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If You’re Coming for an Outpatient (Same-Day) Procedure

If You’re Coming for an Outpatient (Same-Day) Procedure

Here’s some guidelines if you’re coming to Hospital for an outpatient, also known as ambulatory (same-day), procedure.

For additional instructions if you are coming for one of the following procedures:
– Same-Day (Short-Term) Surgery
– Gastrointestinal/Digestive Disease (GI Lab)
– Pulmonary Function Lab  (Testing)
– Interventional Radiology 

Confirming the date, time and location of your procedure

One of our nurses will call you on the day before your scheduled procedure to:

  • Review key instructions to help you prepare for your admission. If you wear dentures, glasses or hearing aides, please ask your nurse if you should bring them to the Hospital.  Please leave contact lenses at home.
  • Confirm the time you should arrive in Hospital.  This will also be helpful if someone is driving you.
  • Find out if you or the person(s) who will be accompanying you have any special needs.  This may include parking for specially-equipped vans, use of a wheelchair or other device for mobility limitations, and/or need for a translator or services for someone who is deaf or hard of hearing.  Please let us know if any of these apply.

If we are unable to reach you and you do not hear from us on the day before your procedure, please call us at the appropriate number below:

Eating, drinking or other restrictions

Be sure your doctor explains if you should modify your diet, fast (go without eating or drinking for a certain period of time), or if there are other changes or restrictions that you will need to follow prior to your procedure. In many instances, not following these instructions can lead to cancellation of your procedure.

Medications

Ask your doctor if you need to modify or change any of your medications prior to the procedure/admission.  This should include a discussion of prescription and over-the-counter medications (including aspirin) you take routinely and whether any adjustments should be made in the days prior to or on the day of your procedure.

To assist you in keeping track of your medications, download this Medication Card, print it, record what you’re taking, fold it and bring the card with you when you come.

What to bring to the Hospital

Since you will be discharged the day of your procedure, you may want to wear loose, comfortable or easy-to-put on clothes (and flat, rubber-sole shoes) which will make it easier to dress when it’s time to go home.

About cell phone use in Hospital:

Please remember that our hospital is for the sick and hurt – we are a place of healing. Be considerate when using your cell phone and follow these few rules:

 

  • Set your phone to silent or vibrate. Keep your voice low and phone conversations to a minimum.
  • Patients and visitors may use cell phones except in posted, restricted areas.
  • Two-way radios or push-to-talk phones cannot be used within ten (10) feet of patient equipment.
  • Some areas of the hospital require all cell phones to be OFF. Watch for [color?] signs that restrict use, especially in our patient care areas.
  • Taking photos with camera phones is not allowed.

Designated driver

If your procedure will require you to be sedated, you will need to have someone bring you to the Hospital on the day of your procedure, and drive you home following discharge.  Parking for this driver is FREE on the day of your procedure.  Be sure to have your driver bring the parking stub with him/her to have it validated at the information desk.

Directions to the Hospital

General directions and parking information are listed under the “Directions & Parking” section on this site.  There may be separate directions and parking instructions that are more convenient for your specific care area.  Be sure to ask the nurse if this applies to you when you confirm your appointment 

Once you get here

Our staff will welcome you and anyone who may accompany you.  We will review additional paperwork, including the consent forms referenced earlier, with you.  Since you will be going home the same day, we will discuss discharge instructions with you before you leave to be sure they are clear. 

If your family members or friends have questions or need assistance, please encourage them to speak with any members of our staff.  We want to take good care of your guests too!