Palouse Surgery Center

What is outpatient surgery?

Outpatient surgery, also known as same-day surgery, is a surgery or procedure that does not require an overnight hospital stay.

 

Will I talk with a nurse prior to my visit to the surgery center?

A nurse will make every effort to contact you via phone 1-2 days prior to your procedure to tell you your arrival time at the facility and to discuss your medical history and answer any questions that you may have. The nurse will let you know when to stop eating and drinking prior to your surgery and will let you know what medications to take if you are taking any. If you have not received a phone call from the surgery center by 2:00pm on the day prior to your surgery, please call the Palouse Surgery Center at 208-883-1500.

 

What do I need to bring with me on the day of my surgery or procedure?

• Insurance card (s) and photo ID.

• List of medications you’re taking.

• Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.

Do not bring:

• Watches, rings, jewelry, and wallets

 

When can I see my family after my surgery or procedure?

After your procedure, we will take you to the recovery area where, once you are fully awake, your family will be able to join you.

 

Can I drive myself home after my surgery or procedure?

No. Because anesthesia is required for surgeries and procedures, we cannot let anyone drive themselves home following a procedure. We ask that you arrange for a family member or friend to drive you to and from the facility on the day of your appointment.

 

What do the facility fees cover?

Our fees cover the use of the facility only. Facility fees do not include the surgeon, anesthesia, or pathology.

 

Who administers anesthesia?

Anesthesia is administered by contracted anesthetists Robert Ellison CRNA and Robert Smith CRNA with R&B Anesthesia PLLC.

 

What types of anesthesia might I receive?

General anesthesia- Under general anesthesia, you are asleep and your whole body if free of pain.

Monitored anesthesia care (MAC)- You will be given pain medication and/or a sedative, in conjunction with a local anesthetic, to keep you comfortable during surgery.

Regional anesthesia- You remain awake, but the entire are of your body affected by the surgery will be made numb to pain.

 

Will I get to speak to the person doing my anesthesia before my surgery or procedure?

Yes. Before surgery, your anesthesia provider will discuss your medical history and review the anesthesia plan; this is when you’ll be able to voice all of your questions and concerns.

 

How long will I be at the surgery center?

It will depend on what surgery or procedure you are having but the average stay at the surgery center is 2 hours.

 

Can I go into the operating room with my child?

No, the operating room is a sterile environment. Allowing family members to be present could jeopardize the environment.

 

How do I know if my insurance company will cover my surgery?

Please check with your insurance carrier to review your benefits and determine if pre-authorization is required. Your surgeon’s office will check to see if your insurance does required pre-authorization and if they do the surgeon’s office will be the one to get that authorization from your insurance carrier.  The surgery center billing department will be happy to go over any questions you have in regards to the surgery center or anesthesia billing. The surgery center will be able to give you a cost estimate for your procedure based off of what insurance carrier you have. Please call 208-883-1500 for billing questions.

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