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    Preparing for Surgery at the Surgecenter


    Scheduling Your Procedure

    We make it easy for you to plan for your Surgecenter visit. Your physician's office will contact us to schedule your procedure and will confirm that date with you. At the time of scheduling, they'll provide us with the information we need to register you for your procedure. There is no need for you to pre-register here in person.

    Financial Information

    Please contact the Surgecenter prior to your procedure so we may obtain financial information and answer any questions you may have. If we have not reached you five days before your admission date, please call 650-324-1832.

    Patients with verified insurance will be asked to pay their portion of fees on or before the day of the procedure. Uninsured and/or cash patients will be asked to pay for services on or before the admission date, unless other arrangements are made. Cash, checks, MasterCard and VISA are accepted.

    Surgecenter Fees

    Surgecenter fees cover only such facility expenses as pre-surgery care, supplies, and use of the operating and recovery rooms. If you are a PAMF patient, please note that the Surgecenter fee is completely separate from any other PAMF billing.

    Physician Fees

    All physician fees (surgeon, anesthesiologist, pathologist or radiologist) will be billed separately, based on the services that are provided to you.

    Insurance Billing

    As a courtesy, we will bill your insurance provider. If payment is not received within 60 days of billing, you will be responsible for the balance due.

    Special Arrangements

    We recognize the need to remain flexible in financial matters. In the event that any of the above payment options cannot be met, we will attempt to make other financial arrangements. These arrangements must be made prior to the admission date.

    Pre-Operative Instructions

    It is very important to prepare yourself for your Surgecenter procedure. To ensure the best possible experience, please acquaint yourself with the following instructions and adhere to them closely. If these instructions are not followed, your procedure may be subject to cancellation.

    Pre-Op Phone Interview

    A Surgecenter registered nurse will contact you a day or so before your scheduled procedure. The nurse will review your health history and verify your appointment time. Please feel free to ask the nurse any questions you may have.

    Advance Preparations

    If you are of childbearing age and suspect you may be pregnant, please notify your physician. Certain anesthetic medications may be harmful to a developing fetus.

    • Arrange for someone to drive you home from the Surgecenter after your procedure.
    • Plan for a responsible adult to stay with you for the rest of the day and the night following your procedure.
    • Check with your doctor regarding your current medications. Aspirin products, Coumadin and some other medications may need to be discontinued several days prior to your procedure.
    • Notify your doctor if you are taking herbs, vitamins or diet supplements and follow the instructions given to you.
    • If you have allergies to medications, latex, tape, soap or foods, please inform your doctor as soon as possible.
    • If you have small children, please make child care arrangements so you can rest when you return home.

    24-Hour Countdown to Surgery

    • If you have a cold, sore throat, fever or other illness 24 hours prior to surgery, please call your doctor as soon as possible.
    • Do not use alcohol or tobacco within 24 hours of surgery.
    • Do not eat any solid food or drink any liquids after midnight prior to surgery (this includes water, mints and chewing gum). When you brush your teeth, rinse your mouth without swallowing any liquid.
    • If you take medication(s) daily, you will be advised on which ones need to be taken (especially medications for seizures, heart conditions and blood pressure). Bring a list of your medications with you on the day of surgery.
    • If you are diabetic and take insulin, please ask your doctor about pre-surgery insulin dosage. Bring your insulin with you.
    • Please shower or bathe the night before or morning of surgery to minimize the chance of infection.
    • Wear loose, comfortable clothing to the Surgecenter. Wear flat shoes. Slip-on styles are best.
    • Do not wear make-up, jewelry or nail polish.
    • Eyeglasses, contact lenses and dentures may need to be removed and stored in proper containers before surgery. Please bring containers with you.
    • Bring your completed insurance card/form or Medicare card.
    • Someone must drive you home after your discharge. Bring the name and phone number of the person who will drive you home so our staff may notify them when you are ready to leave.
    • If your child will be undergoing surgery, please bring along a comfort item such as a small toy or stuffed animal.