Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long will the procedure take?

A. Depending on your diagnostic test or surgical procedure, the time varies among patients. Please ask your doctor the average amount of time your type of scheduled procedure takes.

Q. Why do I have so many papers to sign?

A. As a certified and licensed facility, there are many federal, state and accreditation regulations that we must follow. These require us to document your knowledge of certain aspects of your care, which requires your signature.

Q. Why does everyone ask me the same questions over and over?

A. Certain key questions such as what procedure you're having done, what you are allergic to and if you've had anything to eat or drink are critical to the success of your surgery. Having several people confirm the information is a safety net that decreases the chance of missing important information. We understand that repeatedly answering the questions may be annoying, but it is for your safety and security.

Q. Will I talk to my surgeon before my surgery?

A. You will meet with your surgeon prior to the day of your planned procedure. This is the time to ask any questions you may have and to be sure you fully understand the purpose of the procedure, as well as expected outcomes.

Q. May I eat or drink on the day of my exam or surgery?

A. You should not eat or drink or use tobacco products after midnight the night before your procedure, unless an anesthesiologist tells you otherwise. Not following these orders can be dangerous and will cause your case to be cancelled.

Q. What should I bring with me to the center?

A. Bring any documents from your doctor, case for your eyeglasses or contact lenses, your insurance card and form of payment. Wear comfortable, loose clothing and low-heeled shoes. Please do not wear contact lenses, make-up, body lotion, perfume and other cosmetics. Leave all jewelry and other valuables at home.

Q. Are family members allowed into the procedure or operating room?

A. With exception of parents of pediatric patients, family members are not allowed into the procedure room or operating room for safety and sterility reasons.

Q. Will I be able to see my exam or surgery being performed?

A. Unfortunately, we do not provide that capability. However, if you chose a type of anesthesia where you are awake, the operating room team will keep you informed of the progress of your surgery.

Q. Why is the operating room so cold?

A. The operating room temperature is kept low to help keep supplies sterile and maintain equipment. We do provide you with warm blankets while in the operating room.

Q. What happens if there is a complication during my surgery?

A. Just like a hospital, Patient Partners Surgery Center is equipped to handle any surgical or medical crisis that might arise. Our critical care trained staff and state-of-the- art technology allow us to respond immediately to any change in a patient's status. In the highly unlikely event that a surgical complication does arise that needs specialized treatment, the patient is immediately transferred to the nearest hospital.

Q. How will I feel after surgery?

A. You may feel sleepy, dizzy and/or forgetful and have general muscle aches from the medications given to you during your operation. These feelings will improve as time passes. You also may have some discomfort after your surgery. The nurses will give you medication to make you feel better. If you have had a spinal anesthetic or a nerve block to an extremity, the extremity will feel numb and heavy and you may not be able to move it. This is standard, and normal feeling and movement will return with time as the medication wears off. Mild nausea is also common after anesthesia. If it persists and you cannot keep fluids down, please call your doctor.

Q. What time can I expect to go home?

A. Recovery time varies for each patient depending on the type of procedures, the response to anesthesia and the ability to tolerate liquids. Most patients are discharged after anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, but it is up to your nurse and anesthesiologist to agree on your discharge time. When you are ready to be picked up, the discharge area is beside the facility’s main entrance and has a covered drive-up service area.

Q. Do I need someone to take me home?

A. Yes, as your procedure will be canceled if you have not arranged for a responsible adult to take you home. Also, we cannot discharge a patient via taxi. The discharge area, which is beside the facility’s main entrance, offers a covered drive-up service area.

Q. How will my family/friend know when and where to pick me up?

A. We prefer that a family member or friend remain in the center’s spacious reception room during your procedure. When you are ready to go home, your nurse will take that person to the discharge area, located adjacent to the front door, and be given detailed instructions regarding your procedure and recovery.

Q. What happens if I'm not ready to go home at closing time?

A. Although Patient Partners Surgery Center regularly closes at 6 p.m., our first priority is our patients. Our staff will stay until the patient has met the discharge criteria and is safe to go home. If the patient requires overnight observation, arrangements will be made to transfer the patient to the hospital.

Q. Will someone explain to me what I should do when I get home?

A. Before you are discharged home, your discharge instructions will be reviewed with you and your family member by the nurse caring for you. All of your questions will be answered before you go home. Always feel free to call your surgeon for any questions or problems.

Q. Do I need someone to be with me the first night home?

A. We do recommend that you have someone stay with you on your first night home.
If you cannot have someone stay with you, it is a good idea to make arrangements to have someone nearby who you can call should you need help. A member of our staff will make follow-up contact with you within days of your procedure to see how you are doing.

Q. If I have a problem when I am at home whom should I call?

A. You should call your doctor’s office. If it is an emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. If you can not reach your surgeon, you may call us at (615) 575-9000 Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m., and ask to speak to a nurse.