Prior to Surgery
History and Physical Exam:
All patients are required to have a history and physical exam prior to surgery. Your surgeon may do this or you may be sent to your primary care physician to complete the physical. Your physician’s office must send this form to us prior to your surgery to prevent any delays.
Lab and Diagnostic Work:
You may need lab work or other diagnostic exams prior to your surgery. Check with your surgeon to see if these are required. Your surgeon may complete the tests or may send you elsewhere to have this work completed. It is important that your surgeon’s office send us your records prior to the day of surgery.
Insurance/Payment:
Please be prepared to provide our Business Office with insurance information. Some insurance companies require preauthorization before procedures. Please contact your insurance carrier about these requirements if you have any questions. You will receive a call from our Business Office before your procedure with an estimate of the amount you will need to pay to meet your deductible and/or co-pay. When you arrive on the day of your procedure, we will collect the amount you owe and ask you to sign a form stating you are financially responsible for any services rendered that are not covered by your insurance carrier.
Preparation for Surgery
Please follow these instructions for all types of anesthesia and note that it is important to follow these guidelines to prevent delay or cancellation of your procedure:
Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery.
Do not smoke the day of surgery.
Take your regular medicines, as scheduled, with small sips of water.
You may brush your teeth, but try to not swallow any toothpaste.
Bathe or shower before arriving, but do not apply lotion to your skin after bathing.
Do not wear makeup, including false eyelashes, or jewelry.
Wear your glasses instead of contact lenses. If you must wear your contact lenses, you may need to remove them so bring a contact lens container with you.
Please leave all jewelry, money, and valuables at home.
If you are diabetic, you will be given instructions as to the dose and time to take your medication prior to arriving.
What to Bring
Photo ID
Insurance card(s)
Container for eyeglasses or contact lenses
A list of medications with dosages and how often you take the medications
Amount quoted to meet your deductible and/or co-pays
Telephone number of the adult driver or escort taking you home
Day of Surgery
Arrival
Please arrive at Stony Point Surgery Center approximately one hour prior to your scheduled surgery. Plenty of free parking is available. The surgery center is located at 8700 Stony Point Parkway under the large awning over the driveway circle. Please proceed to check-in at the reception desk. If you are unable to keep your appointment for surgery or are delayed in arriving, please call the surgery center as soon as possible at (804) 775-4500.
Getting Ready
Before your surgery, you will be taken to the preoperative area to change into a gown, cap, and slippers. You may leave your undergarments on unless they interfere with the surgical procedure.
Surgery
When we are ready for your surgery, you will be escorted to the operating room. The operating room may feel cool. We will make every attempt to explain things as we go, but feel free to ask any questions you may have.
After Surgery Recovery
Following surgery, you will be taken to the post anesthesia recovery unit. You will be monitored until your anesthetic wears off. During this phase, you may begin to experience some discomfort and nausea.
Pain Control
Although some pain can be expected with any surgery, your nurse will work closely with you to provide pain control medication. You will be asked to rate your level of pain on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (severe pain). This helps “measure” your pain so we can select the most effective pain control medication. As you recover from the anesthetic, you can be joined by a family member or friend to review your discharge instructions. When you are ready to go home, we will take you to your car by wheelchair.
Prior to your surgery, ask your physician if you can receive your prescription in advance so you do not need to go to the pharmacy right after your procedure.
Discharge
Because you are not allowed to drive for 24 hours after your procedure is finished, and to help ensure your safety, an adult over the age of 18 must accompany you and drive you home. Your ride must be available to pick you up when the nurse calls. Transportation by taxi is acceptable as long as a responsible adult is with you.
Instructions
After your procedure has been completed, we will call your ride when you are ready to leave, if they are not in the building. When you are ready to leave, a nurse will review your discharge instructions with your caregiver. A written copy of your instructions will be given to you. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Going Home
A staff member will accompany you to the MEDRVA Stony Point Surgery Center exit where a family member or friend can pick you up. Remember that you are not to drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or make any major decisions for at least 24 hours. In addition, try to rest at least 12 hours after you get home. It is common to feel tired, dizzy, sleepy, or slightly nauseated after a surgical procedure. We recommend that you have someone stay with you on the day of surgery. If you have any questions after surgery, please call your physician.
Follow Up Call
A staff member may call you the day following your procedure to make sure there are no problems and to answer any questions you might have. Once again, we welcome your comments and feedback.
Satisfaction Survey
You will receive a patient satisfaction survey in your discharge material regarding the care you received. Our goal is that every member of your surgery care team provided a positive experience. If you feel you did not receive excellent care, please contact either the MEDRVA Surgery Center administrator at 804-775-4500 or the compliance officer at 804-775-4516.