Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). We know you have choices regarding your health care and would like to thank you for choosing the ASC and giving us the opportunity to serve you.

We also know that you may have questions about your visit and want to make sure that you have a pleasant experience. Below is a list of frequently asked questions that we hope you will find helpful. If at any time you wish to speak to a member of our management team, please ask our receptionist to contact one of us.

Q. Where are the waiting areas?
A. We have three waiting areas for your convenience: an area with a television, a sunroom area, and a children’s waiting area. Please note that the children’s waiting area is not just for children and their families.

Q. Where are the restrooms located?
A. The restrooms are located to the right of the elevators next to the registration desk

Q. If I am a patient, can I participate in the complimentary coffee provided at the ASC?
A. No. Unfortunately, consumption of food or liquids prior to your surgery will result in cancellation of your surgery.

Q. Where can my visitor/escort get something to eat?
A. There is a food/snack bar located on the lower level of the building. Just take the elevators down to the LL level. Please be sure to sign out at the front reception desk and take your pager with you so that we know where we can find and contact you, if needed.

Q. Why am I limited to two visitors/escorts?
A. In order to make sure we provide a comfortable waiting area with sufficient seating area for all of our patients, we ask that patients limit their visitors/escort to two individuals.

Q. What happens if I do not have a responsible adult that stays in the building during my surgery, takes me home, and stays with me for the first 24 hours after surgery?
A. For your safety, the surgery will be cancelled and will need to be rescheduled.

Q. Why does my escort have to stay in the building while I am in surgery?
A. It is important that your escort remain in the building so that we can keep him or her updated on your discharge status. It is also important that your escort remain in the building and be with you at the time of discharge so that he/she can participate in your post surgical instructions and assist you with transportation needs.

Q. What should I do with my valuables if I brought them with me today by mistake?
A. Please leave all of your valuables with your visitor/escort.

Q. Can I spend some time with my escort prior to going into surgery?
A. We encourage you to visit with your visitor/escort prior to entering the preoperative holding area, as the preoperative process is focused solely on the care and safety of the patient. If you have a special need, please let our staff know.

Q. How can I make sure that my privacy and confidentiality are maintained?
A. All patient information is kept confidential. There are several ways that you can also make sure that your information is kept confidential. First, if your surgeon (or representative) comes out to the waiting area to speak to you or your escort, please ask to use one of the consult rooms available. Second, once you are in the recovery area, we ask that your visitor/escort remain in your assigned bed space. Please use the nurse call button located at your bedside if you need assistance.

Q. How long can I expect to remain in the recovery area after surgery?
A. Patients recovering from routine surgery are in the recovery area for varying lengths of time. The average length of stay is approximately one to three hours, depending on the individual needs of the patient. All patients must meet pre-established criteria for safe discharge. Patients may not feel completely recovered at the time of discharge. Home recovery is part of the ambulatory surgery process. It is not unusual for you to have some discomfort and drowsiness upon leaving.

Q. How soon after my surgery can my visitor/escort see me?
A. We know that you may be anxious to see your friend or loved one after surgery, and we want you to be well enough to have a visitor. Your visitor/escort will be informed when surgery is over and when you have been taken to recovery. Once you are comfortable and able to receive visitors, one visitor will be allowed into the recovery area. Cell phones are not permitted in the recovery area in order to provide a peaceful and restful environment.

Q. Will my surgeon come to see me or my visitor/escort after surgery?
A. Yes. If you do not have the opportunity to speak to your surgeon, and wish to, please notify your nurse.

Q. I noticed that some patients are allowed to stay overnight, is that an option for me?
A. Some patients do stay overnight in the Recovery Care Center (RCC). It is up to the patient’s surgeon to decide whether or not a patient will stay in the RCC. The surgeon reserves an overnight bed in the RCC in advance of the day of surgery if he or she feels that it is necessary.

Q. What if I have questions after I have gone home?
A. Your recovery nurse will provide you with contact information should you have any questions after your get home.

Q. Can I evaluate my experience at your center?
A. Absolutely! We encourage you to bring any experiences, good or bad, to our attention before you leave the ASC. Please ask to see a member of our management team, at any time.

Additionally, after your visit to the ASC you may receive a “Patient Satisfaction Survey” in the mail. We strongly encourage you to complete this survey and return it in the envelope provided. We continually use this information to improve our services and improve each patient’s experience. Our goal is to ensure that your visit to the Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center is a positive one.