Your Surgery Schedule

You should have already received your outpatient surgery schedule that includes information about your doctor, your procedure, and your surgery date. Your surgery arrival time will be called to you the day before surgery.

Please provide your scheduling doctor's office with any alternative phone numbers where you may be reached.

Please arrange for a ride home and an adult companion for 24 hours. Anesthesia and medications will slow your reflexes and may make you feel drowsy. Driving would be dangerous and you MUST arrange for a ride home or your surgery could be cancelled by your doctor. We prefer that you do not use public transportation unless it is your only alternative. Then someone must be at your home to monitor you.

Prior to Surgery

• We will call you before the scheduled surgery to go over important preoperative instructions, obtain insurance information and answer any questions.
• If additional questions arise, feel free to call the Center at 205.271.8200.
• If your condition changes before surgery, notify your doctor or the Birmngham Surgery Center. This may include catching a cold, exposure to a communicable disease or any other change in health.
• Bring all insurance materials. These include insurance identification cards and forms. You should be prepared to pay any deductible and co-insurance on the day of surgery.
• The Center accepts cash, cashiers checks, MasterCard and Visa.
• The business office will contact you prior to surgery to notify you of the amount of insurance benefits estimated and your share of the expenses.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave all jewelry and valuables at home. Storage for clothing will be provided.
• Bring a list of all your medications including name, dose and frequency.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery other than a small sip of water with your allowed morning medication. Also, do not chew gum or use tobacco products. Please check with your physician regarding your usual medications.

After Surgery

When it is time for you to be discharged, verbal and written instructions will be provided for your care at home. It is normal to feel dizzy and sleepy after surgery. You must arrange for a ride home and it is recommended that you have an adult stay with you for 24 hours after surgery. A nurse will call you at home to check on your progress and answer any questions.

When You Get Home

Take it easy. Plan to go home and rest for the remainder of the day. Your body needs time to recover from the stress of surgery. A friend or relative should be with you throughout the night. Gradually resume normal activities. Follow specific instructions provided by the doctor regarding diet, exercise and resuming regular medication. Contact your doctor for follow-up appointments in their office.

We hope that you will be pleased with the service you receive, and that you will have a quick and complete recovery. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your progress, call your doctor or the Birmingham Surgery Center at 205.271.8200.