Patient Information

Pre-Op Instructions

For Your Health and Safety

The night before your surgery you may eat a light snack before 10 p.m. Do not drink or eat anything after midnight, including water or coffee, unless instructed otherwise by the surgery center staff. Adhering to this guideline will reduce the possibility of nausea and vomiting following anesthesia. You should brush your teeth, remembering not to swallow anything. Refrain from using mints, chewing gum, or smoking. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the cancellation of your surgery.

Preparing for Your Procedure

If you have not been contacted at least 24 hours before your surgery, please call the surgery pavilion at (619) 686-3434, and speak with a nurse to receive specific instructions.

Follow these guidelines before your surgery:

  • Please arrange in advance for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you the first 24 hours after surgery. You will not be allowed to have your procedure without prearranging this responsibility. You cannot drive yourself or be left alone. You cannot take a taxi without a responsible adult.
  • We recommend that you arrange for your post-procedure medications with your physician and pharmacy several days before your procedure. This will prevent you from having to stop and obtain them on the way home, following your procedure.
  • Please notify your surgeon before coming to the center if there is any change in your physical condition, such as a cold or fever.
  • Be prepared to sign a form giving your consent for the procedure. If you are under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to sign the consent form. A parent or legal guardian must stay in the facility until discharge.
  • Please consider traffic and parking delays. Plan to arrive promptly at your designated time. Parking is available in the lot behind the building. Validated parking fees will be a maximum of $6.00
  • A nurse will provide you with a patient gown and a place to store your clothing before you are escorted to the preoperative area. We will also check your temperature, blood pressure, and pulse, and ask you to empty your bladder before your procedure.
  • Your family, friends and companions will be asked to wait in the front lobby. They cannot "observe" your procedure. The surgeon will speak with your family immediately following surgery.
  • If you wear contact lenses, please leave them at home if possible.
  • If you wear glasses, bring your case for their safekeeping. For your other personal possessions, you will be asked to have a responsible adult hold them for your procedure.

The Day of Surgery

To help us meet all of your health needs, please follow these guidelines:

  • Please bathe or shower before your surgery.
  • Remove all make-up. Do not use lotions or oils after bathing
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing, such as sweat suits and easy-to-button shirts or blouses that fit extra large to accommodate a large bandage after your procedure.
  • Wear comfortable flat-soled shoes
  • Leave all unnecessary valuables, such as jewelry and contact lenses, at home.

Items Required for Admission

  • Photo ID or driver's license
  • Insurance information card or workers' compensation information
  • Cash, check or credit/debit card to pay your co-pay or deductible requirement
  • Advance Healthcare Directive (if available)
  • List of Medications

Post Surgical Care

Before you leave the center, you and your caregiver will be given verbal and written instructions for your care at home. After you have returned home, please follow your doctor's orders regarding diet, rest, medication and activity. Unless directed otherwise, you should start your diet with clear liquids. Within four to six hours you can begin to eat solid foods. By the next day you should be back to your normal diet. You may feel a little sleepy, lightheaded or dizzy for several hours after your surgery. Do not sign any important papers or make any significant decisions for at least 24 hours.

If you have any questions after your procedure, please contact your doctor immediately. A nurse from the center will call you within a few days after your surgery to see how you are recuperating and answer any additional questions you might have. Do not drive a car, smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, operate machinery or cook for at least 24 hours after returning home from your procedure.

Financial Responsibility

Charges for outpatient services provided by Scripps Mercy Surgery Pavilion are based on a fixed procedural fee. Various insurance companies and government health care payers have established procedural codes for which we have established a usual and customary fee. Most of these insurance plans require us to collect a deductible and/or co-insurance based upon the benefits of your individual plan. We will calculate and inform you of any deductible and/or co-insurance you may be required to pay.

Before your surgery date you will be notified of your estimated insurance coverage and additional amount you will be required to pay. Please make arrangements to make your payment on the day of admission with a credit/debit card, check, or cash. Before coming to the center, please call the Member Services telephone number on the back of your insurance card if you have specific questions about your coverage for outpatient surgery, including deductibles and co-pays.

Our fixed fee covers only the facility services provided by the surgery center. Our fees do not include the professional charges of your surgeon, anesthesiologist, laboratory or radiology services ordered by your surgeon. Charges for these services will be billed separately for these individuals or medical groups. They are not included in the surgery center’s service fees.

As a patient, it is your right to request information or have questions answered regarding fee or payment policies. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your bill, please contact our business office. We will address your concerns between 8:30 and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.