A Patients Guide

Ambulatory surgery, or same-day surgery as it is popularly known, has become an increasingly sought after alternative to a more prolonged hospital stay. Not only is it comfortable, convenient, safe, and significantly less costly, but there is evidence that the more familiar surroundings and less stressful setting play a key role in speeding patient recovery.

Ambulatory Surgery

The Ambulatory Care Center at Huntington Hospital has been designed to offer our community the latest in sophisticated medical procedures, performed in an attractive, modern setting, and staffed by caring, skilled professionals. We give special attention to the unique needs of children in our ambulatory surgery program, with every effort made by our pediatric nurse specialists to reduce the child's fears and anxieties. From the preoperative evaluation through the concerned, expert follow-up attention at the Ambulatory Care Center, you will notice the difference.

The Ambulatory Care Center at Huntington
Hospital provides a wide variety of surgical procedures, including:

	Arthroscopy
	Biopsies
	Brachytherapy
	Cataract and other eye surgery
	Ear, nose, and throat surgery
	Endoscopic surgery
	Gynecological procedures
	Hernia repair
	Laparoscopic surgery performed in all specialties
	Laser surgery
	Lumbar discectomy
	Plastic and Reconstructive surgery
	Urologic procedures, including radium seed implants
	Vascular procedures

Confidence

The Ambulatory Care Center is committed to providing the same standards of excellent medical care and personalized attention that are the hallmark of Huntington Hospital. As a hospital based service, the Center is able to provide patients with all the resources of a well-equipped, modern medical setting, enabling our professionals to perform more complex procedures. When a cardiogram is required, a cardiologist is there to read it; our laboratory is operational 24 hours a day, and a full range of specialists are readily available for consultation.

	Board-certified/eligible anesthesiologists and surgeons
	Nine fully equipped, state-of-the-art operating suites
	Highly trained and certified registered nursing staff
	Preadmission evaluation by our staff
	Accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)

Comfort

Everything has been done to assure the utmost in comfort and privacy for our patients to make the entire experience as pleasant as possible. From the beautiful artwork selected for the Center, to the glowing sunset colors that surround you, the atmosphere is warm and friendly. The attentive professional staff is specially trained to ease your concerns and keep you, as well as those accompanying you, informed every step of the way.

	Semi-private rooms with patient telephone and television
	Private, individual assessment rooms
	Separate patient closets
	Comfortable, modern lounge for patient escorts and waiting family members
	Amenities for patient escorts include coffee, TV, and reading material. On-premises breakfast or lunch is available.

With so many people pressured for time, it is important that both the surgery and the recovery period proceed smoothly and efficiently. Our goal is to return patients to their regularly scheduled activities as soon as possible, with a minimum of disruption for themselves and their loved ones.

Insurance and Billing

The Ambulatory Care Center participates in most insurance plans, however, patients should contact their insurance plan to verify coverage deductibles, co-payment, and other specific requirements of their insurance. Generally, the patient's surgeon and anesthesiologist will bill separately for their professional services, as will the radiologist if X-rays are required. Patient representatives are available to discuss specific coverage and costs with each patient prior to surgery. Patients who are not covered by insurance or where coverage is limited may contact the Credit Office to make arrangements for payment.

Preoperative Evaluation

Once you are scheduled for ambulatory surgery, your physician's office will explain how to register for pre-admission testing which may include laboratory tests, X-rays, and EKGs. These tests are usually performed approximately seven days before your surgery. You will be contacted by the Admitting Office staff with an appointment for pre-surgical testing. If you are not contacted seven days prior to your surgery, please call the Admitting Office Monday through Friday, between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., at (631) 351-2673.

Your physician's office will give you a three part pre-admission form to complete. Please furnish all the information requested and mail the top copy to the Admitting Office to assure your reserved bed. Bring the remaining copies with you on the day of your pre-surgical testing. When you come to the hospital for your pre-admission testing, allow yourself approximately two hours. You will have an opportunity to meet a member of the anesthesiology department and the staff who will care for you and to familiarize yourself with the Center. The nursing staff will discuss procedures with you and answer any questions you may have about your admission.

The Day Before Surgery

Please call our Admitting Office, 351-2243, after 7:00 P.M. on the evening before your surgery, to find out the time to arrive at the Admitting Office for admission to the Ambulatory Care Center.

Preoperative Instructions

Report to your physician any infection, cold, fever, rash, etc. within 72 hours of admission. Unless specifically authorized by your anesthesiologist, do not eat anything after midnight on the day before your surgery.

The nurse will give you specific instructions regarding fluid.
Arrange to have a competent adult bring you to the hospital and stay during your procedure. A comfortable waiting area is provided for your escort. You must arrange for a competent adult to drive you home and be with you at home the first night after surgery.

	Leave jewelry, cash, and other valuables at home.
	Wear casual clothing and bring a robe and slippers. Do not wear any makeup.
	At the Center you will be asked to remove dentures, partial plates, contact lenses, etc. prior to surgery.
	Take a shower at home on the day of surgery before arriving at the Ambulatory Care Center.
	Follow your physician's instructions if advised to shave the operative site with an electric razor.
	Bring any medications that you are currently taking to the hospital on the day of surgery. Do not take medication on the day of surgery unless instructed by your physician or an Ambulatory Care Center nurse.

On the Day of Surgery

Please allow enough time for travel and parking. Lot O has been reserved for you. (Click here for directions) After you register at the Admitting Office and go to the Ambulatory Care Center, a member of our staff will personally help you to prepare for your procedure. Your family member or friend is encouraged to stay with you until you go to the operating room. When you leave, your escort is invited to wait in our comfortable lounge where visitors can read or watch TV. Please arrange for children to be cared for at home. They will not be allowed in the ACC area.

After Your Surgery

Following your procedure, you will be carefully monitored and observed in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. You will then return to the Ambulatory Care Center where your friend or relative will stay with you.

When you are alert, able to walk, retain fluids and meet other medical criteria, you will be discharged by your physician. This is usually within one hour, depending on your specific condition. Before you leave, a nurse will give you instructions regarding medication, dressings, diet, and activities. Complications are rare, but you will be given specific instructions should any excess bleeding, pain, nausea, and/or vomiting occur.

Requirements for discharge include that you be accompanied by an adult who will be with you after surgery to receive instructions and who will drive you home; and the assurance that someone will be with you at home, at least for the first night, in case there is a change in your condition.

At Home

To follow-up on your condition, a member of our professional staff will call you after surgery.

In addition to monitoring your medical condition, we are also interested in your comments and opinions concerning your experience at the Ambulatory Care Center at Huntington Hospital. The entire staff of the Ambulatory Care Center thanks you for your confidence in our hospital.

Important Telephone Numbers 

Admitting: (631) 351-2243
Ambulatory Care Center: (631) 351-2560
Laboratory: (631) 351-2573
Insurance/Payment Information: (631) 351-2447

FOR COMPLETE TELEPHONE DIRECTORY, CLICK HERE.