Specializing in same-day surgery
SurgiCare is an outpatient surgical department at CAMC Memorial Hospital that strives to keep your minor surgery from becoming a major inconvenience for you or your family. We want your visit, or the visit of someone you care about, to be as worry-free as possible. Our three large surgical suites are equipped with the latest medical technology and monitoring systems that allow us to handle over 300 different ambulatory surgery procedures, including a variety of urology, general surgery, vascular and podiatry procedures.
We work closely with your physician before, during and after your operation. We're informed of your medical history and present condition in advance of your surgery. You will receive a phone call a few days prior to your procedure to discuss your medical history. Our staff of registered nurses is highly trained and experienced in the latest surgical procedures and technology. They also receive ongoing training in caring for the emotional and physical well-being of our patients.
Pre-Registration
A few days before your procedure, call the CAMC registration staff at (304) 388-9677 or 1-800-348-9677, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., or Saturday between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Have your insurance cards ready and make note of the confirmation number you are given.
When You Arrive
Plan to arrive one hour before your scheduled surgery. At that time, we will review your health history and perform a brief physical examination. We also will ask you to sign routine consent forms. If the patient is under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must sign the consent forms. It's also very important to bring your insurance documents.
After Surgery
Following your surgery, we will give you complete written instructions and answer your questions about your recovery. If you experience complications, contact your physician. If you need immediate medical attention, go to the closest emergency room.
Helpful reminders
It is important for all patients to share the responsibility for their own care before and after surgery. Please remember:
- Don't eat or drink anything (including water, gum and mints) after midnight the night before your surgery.
- Plan to arrive at SurgiCare an hour before your surgery time. If you are unable to keep your appointment, or if you are going to be late, please notify us as soon as possible.
- Always wear comfortable clothes that are easy to take on and off. We will give you a gown, robe and slippers to wear.
- Don't wear make-up, nail polish, hair pins or jewelry.
- Please remove contact lenses and glasses before going into surgery. They will be safe and returned to you (bring contact case with you).
- Dentures or partials that need to be removed will be done in the privacy of the operating room.
- It is mandatory that a responsible adult accompanies you to SurgiCare and drives you home after discharge. A responsible adult will need to be with you for 24 hours after surgery.
- We request that two adults accompany child patients. It is not safe to operate a car and be responsible for a child who has just had surgery.
- Escorts need to be prepared to stay for the duration of the surgical stay. It is important for escorts to report to the registration desk if they need to leave. Physicians and anesthesiologists may want to talk to them.
- After undergoing general anesthesia, it is important to rest for 24 hours with only moderate physical activity.
- Don't drive, operate machinery or power tools for 24 hours after surgery.
- Children shouldn't play on things that require balance, such as bicycles.
- Don't drink alcohol for 24 hours after surgery.
- Since you have been fasting before surgery, return slowly to your regular diet. Start with liquids, and work your way up to solid foods.
- Certain anesthetics and pain medications can cause nausea. If this happens, call your doctor. In the meantime, lying on your side helps relieve nausea.
- You shouldn't sign important papers for the first 24 hours after you're released.
Please note: If you develop a fever, rash, cold or other illness within a week before your surgery, it may be necessary to postpone your appointment.