FAQ

The following are some tips to for your out-patient surgery.

Several Days Before Surgery

· Within 72 hours of your surgery, a nurse from ASC Durango will call you to take a pre-surgical medical assessment. Or, for your convenience, ASC Durango provides the medical assessment on its web site. This assessment form is secured and confidential. Simply go to: http://www.ascdurango.org/ and click on “Pre-Operative Form” under the Patient Care tab.

· If required by your insurance plan, make certain that you have obtained approval or pre-certification prior to presenting for your procedure, if your health plan requires it.

· Make certain you know the time your surgery is scheduled so you can arrive and register at least one hour beforehand or at the time instructed by the nurse or surgeon.

· Make dependable arrangements with a friend or relative to drive you home after your surgery. You will not be released to drive yourself home if you have had sedation, anesthesia or pain medications.

· If you have children or other family members that need supervision, make dependable arrangements for their care.

· If you are on medication, check with your surgeon's office to see whether you should take it the night or morning before your surgery.

· If you have any health changes prior to your surgery, such as minor elevations in temperature, a rash, a cold or coughs, contact your surgeon or ASC Durango immediately.

· If you suspect that you are pregnant, advise your surgeon as soon as possible so that he/she can address any changes that might be relevant to your surgery.

The Day of Your Surgery

Check list before you leave home:

· Please arrive one hour ahead of your surgery, unless otherwise instructed. Our facility does not open before 6:00 AM.

· Nothing to eat or drink, including hard candy and/or cigarettes, after midnight, unless otherwise instructed by your physician or nursing staff at the ASC.

· Take all routine medications you have been prescribed, including the morning of the surgery, with a sip of water. Exceptions: do not take diabetes medications or any other medications your surgeon asked you to hold.

In the hours before surgery

· Take all routine medications you have been prescribed, including the morning of the surgery, with a sip of water. Exceptions: do not take diabetes medications or any other medications your surgeon asked you to hold.

· Do not smoke the day of your surgery.

· Shower or bathe to minimize the chance of infection.

· Do not wear make-up.

· If appropriate, bring insulin or your inhaler with you.

· Wear loose comfortable clothing to avoid pressure on your surgery site.

· Wear flat, preferably slip-on shoes.

· Leave jewelry and valuables at home.

· If you wear contacts lenses, bring your lens supplies and glasses.

· Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking. We will also ask you about any allergies you might have.

· For young children who are undergoing surgery, please bring a comforting toy, blanket, pacifier or bottle (for after surgery). For older children under age 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign a surgery consent form. Legal guardians should bring appropriate documentation.

If you have any questions call us at 970-508-0500.