Pre Admit Testing
- Patients scheduled for procedures requiring anesthesia will likely have lab work and/or EKG testing performed as part of the pre-operative assessment.
- Most pediatric patients under the age of 14 will not require any testing.
- A nurse will call several days prior to your day of surgery to interview you and determine any necessary testing. Testing is done at the St. Dominic Hospital Lab (see directions below). For any questions, please call the Center at 601-984-8800 and ask for the Pre-Op Nurse.
Directions to the St. Dominic Hospital Lab: Parking is available in front of the West Towers or in the South Parking Garage (next to the main hospital). Enter at the West Tower and proceed through the lobby past the Cups Coffee Shop (on the right) and past the elevators. The lab is through the open double doors on the left. Inform the clerk at the desk you are here for Ambulatory Surgery Pre-Admit Testing
Before your surgery
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure as instructed by your physician. Food in the stomach can cause serious complications and your surgery could be canceled or postponed. If your child is the patient, please be careful to enforce this.
- If you (or your child) are taking medication, such as for high blood pressure or diabetes, call the center for more information before the day of your surgery.
- For all infants, including those who are breast fed, please bring a bottle with you.
- Call your physician if you develop a cold, fever or a respiratory problem before your surgery.
- For women, if there is any possibility you are pregnant, please notify your physician.
- For your safety, a responsible adult must be present during your surgery and be able to drive you home.
- If you become ill or take any new medications prior to your surgery, please notify your doctor immediately.
Day of surgery
- We are not responsible for jewelry, money or valuables, so please leave them at home.
- Please bring a photo id, insurance card(s), any deductibles or co-pays due.
- Bathe or shower the morning of your surgery to minimize the chance of infection.
- Wear loose, casual clothing and low-heeled shoes. Tight fitting pants are particularly uncomfortable after certain surgeries.
- Arrive at the time your physician has instructed. This will allow adequate time for all necessary admission procedures.
- Bring a list of current medications and dosages.
- Limit the number of people who accompany you. To maximize the comfort for all visitors, we suggest that adult patients be accompanied by only one (1) person. However, we do welcome both parents of a pediatric patient.
- If your child is having surgery, feel free to bring a favorite stuffed animal or security blanket for added reassurance.
- Do not smoke immediately before or after receiving an anesthetic. Smoking may interfere with the anesthetic and frequently produces nausea during the recovery period.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages or take recreational drugs prior to surgery.
- Talk to your doctor if you take Coumadin, Motrin, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Insulin, diabetic medications, Vitamin E or other blood thinners.
- If you’re taking medication for breathing, seizures, heart disease or blood pressure, take them the morning of surgery with a small sip of water. If you use inhalers, bring them with you.
- Stop taking herbal medications and diet drugs at least two weeks prior to surgery.
- Do not wear contact lenses; do wear your glasses.
Recovery
After your procedure you will be moved to our fully equipped recovery area. Here your nurses, anesthesiologist and/or physician will monitor your condition until you are ready to go home. Although the time varies, most patients are discharged one to two hours after surgery.
You may experience some drowsiness or dizziness, depending on the type of anesthesia you received. Our staff will provide you with ordered medication to help you achieve optimal comfort. Your pain will be managed based on the following assessment scale:
| 0 |
1-2 |
3-4 |
5-6 |
7-8 |
9-10 |
| No Pain |
Mild
Pain |
Moderate
Pain |
Severe
Pain |
Very Severe
Pain |
Worst Pain
Possible |
Your companion may rejoin you once you are stable in the recovery room. Here you will be given beverages and crackers, as appropriate. Your physician will provide specific written instructions for care at home during your recovery. Your nurse will review these instructions with you and your companion. You will receive a written copy to refer to while recovering at home. Your physician’s after-hours phone number will be provided to you in the event you have questions upon returning home.
After surgery
- Your physician will provide post-operative instructions regarding diet, rest and medication. In the event of any difficulty, call your physician or his/her answering service.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after receiving general anesthesia or pain medication.
