Many procedures that once required an overnight hospital stay may now be performed safely and quickly during the same day with or without an overnight visit. The time in the hospital depends upon your specific situation. Your surgeon can advise you regarding the pros and con of having your procedure as an outpatient. About 85 percent of all surgeries can be performed on an outpatient basis. Some of the more common outpatient procedures include gastrointestinal procedures, gallbladder removal, shoulder surgery, knee surgery, D&C (dilitation and curettage), laparoscopic tubal ligation, and insertion of pressure equalization tubes in the ears.

Where to go

The following information desks will direct you to the appropriate locations for your surgery:

• Carrollton Short Stay Unit - Located on Clinic Avenue; provides services for surgical day services.
• Villa Rica Surgical Center - located at 705 Dallas Hwy Suite 302; provides services for surgical needs.
• Higgins Surgery- located at 200 Allen Memorial Drive; provides services for surgical needs.

What to do prior to surgery

Pre-surgical testing - Please report to the hospital at your scheduled appointment time with your doctor's orders and any medications you are currently taking.

Day of surgery - Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to your surgery. This includes water, candy, gum, coffee, etc. If you eat or drink, your surgery will be postponed. We recommend that you do not drink any alcoholic beverages or smoke for 24 hours prior to surgery. You should bring a list of your current medications, with dosages you take, and a list of any drug or other allergies. If you take medications for high blood pressure, diabetes or nervous disorders, follow your surgeon's instructions about these. If you use an inhaler, please bring it with you. Notify your doctor if you develop a cold, sore throat, cough, fever or any other illness prior to surgery. Male patients should shave in their normal fashion on day of surgery. Patients should remove all jewelry (including rings), nail polish, make-up, wigs, false eyelashes and contact lenses. It may be necessary for a family member or friend to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after the surgery.

All patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult for both pre-surgical testing and surgery. You should not drive, sign important papers, or make critical decisions for at least 24 hours after surgery. Follow the instructions your surgeon gives about diet, rest, and medications following surgery. If you have any complications following your surgery, you should contact your surgeon or report to the emergency department.

What to expect

Admissions/Pre-registration
Registering for services-to-be-rendered is a mandatory procedure that enables our staff to learn more about you before any type of treatment is administered. You may register on the day of your visit or pre-register for certain services in order to skip this step upon arrival. Registration takes place in our Admissions departments, located at all Tanner Health System facilities.

Pre-surgery testing - You will be given pre-admission tests and an anesthesia evaluation. These tests may be administered up to a couple of days before surgery and should take about 45 minutes.

Day of surgery - Please report to the hospital at your scheduled appointment time. An admissions associate will complete your admission. Please bring your photo identification, insurance card and authorization number as well as any co-payment or deductible amounts under your health plan. You'll then be escorted to a private surgery preparation room. A nurse will prepare you for surgery and an anesthesiologist will visit you. Children under 14 may have both parents in the preparation room until time for surgery. At the scheduled time, you will be transported to the operating suite for your procedure.

Financial Arrangements

Each patient’s insurance plan varies, so you should discuss ambulatory surgery with your employer or private insurance carrier to determine your specific insurance coverage. All charges that are not covered by insurance are your responsibility to pay at the time you leave the hospital. Personal checks, many types of insurance, VISA and MasterCard are accepted.

Physician Billing

Your hospital bill includes only hospital charges. Physician's professional services are billed separately. You may receive separate bills from the surgeon, anesthesiologist, pathologist (if tissue samples are examined) and radiologist (if X-rays are taken).