What to Expect

Learn what to expect and what measures should be taken before, during, and after your surgery:

1. Pre-Operative Information

A staff member will contact you by phone before your scheduled surgery regarding:

• • Time of arrival
  • Medical history (including medications and allergies)
  • Special instructions
  • Insurance information
  • Medicare brochure (as needed)

It is important that you check with your insurance carrier to see if pre-certification or a second opinion is necessary. If you have not been contacted one day prior to surgery, please call us at (248) 220-7505.

2. Before Your Surgery

• • You must arrange to have a responsible adult transport you home and stay with you for 24 hours following surgery, unless directed otherwise by your physician.
  • It is important that your stomach be empty for surgery. Therefore, it’s absolutely necessary that you do not eat or drink anything (including water, candy, gum, and cigarettes) after midnight on the night before surgery unless directed by one of our staff members. It is very important for these instructions to be followed or your surgery may be delayed or cancelled.
  • If you are diabetic, have hypertension, or respiratory disease, please let the nurse know.
  • If you have an implantable device, such as a pacemaker, cardiac stents or a defibrillator, let the nurse know.
  • If you are on blood thinners, including aspirin, or anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen), you will likely need to discontinue them. Please check with your surgeon.
  • No alcohol or cigarettes 24 hours prior to surgery.
  • If you develop a cold, sore throat or temperature greater than 100° F prior to surgery, please contact your primary care physician.
  • Stock your refrigerator with things you may want to eat or drink following surgery.
  • If you need an interpreter, please notify the nurse during your pre-operative phone call.
  • We encourage you to prepare questions you may want to ask prior to the day of surgery.

3. Day of Surgery

When you arrive, one of the first questions we will ask you is, “Have you had anything to eat or drink since last night?” If you have, or if you have failed to follow any of your doctor’s orders, we will not be able to do your procedure and you will have to reschedule.

We will file all insurance and Medicare forms for you. For filing purposes, please bring your Medicare and/or insurance cards with you on the day of your procedure. You must provide us with a valid photo ID and, if this is a worker’s compensation or personal injury procedure, a worker’s compensation, personal injury or an automobile insurance claim number will be required.

The facility fee includes the cost of the operating room, supplies, equipment, medication, and recovery room care. If you have questions about this fee, please call our billing department at 248-220-7505. You will receive separate bills for your surgeon, anesthesia provider and any x-ray, lab and pathology related to your procedure(s).

Please bring the following items if you use them:

• • Glasses/case (no contacts)
  • Inhalers
  • Hearing aid
  • Insulin

Other Instructions:

• • Leave jewelry and valuables at home, including all body piercings.
  • Avoid wearing heavy makeup, especially eye makeup.
  • You may brush your teeth the morning of surgery; do NOT swallow the water.
  • Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing that you can easily change into, considering you may have bulky bandages.
  • Shoes that are easy to put on and easily removed are best.
  • The Surgery Center does not allow latex balloons.

PLEASE NOTE: The use of tobacco products on Bloomfield Hills Surgical Center property is strictly prohibited.

4. Registration/Pre-operative Admitting

When you arrive at Bloomfield Hills Surgical Center, the registration staff will verify your insurance information; please bring insurance cards and a driver’s license or picture identification with you. We are committed to ensuring that correct patient and correct surgery site standards are followed. Several staff members will ask you to repeat your name, birthdate, and procedure, so please be patient and remember that we are doing this to ensure your safety.

After you have been registered, you will be escorted to one of our pre-operative areas. During this time, a nurse will prepare you for surgery. An anesthesia provider will also meet with you to discuss the type of anesthesia you will have. The doctor will see you before your case in the pre-operative area. Any questions or concerns you may have can be addressed at this time.

Occasionally, surgery may be delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. Should delays occur, we will keep you informed.

After you have met with all the appropriate members of the health care team, you will be escorted back to the operating room. Your caregivers will be updated as necessary during surgery or procedure. We encourage all caregivers to remain in the visitor waiting area during procedures or surgery in case a team member needs to contact them. When the procedure is complete, the surgeon will meet with your caregiver to discuss the surgery/procedure. After surgery, you will be taken to the post-operative unit for recovery.

5. After Surgery

Your recovery time depends on the type of surgery or procedure you have. Our nurses will explain your expected individual recovery course to you and your caregiver.

If it is determined by your physician that you need additional recovery time, you will remain in the recovery room under observation until it is safe for your discharge from the facility. If you get hungry, a small snack will be provided to you. You may have your family bring food, but remember that you have just had a medical procedure and should consult with your nurse.

Instructions for when you return home after surgery will be explained to you and the adult responsible for transporting you home.

You will receive a follow-up call 1 – 2 business days from a surgery center nurse regarding your recovery process. If you have any immediate needs or concerns, call your physician.

Please follow instructions on your discharge paperwork. This is very important!