Preparing for Surgery in Sterling Heights, MI

To expedite your check-in process, you will need to register at One Medical Passport. If you have any medical concerns prior to surgery, please contact the pre-surgery department.

A pre-op nurse will call you prior to your surgery to collect information about your health to expedite your admission process and go over your pre-operative instructions.

Our office will call you the afternoon before surgery to confirm your final arrival time. This will be your final actual arrival time. Our surgery schedule is constantly changing and updating and may change from the time you were first given in your surgeon’s office. We will not confirm your final time until the afternoon prior to surgery (or Friday for a Monday surgery).

Non-opioid directive form (link below) helps fight the opioid epidemic by allowing patients to notify health professionals they don’t want opioids.  If you would like this during your stay at Premier Surgical Center of Michigan, please complete this form and share it with the front desk and nursing team on the day of surgery.

All patients will need an up-to-date medical history and physical form. Some may need blood tests, EKGs, or X-rays. Your surgeon will advise where you will have this done.

Some families may elect to bring their children for a preoperative tour.

Some patients may choose to come to the center before their surgery date to complete paperwork or make payments. We strongly recommend that you complete all preoperative documentation before the day of surgery.

Yes. We strongly encourage you to have completed all the registration forms before the day of surgery. We prefer that you simply walk in the day of your surgery and be shown to your room rather than fill out pages of paperwork. For your convenience, we have provided an online registration feature.

Please notify the surgeon and the center as early as possible if you cannot make your scheduled appointment. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.

Please wear comfortable clothing. Button-down shirts or blouses are best. Wear comfortable shoes. Leave all 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 a contact case. Please do not wear any makeup as this can hide certain clinical signs. Please remove all body piercings.

You refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery. This complication is very serious, and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your surgery as some think.

We have very clear policies as to specific times before surgery when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. These are all based on safety standards. Please note that the standards have been revised recently. We believe that the fasting time should be as short as possible before your surgery. You will not improve your safety by not eating or drinking longer than necessary; in fact, at times you may complicate things a bit.

Children have different fasting schedules than adults – so please check in the children and special needs adults’ section.

We generally request that you take your medication before leaving home. Diabetic medications will be individualized. We will usually hold diabetic medicines and manage your sugar at the center. You should be contacted before your surgery leaving no doubts in your mind as to which medications you should take. Please bring all your medications with you.

People using inhalers must bring them to the center on the day of surgery.

Some medications will be stopped for the surgery, particularly diabetes medication and blood thinners. You should bring these medications with you on the day of surgery. Please call us with any questions you may have.

Herbal medications may have harmful effects on the surgery. Many of these remedies may affect your clotting mechanism and interfere with the anesthetic agents. (The list of drugs and their side effects are too great for this site.) We generally request that you stop these medications two weeks before surgery. Please remember to mention these remedies when being asked about medication.

You are welcome to bring one person with you to the center. That person will be allowed to be in your room with you before surgery and may sit with you after the surgery if you so choose.

When a patient is a child often two parents and/or guardians will accompany him or her to the center. We will do our best to accommodate everyone, however, one parent and/or guardian will be permitted into the recovery room at a time.

Please refrain from bringing young children to the center as guests.

We will individualize each patient’s care.

Yes. We call each patient before the surgery to gather information and to be helpful to us and hopefully answer any of your questions. Preoperative instructions will be given by the nurse who calls you. You can also call the center directly with any questions.

Yes. You can comfortably take a shower, bathe, brush your teeth, etc. Please do not use makeup, hair spray, nail polish, or toiletries. These may interfere with the anesthesia monitoring and possibly hide clinical signs from the anesthesiologist.

If you are not feeling well, please contact your surgeon immediately. During normal business hours, you can call the center for advice. There are some surgeries that are safer if delayed when you are sick. We need to know specific details to make the decision. Please do not delay in contacting your surgeon or the center.

This will not affect most surgical procedures. There are a few specific gynecological procedures that may be impacted by menstruation.

It is very important for us to be aware of this possibility. Only essential surgery is done on pregnant patients. If there is any doubt, please contact us immediately.

Any patient receiving anesthesia should not drive until the next day. A patient receiving sedation for a procedure needs a ride home.

We would strongly recommend that all patients have a ride home and will be received by a responsible adult when they arrive home. Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk, or take public transportation after sedation or anesthesia. Please make the appropriate arrangements.

All patients will be seen by the anesthesiologist on the day of surgery prior to entering the operating room. Sufficient time should be spent to answer any questions you may have. If you need to speak to the anesthesiologist before the day of surgery, you are welcome to call the center and we will arrange for you to speak with an anesthesiologist. We can also arrange a preoperative interview if you desire. You could also email your questions.