- Plan to have someone at home with you for the day.
About your bill
St. Dominic ASC accepts most major commercial insurance, HMO/PPO plans, Medicare, and Workers Compensation. We will need a copy of your insurance cards to properly file your insurance. However, many health plans require pre-certification before surgical procedures can be performed. It is your responsibility to ensure that all appropriate paperwork, provided by your physician, has been completed to allow our Financial Coordinators to obtain pre-certification from your insurance company. If pre-certification is not obtained, your medical insurance may not cover the cost of your surgery.
It is our policy to collect any co-pays, co-insurances, and/or deductibles at the time services are rendered (the Center accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express). After your surgery you may receive three separate bills; one from the Surgery Center, one from your physician, and if applicable, another for anesthesia services. If you have questions about your bill, please contact our billing office at (601) 984-8800.
If you do not have health insurance, we ask that you be responsible for our facility charge on the day of surgery, unless other arrangements are made in advance with our business office.
Patient Rights
The staff of this health care facility recognizes you have rights while a patient receiving medical care. In return there are responsibilities for certain behavior on your part as the patient. These rights and responsibilities include:
- You have the right to personal privacy and care in a safe setting free from all forms of abuse, harassment, discrimination or reprisal.
- You have the right to accurate and easily understood information about your health plan, treatment, health care professionals and health care facilities. If you speak another language, have a physical or mental disability or just do not understand something, help should be given so you can make informed health care decisions prior to your treatment or procedure.
- You have the right to choose health care providers who can give you high-quality health care.
- If you have severe pain, an injury or sudden illness that makes you believe that your health is in serious danger, you have the right to be screened and stabilized using emergency services. You should be able to use these services whenever you need them, without needing to wait for authorization and without any financial penalty.
- You have the right to know your treatment options and take part in decisions about your care. Parents, guardian, family members or surrogate that you select can represent you if you cannot make your own decisions according to state law. If a patient is adjudged incompetent under applicable state health and safety laws by a court of proper jurisdiction, the rights of the patient are to be exercised by the person appointed under state law to act on your behalf.
- You have a right to considerate, respectful care from your doctors, health plan representative and other health care providers that does not discriminate against you.
- You have the right to talk privately with health care providers and to have your health care information protected. You also have the right to read and copy your own medical record. You have the right to ask that your doctor change your record if it is not correct, relevant or complete. Unless authorized by law, you have the right to approve or refuse record release.
- You have the right to a fair, fast and objective review of any complaint you have against your health plan, doctor(s), hospital(s) or other health care personnel without fear of reprisal. This includes complaints about waiting times, operating hours, the actions of health care personnel and the adequacy (or lack of) of treatment or care.
The Patient Is Responsible For:
- You have the responsibility to provide to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete health information.
- You are responsible to participate in your plan of care & provide an Advanced Directive if you have one.
- You are responsible for following the treatment plan recommended.
- You are responsible for making known whether or not you clearly understand the medical treatment plan.
- You must have a responsible adult to provide you transportation and assist with your care for the first 24 hours post op.
Advanced Directives:
All patients have the right to accept or refuse any recommended medical treatment and the Center respects and upholds those rights. In the ambulatory surgery setting, where minimal risk procedures are performed, we will do everything to stabilize you, the patient and arrange for immediate transfer to a nearby hospital. If you do not have an Advanced Directive and would be interested in completing one, we are happy to supply you with information.
Patient Complaints / Grievances:
If you have a question or concern about your rights or responsibilities, please let us know. We want to assure that we provide you with excellent service, including answering your questions and responding to your concerns.
Contact information if you feel as if any Rights were violated are as follows:
- You have the right to submit a grievance either verbally or in writing to:
Administrative Director, St. Dominic Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC 970 Lakeland Drive, Suite 15, Jackson, MS 39216 Phone: (601) 984·8800. You will be contacted within 5 business days describing the steps taken to investigate. You will receive the results and resolution within 15 days of the initial grievance date.