What if I cannot make my appointment?

As soon as possible, please notify FCASC if you cannot make your appointment. If you are not feeling well, please contact your surgeon immediately. During normal business hours, you can call FCASC for advice. There are some surgeries which are safer if delayed when you are sick. Please do not delay in contacting your surgeon or FCASC. The earlier you notify us, the better we can accommodate you and other patients.

What should I wear or bring to my appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose clothing. If you are having a cataract procedure, please wear a button-down shirt if possible.  Wear comfortable shoes. Leave all valuables and jewelry at home, including body-piercing jewelry. If you wear contact lenses, you will probably have to remove them for the surgery, so consider bringing your glasses. If you must wear your contacts, please bring contact solution and contacts case. Do not wear any make-up as this can hide certain clinical signs. Please bring with you your identification, insurance card, copay, and completed medication list. Children may bring a favorite stuffed toy, and bottle/ “sippy” cup. Make sure you have a responsible adult driver and caretaker for you at home for at least 24 hours.

Why can I not eat or drink before my surgery?

It is important that you do not eat or drink before your surgery. This is in order to prevent the risk of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery. This is an extremely serious complication and it is necessary that you follow our guidelines. Our guidelines are based on safety standards.

Should I take my usual daily medication? May I continue my herbal medications?

Some medications may need to be stopped prior to surgery. Patients who use inhalers should bring them on the day of surgery.   Our surgical coordinator will address which medications to take on the day of surgery. She will answer any questions you might have regarding your medications. Herbal medications may interfere with anesthetic agents or affect clotting times. For these reasons we generally discourage continuing herbal medications.  Please remember to mention these remedies when being asked about medication by the surgical coordinator.

Who may accompany me for my surgery?

You are welcome to bring one adult with you to FCASC. They are welcome to wait in the waiting room. Please refrain from bringing young children to FCASC as guests.

Will I be contacted before my surgery?

Yes. We call each patient before the surgery to preregister the patient and notify of any financial responsibility. Additionally, our surgical coordinator will review your preoperative instructions, and give you your arrival time for your appointment.  You can also call FCASC directly with any further questions.

May I drive home?

Any patient receiving sedation or anesthesia cannot drive for 24 hours. We require that all patients have a ride home and have a caretaker for the next 24 hours after their procedure. Please make the appropriate arrangements.

May I speak to my anesthesia provider before the surgery?

All patients will be seen by the anesthesia provider on the day of surgery prior to entering the operating room. Sufficient time will be spent to answer any questions you may have. It may be necessary for you to have a preoperative anesthesia interview. Our surgical coordinator will arrange this, if it is needed.

What does it mean to be AAAHC accredited?

Accreditation through the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care shows FCASC’s commitment to providing the highest levels of quality care to our patients, and the same high level of conduct in their business practices. We independently benchmark and monitor patient outcomes and other quality criteria. We regularly perform better than the national benchmarks in all areas of quality patient care. Accreditation by AAAHC is proof of this commitment and signifies that we have met the rigorous standards of a nationally recognized third party.