We will make every effort to accommodate any special need you may have. We strongly encourage you to call the surgery center in advance so that we can properly prepare to make you comfortable. Do not hesitate to call and suggest anything that may make your day easier.

Yes. Please bring any walkers, post-op crutches, hearing aids, etc.

• Bring case for eyeglasses or contacts
• Bring insurance identification cards, driver’s license, completed billing forms, copayments
• Bring all medication
• Make sure you have a ride home and someone to care for you at home
• Bring a favorite bottle or “sippy cup” for your child
• Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing
• Leave all jewelry and valuables at home

The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our postoperative call at home. We need to inform and prepare you for each step of the process. This education will begin with our first contact. You will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain from a numerical scale called the Visual Analog Pain Scale, or for children, the Faces Pain Scale. Using the results of our communication we will alter the therapy as needed to assure your comfort.

The management of your pain will be taken very seriously. We will often use a combination of different modalities to help make you comfortable, choosing from oral medications, intravenous medications, nerve blocks, injection of local anesthetic during the surgery, etc. and prior to the surgery, the management of your pain should be discussed with both your anesthesiologist and surgeon. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember that information on pain management gives you the appropriate expectations and hence a smoother, more comfortable recovery.

Yes, in certain situations. Some operations can be performed using a choice of different anesthetic types. Your anesthesiologist will discuss available options with you after reviewing your medical history. Your preference will be discussed so that the most appropriate anesthetic plan is made.

You and your anesthesiologist will develop an anesthetic care plan.

All operations and all anesthetics have risks, and they are dependent upon many factors including the type of surgery and the medical condition of the patient. Most patients operated on in surgery centers are of the healthier group of patients, and in these circumstances serious complications, while they can occur, are fortunately very rare.

There will be circumstances where it is appropriate for a parent to come into the operating room. Studies and experience show that this decision needs to be individualized and discussed between you and your anesthesiologist. There are many situations where other choices are better and possibly even safer.

You refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery. This complication is very serious, and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your surgery as some think.

We have very clear policies as to specific times before surgery when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. These are all based on safety standards. Please note that the standards have been revised recently. We believe that the fasting time should be as short as possible before your surgery. You will not improve your safety by not eating or drinking longer than necessary; in fact, at times you may complicate things a bit.

Any patient receiving anesthesia should not drive until the next day. A patient receiving sedation for a procedure needs a ride home.

All patients must have a ride home and be received by a responsible adult when they arrive home. Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk, or take public transportation home after sedation or anesthesia. Please make the appropriate arrangements.

To expedite your check-in process, we need to receive your registration form prior to your procedure date. If not received, the Pre-Registration Department will be contacting you prior to your date of service.

A health history nurse will call you prior to your surgery to collect information about your health to expedite your admission process.

A scheduler will call you the day before your surgery, review special instructions and answer any questions you have. If you have not received a call by 4 p.m. the day before your surgery or have additional questions, please call us.

It is important for you to follow these guidelines before surgery to prevent delay or cancellations.

Food and Drink:

The night before your surgery you may eat a light meal before 11:00 p.m. Do not drink or eat anything after midnight—not even coffee or water. You may brush your teeth, remembering not to swallow anything. Pain patients may have clear liquids –no dairy, cream, or fats– six (6) hours prior to your procedure if you are having sedation.

Alcohol:

Do not drink alcohol for at least 12 hours before your arrival.

Smoking/Tobacco:

No smoking/tobacco after midnight the night before your surgery.

Makeup, Nail Polish, and Jewelry (including body jewelry):

Please remove all these items before surgery.

Clothing:

Wear loose, casual, comfortable clothing to fit over dressings.

Valuables:

Please leave valuables at home.

Notify the Center & Your Surgeon If:

• You have an elevated temperature, cough, cold, vomiting or diarrhea between your last visit to the surgeon and the day of your surgery.
• You suspect you may be pregnant.
• You are taking diet pills, aspirin, ibuprofen, blood thinners, or certain herbal medicines. You may need to stop taking these 1-2 weeks before your surgery. You can discuss this with your surgeon.

