Things to Know Before You Go

Preparing for Your Surgery

After you have been scheduled for surgery by your surgeon’s office, you will meet with or receive a call from one of our nurses to finalize surgery arrangements and complete your health history.

You may also call the Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center toll-free to complete these arrangements at any time that is most convenient for you, Monday through Friday, 24 hours a day. Our toll-free phone number is 888-780-6084.

A representative will also help you to finalize all insurance information, as needed. Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare. For questions regarding your insurance coverage, please call the Duke Billing Office at 919-402-2000.

If you would like to see or talk with an anesthesiologist or visit the Center prior to your surgery, please call us at 919-668-2000 and ask for a manager who will handle your request. You can also learn more about anesthesiology at Duke by visiting the Anesthesiology Services section.

Before Your Surgery

Remember to schedule your pre-testing prior to your surgery, and let us know where you will be having your testing done. If you develop a cold, fever, or respiratory problem in the days prior to your scheduled surgery, call your physician.

Make arrangements to have someone take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours, as you are not permitted to drive immediately after your surgery. Your escort is welcome to relax in the Center’s waiting area during your surgery.

One Day Before

To find out the exact time you should arrive for your surgery, call the Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center any time after 1 p.m. the day before your surgery is scheduled.

Do not smoke or drink any alcoholic beverages 24 hours before surgery.

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before surgery, unless directed by your surgeon or a member of our staff.

The Day of Surgery

Before you leave your home on the day of your surgery, please remember to:

• Bring in all your prescription drugs in their original prescription bottles.
• Remove makeup, fingernail polish, and contact lenses.
• Leave all valuables at home, including your wallet and jewelry.
• Bring your insurance card, a form of identification, and a credit card or check if you will be paying a fee.

When you arrive for your surgery, you will be escorted into the Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center patient care area and introduced to your nurse and your anesthesiologist. At that time, you will have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding your anesthesia and your recovery period.

While you are at the Ambulatory Surgery Center, please limit yourself to two visitors.

You will be discharged from the Center after you have recovered -- usually about one to two hours after your surgery. You will receive written and verbal instructions regarding post-operative care. We will also contact you the following day to check your progress and answer any questions.

If Your Child is Having Surgery

We know how comforting it is for our younger patients to have loved ones nearby. Parents of pediatric patients are welcome to stay with their children up to the time of surgery, and can rejoin them in the recovery area immediately following surgery.

The Recovery Care Center

While the Ambulatory Surgery Center is designed primarily as an outpatient surgery center, occasionally a patient will require overnight care following surgery. To meet the needs of these patients and their families, the Center includes an eight-bed overnight unit called the Recovery Care Center.

The more extended recovery period provided by this facility allows doctors to perform more sophisticated ENT, general surgical, and orthopedic procedures, as well as other operations, including breast reconstruction and hysterectomy, with many effective methods for post-operative pain control.

Each of the Recovery Care Center’s spacious, comfortably furnished suites is equipped with a private bath, telephone, and television. In-room meal service is provided, and one family member may stay at no additional cost. The Recovery Care Center is fully staffed by a dedicated nursing team to meet the needs of surgical patients and their families and to ensure a safe and pleasant recovery experience.

For More Information

The Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center team looks forward to providing you with high-quality surgical care while making your visit as comfortable and convenient as possible. Should you have additional specific questions you would like to discuss before your surgery, please call the Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center at 919-668-2000 or 888-780-6084.

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