How do I prepare for my procedure?
What should I do the day of the procedure?
What do I do after my procedure?
Is there lodging for out-of-town patients/family?
Who do I call with questions about my bill?
What is an ambulatory surgery center?
How does an ambulatory surgery center differ from other outpatient facilities?

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How do I prepare for my procedure?

There are a few simple things to do to in advance of your procedure. If you have any questions about these or other items, please call Fremont Surgery Center at (510) 793-4987:

1. You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after your discharge from the Surgery Center. You may not go home in a taxi unless you are accompanied by a responsible adult. Be sure to arrange for a responsible adult to be with you during the first 24 hours after your procedure for your protection and safety.

2. If there is any change in your physical condition, such as a cold or fever, please notify your doctor before arriving at the Surgery Center.

3. Do not eat or drink anything, including water or gum, after midnight the night before your procedure unless otherwise directed. Refrain from smoking the night before your procedure. If directed to do so at the pre-operative visit, take your regular medications with one small sip of water at the regular time. Bring your medications with you. You may brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water.

4. As a courtesy to the families in the waiting room, no children under 13 years of age are to be in the waiting room.

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What should I do the day of the procedure?

Before coming to the Surgery Center please to the following:

1. Remove all make-up, nail polish and hair pieces.

2. Leave valuables at home, including all jewelry.

3. Wear loose, comfortable clothing such as a sweat suit, easy button shirt or blouse. This is important in the event bandages are required after surgery.

4. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring your eyewear case for their safekeeping. Containers will be provided for removable dentures or bridgework.

5. Bring your insurance card and any special insurance claim forms that your insurer requires.

6. Bring a copy of any lab studies that were completed within the previous week (if available).

7. Bring a copy of any chest X-ray or electrocardiogram (EKG) that was performed within the previous six months (if available).

Please arrive on time, at least one hour before the time your procedure is scheduled.

After you arrive at the Surgery Center you will be requested to sign a consent form for the procedure. A parent or legal guardian must sign the consent form and accompany any patient under 18 years of age.

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What do I do after my procedure?

Before leaving the Surgery Center you will be given written directions for your care at home. Be sure to follow those directions and these additional instructions. If you have any questions about these or other items, please call Fremont Surgery Center at (510) 793-4987:

1. After returning home, be sure to follow your doctor's orders regarding what you eat and drink, rest, activity, and medication.

2. Do not cook, drive, smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, operate heavy machinery until the day after your procedure.

3. It is not unusual to feel drowsy for several hours after your procedure. Do not sign any important papers or make any legal decisions until the feeling of drowsiness is gone.

4. Keep any bandages dry, clean, and in place until you are told otherwise by your doctor.

5. A nurse will call you on the telephone the next working day after your procedure to see how you are doing and to address any questions or concerns you may have.

6. If an emergency should arise after you have been discharged from the Surgery Center, contact your doctor. If you cannot reach your doctor, go the nearest hospital emergency department for attention or dial 911.

7. Some patients are given a questionnaire that should be completed and returned so that we can properly evaluate the care provided. Your cooperation will help us improve our services for future patients

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Is there lodging for out-of-town patients/family?

Fremont Surgery Center frequently treats out-of-town athletes and other patients. Please contact us in advance so we can arrange for you and others to stay at one of our local hotels.

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Who do I call with questions about my bill?

If you have any questions or problems about your bill, please contact our business office at (510) 793-4987.

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What is an ambulatory surgery center?

Fremont Surgery Center is an "ambulatory surgery center," a facility where surgeries that do not require hospital admission are performed. It provides a cost-effective and convenient environment that is less stressful than what many hospitals can offer.

Patients who elect to have surgery in an ambulatory surgery center arrive on the day of the procedure, have the surgery in a full-equipped operating room, and recover under the care of the nursing staff, all without hospital admission. Both the patients and their families benefit from the convenience, comfortable environment and lower cost of an ambulatory surgery center.

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How does an ambulatory surgery center differ from other outpatient facilities?

Ambulatory surgery centers are not similar to rural health clinics, urgent care centers, or other ambulatory care centers that provide diagnostic or primary health care. Ambulatory surgery centers treat only patients who have already seen a health care provider and selected surgery as an appropriate treatment. Physician offices are not ambulatory surgery centers. All ambulatory surgery centers must have at least one dedicated operating room and the equipment need to safely perform surgery and ensure quality patient care.

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