MEDICAL

In preparation for your upcoming procedure at Gramercy Surgery Center, a nurse will contact you to review your medical history, discuss preparations for surgery, the surgical procedure, discharge plans, and care at home. The nurse will be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your upcoming surgery. Please inform the nursing staff of any medical problems you have and any medications you are taking, including any prescriptions, over-the-counter, and herbals.

If you would like to speak to an anesthesiologist prior to your surgery, you may call in advance to arrange either a telephone consultation or a visit to Gramercy Surgery Center.

Please notify your surgeon immediately if your health condition changes before surgery. This may include catching a cold, exposure to communicable disease, or any other change in your health.

If your surgeon writes a prescription for post-operative medication, you can either have it filled at your local pharmacy prior to your surgery or our center will call in the prescription to your pharmacy.

Depending on your health status, you may need to be evaluated by your Primary Care Physician prior to your surgery. Certain laboratory tests, such as blood work, EKG, or X-Rays may be required. All testing should be completed at least 5 days prior to your surgery to allow the results to reach us in a timely fashion. Your surgeon’s office will discuss this with you.

MEDICAL CLEARANCE SERVICE
At Gramercy Surgery Center, we strive to offer convenience for our patients and their surgeons. In order to minimize any disruption to the surgical scheduling process, we take extra care to ensure all medical documentation for Medical Clearance is obtained prior to the day of surgery.

DIET
Your diet before surgery is very important. Do not eat or drink anything eight hours before the surgery.

PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY

Please call us between noon and 3:00 p.m. one business day before your surgery to confirm your arrival time. Patients need to arrive 30 minutes (one hour, if you need anesthesia service) before the start of their surgery to allow time for preoperative preparations. All patients must have a responsible adult to escort them home and remain with them for 24 hours following the surgery. Your surgery will be cancelled if you do not have a responsible adult to escort you home. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave all jewelry and valuables at home. Do not wear contact lenses, makeup, or dark fingernail polish. Storage for your clothing will be provided.

GOING HOME

Your surgeon and anesthesiologist are responsible for determining when you are ready for discharge. When you are discharged, the nurse will review with you instructions for your care at home. We encourage you to ask questions — it is crucial for you to clearly understand all post-operative instructions. You will also receive emergency contact numbers in the unlikely event that you require medical assistance after you leave. Patients should have another adult with them for the first 24 hours after surgery.

Do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcoholic beverages, make any important decisions, or take drugs other than those prescribed by your physician for at least the first 24 hours.

When you arrive home, rest for the remainder of the day; Your body needs time to recover from the stress of surgery. Gradually resume your normal activities.

Follow the specific instructions provided by your surgeon regarding diet, exercise, and resuming regular medication. A nurse will call you the next business day to see how you are doing and answer any questions you may have.

FINANCIAL
Prior to your surgery, you will be contacted by one of our staff members confirming your insurance information and to resolve any deductible and/or co-payments. Any fees that are not covered by your insurance will need to be paid in full on the date of surgery.