| 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.
|
What is an Ambulatory Surgery Center?