Prior to Your Day of Surgery

You will receive a phone call from a nurse prior to your surgery. You may receive more than one call, but we make every effort to try and minimize any inconvenience.

If your physician requires you to have lab tests, EKG and/or x-rays before surgery, we encourage you to have the tests completed within one week of your surgery date. The SIM reception desk is available for service between the hours of 7:30am and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. The office is closed on weekends and holidays.

Preparing for Surgery

1. Depending on your medical history, some tests may need to be done before surgery. You will be notified ahead of time by a member of your health care team if any additional tests are required.
2. If you take regular medications, ask your health care provider if you should take them before surgery. If instructed to, take the medications with a small sip of water.
3. A staff member will call you before your surgery with instructions and arrival time. Arrival time is when you are expected at the SIM, not the start time of your surgery.
4. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you afterward, as needed. This person should also be prepared to stay at the facility during your surgery.
5. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before your surgery, unless directed otherwise. This includes water, mints and gum. You can brush your teeth or rinse your mouth, but don’t swallow any water. If you eat or drink after midnight, your surgery may be cancelled.
6. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, quit or cut down a few weeks before surgery. Your health care provider may give you specific instructions.
7. Follow any other instructions you are given.
8. To cancel your surgery, we ask that you notify us at least 24 hours in advance.

Before and After Surgery

1. Please check in at the front desk with your photo ID and insurance card. They will be placed in your medical record.
2. Family or friends that accompany you will be asked to sign in at the front desk & apply a name tag to their shirt.
3. You will be asked to change into a gown. Your nurse will check your temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure and will verify your health history given to the nurse over the phone. You will be asked to sign consent forms. Pre-operative medications may be given at this time.
4. If your physician has ordered tests that have not already been completed, they will be performed, provided that test is available at the surgery center.
5. Your anesthesiologist will review your medical history and your test results (if applicable) and meet with you.
6. You may choose to have your family/friend join you upon completion of the nursing assessment.
7. Parents will remain with their children until the time of surgery.
8. When it is time for surgery, you will be taken to the operating room by a surgical nurse and by an anesthesia care provider.
9. After surgery, you will return to your cubicle. The nurses will monitor your recovery and care for you until your condition allows for your family/friend to join you.
10. While you are at SIM, your family/friend is expected to remain in the building.