What You Need the Day of the Surgery:

• Information to Bring: Insurance cards, photo ID, Medicare or Medical Assistance information, numbers, and addresses.
• Driver: You must plan to have someone drive you home. Do not plan to use taxis or other public transportation.
• Escort: A friend, relative or dedicated caregiver MUST stay with you for 24 hours.
• Legal Guardian: A legal guardian must be ALWAYS in the center for children and dependent adults.
• Care for Children: If you have young children at home for whom you normally care for, plan for someone else to care for them for at least the first 24 hours following your surgery.
• Interpreter: If the patient cannot read, speak English, or use sign language, an interpreter is required. If you need assistance arranging for an interpreter, please contact the scheduling department as soon as possible.

For your convenience we now offer One Medical Passport for your surgery. Registration is designed to be quick and easy and completing the form should take you 10-15 minutes. Please have your insurance information handy before entering the site.

Start Your Online Registration

Special Care for Children:

We give children the extra care they need in an unfamiliar setting.

Please refer to the before my surgery and during your stay for further tips, as well as the guidelines on this page for children. Following these instructions may prevent delays or cancellation of the surgery.

Drink:

Children may have less than 1 cup (8 oz) of clear liquids up to three hours before their arrival. This includes water, apple juice, soft drinks, and Kool-Aid. No milk or orange juice.

Food:

Children must not eat anything for eight hours before their arrival. Please do not allow them to suck on candy or swallow toothpaste before surgery.

Parental Care:

We require at least one parent to remain in the center during the surgery and recovery. Please do not bring other young children along. If your child’s surgery is scheduled near noon, you may want to bring a lunch for yourself while you are waiting.

Personal Comforts:

Please bring your child’s favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or toy for added security.

After Surgery:

You will be able to be with your child as soon as he/she is awake and medically safe for transfer after recovery.

Special Care for Special Needs Adults:

We understand that loved ones who depend upon others for daily living require special attention. Besides the guidelines in the before my surgery and day of surgery, the following tips, will help make care for these adults easier:

Consent:

The legal guardian needs to sign the consent for surgery and anesthesia on or before the day of surgery.

For Admission:

Please bring the patient’s recent health history and medication information. Be certain to follow the food and drink rules in the before my surgery section.

Personal Attendant:

As with other patients, special needs patients require a parent, legal guardian, or other responsible adult to remain at the center from admission through recovery. A personal attendant will be required to stay with the patient for 24 hours after discharge.

All anesthesia services will be provided by Macomb Anesthesia.

Preoperative Fasting:

Each patient should be given his or her own instructions. Please note that if you eat or drink when you were not supposed to, you could markedly increase the risks of anesthesia. Please follow your instructions very carefully. See sections on anesthesia frequently asked questions and preparing for surgery.

Preoperative Medications:

Some medications should be taken, and others should not. It is important to discuss this with your physicians. Please bring all your medications with you on the day of surgery.

Travel Arrangements:

Unless you are only receiving local anesthesia, you must decide for a responsible adult to take you home after your surgery. You will not be able to drive yourself home. You may not be alone the first 24 hours.

Many patients are apprehensive about anesthesia and surgery. If you are well informed, you will be better prepared and more relaxed. Talk with your anesthesiologist and ask questions. Your anesthesiologist is your advocate and is experienced in making your surgery and recovery as safe and comfortable as possible.

Pain Relief:

In addition to pain medications, we offer several nerve blocks for some types of surgery. Most blocks can be performed in the preoperative area under mild sedation and are tolerated very well. Your anesthesia team will discuss a nerve block if one is available for your type of surgery. A nerve block or blocks are available for surgery on your shoulder, arms, hands, legs, knees, and ankles. Eligible types of surgery include broken bones, shoulder surgery, tears in tendons. An injection placed under ultrasound guidance can mostly reduce or eliminate the pain of surgery for 8 to 24 hours. Many times, no additional pain medicine is needed in the recovery room. Nausea and vomiting risk are also reduced or eliminated. Some surgeries require that we perform a block to be able to do the surgery in a same day surgery center (without you having to spend a night in the hospital due to pain).

We can also numb the abdomen for laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, umbilical hernia surgery, inguinal hernia repair, and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). These blocks are recommended but are not required. For self-pay patients, these blocks are an additional cost.

Preoperative Interview:

Your anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will interview you prior to the procedure. This usually takes place on the day of surgery, but for special reasons some interviews will be initiated before the day of surgery. The anesthesiologist will ask questions about your medical history and review any laboratory tests that have been done. You and your anesthesiologist together will then formulate an anesthetic plan. You will discuss anesthetic choices including risks and benefits. The anesthetic plan will be tailored specifically for you by considering your general medical condition, the type of surgical procedure and your preferences. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns that you may have with your anesthesiologist.

