What to Expect

PROCEDURES AT NORTH PINES

Your doctor has scheduled your upcoming procedure at our facility. Careful attention to the following instructions will help ensure your comfort and reduce the possibility of complications. Follow your physician’s instructions.

Preparing for your Procedure

Do not eat or drink anything (including water) after midnight the day of your procedure unless advised otherwise by your physician. Undigested food in the stomach can cause complications. Your procedure is likely to be postponed or canceled if you forget to follow this instruction.
Teeth may be brushed but do not swallow water.
If you wear dentures or glasses, you may be asked to remove them. Please bring a case with you. We also suggest that you wear casual, loose clothing. During your procedure, you will wear a patient gown provided by the Center.
Please be sure to talk to your doctor about any daily medications you are currently taking, especially for heart, diabetes, or blood pressure problems. Be sure to mention any over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, Bufferin, Nuprin, Advil, Motrin, or any herbal supplements. Your doctor will give you instructions about taking any medications prior to your procedure.

Day of your Procedure

Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home following your procedure and stay with you while at the facility.
Limit the number of people who accompany you to the Center. To maximize the comfort of all visitors, we suggest that adult patients be accompanied by only one person.
If you experience any health changes between your most recent visit to your doctor and the day of the procedure, notify your doctor. Please report even minor changes, such as an elevated temperature, cough, or cold.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, please notify your physician and the nurse caring for you. Anesthesia and medication may be harmful to the developing fetus.
Please bring your insurance card(s) and any forms your doctor requests. This will facilitate the admitting process.
Leave jewelry and other valuable items at home for safekeeping.

The Procedure

Your physician performs the procedure, assisted by our registered nurses and trained technicians, and monitored by an anesthesia team member. After your procedure, you’ll be ready for our fully-equipped recovery room where you’ll be attended by your anesthesia care team and recovery room nurse until you’re ready to go home.

Anesthesia

Anesthesia services are provided by an anesthesia care team who is highly qualified in all aspects of outpatient anesthesia. Your anesthesia care team will interview you before your procedure and answer any questions you may have. Be sure to talk to your anesthesia care team about any medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs.

Medication

The nursing staff that calls you for the pre-operative information will review your medications and inform you which ones to take the morning of the procedure (with a small sip of water). Nursing works collaboratively with anesthesia to advise you on which medications you may take.

Financial Information

North Pines Surgery Center Business Office will contact you to discuss any financial arrangements prior to your procedure. In most cases, we should be able to estimate the cost of your procedure. Our fee is for the facility which includes the procedure room, recovery room, and certain anesthesia and surgical supplies. The physician performing your procedure, the anesthesia care team, and the pathologist (if applicable) will bill you separately for their services.
Patients will be required to pay the estimated portion on or before the day of the procedure. Cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express are accepted.
Uninsured patients will be required to pay two days before the procedure.
Your insurance will be billed as a courtesy; however, the balance is the patient’s responsibility if the insurance company has not paid within 60 days.
Medicaid patients must have a current and valid medical identification card with them at the time of admission. The Center recognizes the obligation to remain flexible in financial matters. In the event any of the above statements cannot be met, the Center will attempt to make financial arrangements. These arrangements must be made and approved by the Administrator or Business Office Manager prior to the date of the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my medications or eat the morning of procedure? valethealth2021-05-18T20:59:33+00:00

Can I take my medications or eat the morning of procedure?

How long will I be there?valethealth2021-02-05T22:09:12+00:00

How long will I be there?

Depending on what procedure you will be having, you may need to arrive an hour earlier than your injection and up to two hours earlier than your appointment time for any type of implant. The reason is that an antibiotic must be given in the pre-op area. Once you have been to the operating room for your procedure and admitted into the Recovery Room, you will stay as long as necessary for your vital signs to be stable, pain and nausea are managed if you have any and you meet discharge criteria. Some patients awaken quick and others are slower to awaken. Most patients stay approximately 30 minutes to an hour depending on procedure type.

Can I drive or does someone need to bring me? valethealth2021-02-16T23:26:37+00:00

Can I drive or does someone need to bring me?

Since you will be getting sedation from an anesthesia provider, a responsible adult must drive you to the facility, sign for discharge instructions, and drive you home. The driver should make sure you arrive home safely, get you situated with food, drink, medications, etc. It is recommended that someone be available and with you for 24 hours.

When will someone contact me from the facility?valethealth2021-02-17T16:15:04+00:00

When will someone contact me from the facility?

Once your chart is assembled, the nursing staff will call you to obtain your health history and a list of your medications. Once closer to your procedure date, the business office will call you with the time of your procedure and review the authorization and any payment that may need to be made.

What will be required before my procedure?valethealth2021-02-18T15:26:42+00:00

What will be required before my procedure?

Your paperwork and orders will be sent from the physician’s office to North Pines Surgery Center. Our business office will start the insurance authorization process. The nursing staff will get orders and assemble a chart for you.