needed to contact someone for transportation following your procedure; but consider writing down contact numbers.
A photo ID or insurance card are also required.
What NOT to Wear or Bring
- No small children are allowed at the Surgery Center. Please arrange for childcare.
- Please do not wear jewelry or contact lenses. Instead, please bring eyeglasses for your visit.
- Do not wear cosmetics or nail polish. These can conceal changes in your skin and nail color that your doctor needs to assess during surgery and in recovery.
- Leave your valuables (including wallet, credit cards, purse, cell phone, etc.) at home. The Surgery Center is not responsible for lost valuables.
- PAMF Surgery Centers are a fragrance-free environment. Please do not wear any scented products.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- Are there any specific instructions for food and drink before or after my procedure?
- When may I shower after my procedure?
- What should I expect the week following my procedure?
- Are there any signs or symptoms I should be aware of following my procedure?
- When may I resume normal activities (e.g. driving)?
Translation
If you are a patient who does not speak or understand English, please inform the Surgery Center staff in advance of your need for a translator. Last-minute requests for translation may require rescheduling of your procedure for a later date.