| What is an Ambulatory Surgery Center? |
- Ambulatory
Surgery Centers are facilities where non emergent surgeries that do not
require a hospital admission are performed. They provide a
cost-effective and convenient environment that is less stressful than
the large hospital environment.
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| Will I get
the same care as I would in a hospital? |
- Yes.
State and Federal regulations require that Ambulatory Surgery Centers
be held to the same rigorous standards of safety and quality as
hospitals. Our Center is proud to have been awarded the prestigious
National Accreditation Association from Ambulatory Health Care,
recognition of our center's adherence to the same rigorous standards as
hospitals. Because our center is smaller and more intimate, you will
also find the privacy and personalized care that you need for a more
pampered
recovery. We have designed the center for your comfort.
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| What should I do
the day before surgery? |
-
Fill any prescriptions you have before your surgery so they will be
ready for you when you return home. If you are having an
orthopedic
procedure which will involve the use of crutches, please speak with
your
doctor about obtaining your crutches prior to surgery.
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Will I be
allowed to eat or drink the night before or morning of my surgery?
|
- If
you are having surgery the next day, you should not have any solid food
after midnight. You may drink clear fluids, such as water, apple
juice, clear tea or coffee (without milk or cream) up to 4 hours before
surgery. You may brush your teech and rinse your mouth but try
not
to swallow.
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What time is my surgery?
|
- Call
our office at (845) 473-6144 before 3:00PM the day before your surgery
for your surgery time and arrival time (Note: we are closed Saturday
and Sunday). It is important that you report to the surgery center at
the time given by our office.
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What should I bring
and/or wear the day of my surgery?
|
- Please
bring all insurance information with you. Also, wear comfortable
clothes that are easy to put on and off. For example, shirts that
button up the front or loose fitting slacks. Please leave all valuables
at home. Do not wear makeup or dark fingernail/toenail polish. If your
child is having surgery, please bring a favorite toy or blanket. Try to
plan ahead, depending on the type of surgery you are having.
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What should I do
if something comes up and I need to cancel my surgery?
|
- Please
call Dutchess Ambulatory Surgical Center as well as your physician's
office as soon as possible. The phone number here is (845) 473-6144. If
you call after hours of operation, an answering message will instruct
you in leaving a message.
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How long will I stay?
|
- Most
patients are dicharged within two hours of their procedure. However,
everyone is different and some stay longer or go home sooner depending
on how they feel. Before you go home, you and your family will work
with our nursing staff to make sure that you are as comfortable as
possible, that your questions are answered, and that you know what to
do should
you have any questions.
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Will my family be able
to visit me immediately after my procedure?
|
- Yes,
but due to the need for privacy we suggest that a limit of one or
two family members visit the patient. We have a large and inviting
reception where your family or friends will be comfortable. The nursing
staff will be happy to give family members waiting outside the recovery
area, periodic updates on the patients condition.
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Will I be able to
drive after my surgery?
|
- Yes
and No. Yes, if you have local anesthesia you will be permitted to
drive. No, if you have surgery that requires sedation for their
surgical procedure you must be accompanied home by a responsible adult.
This is a safety procedure that is strictly adhered to for you benefit.
|
What if I have complications?
|
- This would be
extremely unusual because of the type of procedure and the health of
our patients, however our staff has been specially trained. They have
both education and experience in providing care to patients in this
setting, under usual and unusual circumstances. If an overnight stay or
higher level of care is needed, the staff is able to quickly respond
and arrange a
transfer to an acute care hospital.
|
How do I
know if my insurance company will cover my surgery?
|
- The
staff at Dutchess Ambulatory Surgical Center as well
as your physician's office will be able to help you answer these
specific questions regarding coverage. We participate with most major
insurance companies.
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