Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the advantages of an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC)?
A: As a state-of-the-art facility that is designed to provide the best possible environment to deliver superior outpatient surgical care, Lewis & Clark Outpatient Surgery offers certain advantages over traditional hospitals, including:
- Comfort—Lewis & Clark Outpatient Surgery is a state-of-the-art facility created specifically for highly skilled specialists to perform advanced, specialty outpatient surgeries.
- Safety—Studies have long shown that surgeries performed at outpatient surgery centers offer a lower risk of surgical site infection than outpatient surgeries performed at traditional hospitals. Our surgery center has an infection rate of less that 1%.
- Efficiency and Experience—Our staff is highly focused on specific specialties and procedures performed at Lewis & Clark Outpatient Surgery. Because of this, they have a high degree of experience with your individual surgery and care.
- Sophistication—Lewis & Clark Outpatient Surgery is one of the most modern outpatient surgical facilities in the area.
- Cost—National studies have shown that procedures that are performed in the ASC setting are significantly lower in cost than for those same procedures performed in the hospital outpatient setting. Thus resulting in lowering the patient cost share responsibility along with providing cost savings for insurances companies. Lewis & Clark Outpatient Surgery is the premier option for patients to do their part in reducing the rising cost of healthcare while receiving exceptional quality and affordable care.
Q: How is an ASC different from a regular hospital?
A: In addition to the advantage listed above, an ASC is different from a traditional hospital in that it only services procedures that can be done in an outpatient setting. A traditional hospital typically handles everything from emergencies and cancer to maternity and cardiology. All of our patients return home the day of surgery.
Q: How early should I arrive before my procedure start time?
A: Usually, we ask you to arrive 1 hour before your scheduled procedure time. This will be verified during you pre-operative phone call, which you will receive the afternoon before your surgery to verify your time of arrival.
Q: How long will my surgery take?
A: On average, our patients are here for 4 hours from admission to discharge. This can vary based on the procedure being performed and the time of day your surgery is scheduled.
Q: Why can’t I eat or drink after midnight, the night before my surgery?
A: You must have an empty stomach. Liquids or food in your stomach can cause serious, even fatal, respiratory complications when you receive anesthesia. If you have mistakenly consumed any substance after midnight, be sure to alert your pre-operative nurse or your anesthesia provider before your surgery. For your safety, please be aware that any consumption of food or drink may result in the cancellation or delay of your procedure.
Q: What medications or vitamins should I take the morning of my surgery?
A: The nurse in your preoperative visit will discuss the specifics of your medications with you and give you instructions about what to take and what not to take. Be sure to take the least amount of water possible with any medication you are instructed to take. If you take Nitro, insulin, or have an inhaler, please bring with you on the day of surgery.
Q: Do I need someone to drive me home?
A: The medication you receive will impair your driving ability for 24 hours. We insist that you have an escort bring you to the center, receive post-op instructions with you, and drive you home. Your surgery will be canceled if you do not have a responsible caregiver.