In the Operating Room:

In the operating room, your anesthesiologist is uniquely qualified and personally responsible for directing your anesthetic. Anesthesiologists are medical specialists who ensure your comfort and make informed medical decisions to protect you. Your physical status is closely monitored. Vital functions such as heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, temperature, and breathing are managed. A member of the anesthesia care team will be with you throughout your procedure.

Recovery After Surgery:

You will be taken to the post-anesthetic care unit, often called the recovery room. Your anesthesiologist will direct the monitoring and medications to ensure your safe recovery. Your vital functions will be closely monitored by specially trained nurses. Medications to minimize postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting are given as needed. Nausea and vomiting tend to be less of a problem today because of improved anesthetic agents and techniques although it still occurs quite often. When you are ready, you will be offered something to drink. A family member or friend may be allowed to be with you, and you will be assisted in getting up. Most patients are ready to go home between 1-2 hours after surgery. Oral and written instructions will be given. You will also be given a telephone number to call if you have any concerns when you get home. In general, for the first 24 hours after your anesthesia:

• Do not drink alcohol or use nonprescription medication
• Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery
• Do not make important decisions
• You may not be left alone that first day

Be prepared to go home and continue your recovery there. Patients may experience drowsiness or minor side effects such as muscle aches, sore throat, headaches, and mild nausea. These usually decline rapidly in the hours following surgery. Most patients do not feel up to their usual activities the next day. Plan to take it easy for a few days. The following business day you will be contacted to see how you feel and if there are any problems.

Check-in: 

When you arrive at our center, we ask that you check-in at the registration desk to verify personal, escort and insurance information.

Following Admission: 

After checking in at our center, you will be brought to the pre-op area where the nurse will do a health interview and prepare you for surgery. You and your family or escort will stay in the room until it is time for your surgery. An anesthesiologist will discuss your anesthesia with you and answer any questions. At the appropriate time you will be escorted to the operating room. During surgery your escort will stay in a waiting area and will rejoin you in the recovery area after your surgery.

Once you are in stable condition, you will be discharged. It is normal to experience sleepiness and dizziness for 12 to 24 hours after surgery.

Post Care: 

You will receive verbal and written post-surgical care instructions (please follow these instructions). Your escort must be available to discuss and sign these instructions before you will be allowed to go home. If you experience anything unusual after your surgery, please call your surgeon or go to the nearest emergency room. A nurse from our center will call you the next business day after your surgery to check on your recovery.

Transportation: 

DO NOT PLAN TO DRIVE yourself home or use public transportation after your procedure. A friend or relative or dedicated caregiver MUST stay with you for 24 hours.

There are several separate charges associated with your surgical procedure. You MAY receive charges from several companies.

• Premier Surgical Center – facility fee for your surgical procedure.
• Your surgeon’s office – his/her fee for performing your surgery.
• Anesthesiologist – his/her fee for anesthesia services for surgery.
• Radiology – services for x-ray, if required.
• Pathology – services for tissue specimens removed during surgery requiring further examination.
• Laboratory – services for laboratory tests run on specimens removed during surgery.

We accept all major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and CareCredit. 

Unless arrangements are made in advance, full payment is due on the date of your surgery. Please call the billing department to discuss if needed.

We will submit insurance claims for you. We do collect your deductible and/or copay amounts on or before your date of surgery. You will receive prior notice from us regarding the amount to pay. Once we have the processing on the claim returned to us from your insurance provider, all prepaid overpayments that you had made will be refunded to you in the same method of the original payment within 14 days.

We encourage you to contact your surgeon and your insurance company if you have any questions about your financial obligations. In addition, please make sure your authorization/pre-certification for surgery is on file prior to surgery.

The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our postoperative call at home. We need to inform and prepare you for each step of the process. This education will begin with our first contact. You will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain from a numerical scale called the Visual Analog Pain Scale, or for children, the Faces Pain Scale. Using the results of our communication we will alter the therapy as needed to assure your comfort.

The management of your pain will be taken very seriously. We will often use a combination of different modalities to help make you comfortable, choosing from oral medications, intravenous medications, nerve blocks, injection of local anesthetic during the surgery, etc. and prior to the surgery, the management of your pain should be discussed with both your anesthesiologist and surgeon. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember that information on pain management gives you the appropriate expectations and hence a smoother, more comfortable recovery.

You will receive verbal and written post-surgical care instructions (please follow these instructions). Your escort must be available to discuss and sign these instructions before you will be allowed to go home. If you experience anything unusual after your surgery, please call your surgeon or go to the nearest emergency room. A nurse from our center will call you the next business day after your surgery to check on your recovery