Patients
What to Expect
At OSC, our goal is to provide high-quality surgical expertise in a convenient and cost-effective manner. By choosing our facility, patients can receive the same level of surgical expertise that they would at any hospital, but without the added costs and inconvenience of an overnight stay.
- No Food Or Drink after midnight, including water, gum, or candy. However, prescription medication can be taken with a sip of water if approved by your physician. For surgery, eat a light supper the day before your procedure.
- Prep Instructions: Follow prep instructions closely if scheduled for a colonoscopy. Incomplete prep may result in rescheduling or an incomplete exam. Read and follow all instructions provided by your physician and the office staff. It is vital for your safety and the quality of the procedure.
- Plan a ride home: Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure. They should stay with you until the following morning. Taxi service is not allowed.
- Notify Your Physician: Notify your physician immediately if there are any significant changes in your physical condition such as fever, infection, heart problems or breathing difficulties.
- Be on time or call with changes: Arrive on time or inform the center if you will be unavoidably late. Notify your physician's office at least two days in advance to cancel the procedure.
- Disclose all medications: Including prescriptions, herbal, over the counter, or supplements. Your physician will inform you if any medication should be stopped before your procedure.
- Appointment Confirmation: The OSC staff will confirm your appointment schedule and financial responsibility before the procedure.
- Payment: Pay copayments and deductibles on the day of the procedure. For more information about payment options, contact the business office at 870-935-8500.
An insurance clerk will attempt to contact patient if a payment is due on date of service. You may not receive a call regarding payment if you have double insurance or no payment is due. For questions regarding insurance processing and payment call 870-935-8500. - Due to potential staff and equipment conflicts, appointment times are not assigned until the day before the procedure once the schedule has been finalized. A nurse will call the business day before your procedure to give you an arrival time and ask a brief health history. If you have not received a call by 2:00 pm the day before your procedure, please call and ask to speak with a pre-op nurse.
- Arrival Time: Please arrive at the time provided by the nurse on your pre-op phone call.
- Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing so you can change into a hospital gown easily. Keep in mind that medical centers can be chilly, so bring a jacket just in case.
- Leave valuables at home: It's always best to leave valuables such as jewelry, wallets, and extra cash at home to avoid any potential loss or damage.
- Bring necessary documents: Bring your insurance card, payment obligation, a driver's license or photo ID, and Advance Directive or guardianship papers, if applicable.
- List of Medications: You'll need to provide a list of all current medications, including their names, dosages, and frequency. Don't forget to include any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you're taking.
- Dental appliances: You can leave your dental appliances in place. These items will be removed and placed in a protective storage container prior to your procedure.
- Contact lenses: Contact lenses may not be worn during the procedure, you will be asked to remove them so be sure to bring your contact lens case or wear your glasses.
- Children: Children can bring a favorite toy or blanket to help them feel more comfortable during their visit.
- Entertainment: You're welcome to bring a book, audio recorder with headset, or your laptop to use in the event there is a delay. We have free Wi-Fi.
- Remove makeup, nail polish, and false lashes.
- Signing consent forms: Be prepared to sign a form giving your consent for the procedure. If the patient is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the patient and sign the consent form. If the patient is not able to sign legal documents, then someone with a Durable Power of Attorney should be present. Be sure to bring forms establishing guardianship (if needed).
- Reviewing your medical information: When you arrive at the center, your chart is already prepared using information provided by your physician. You will be asked to review the information to ensure accuracy.
- Pre-op nurse: A pre-op nurse will take you into the pre-op area to review your medical history, medications, and allergies. The nurse will then have you change into a hospital gown in a private changing room. Your vital signs will be taken, and an IV will be started.
- Sedation: Your procedure may require sedation. If you receive sedation, you will not be allowed to drive home.
- Family waiting area: Your family should wait in the lobby until you are brought to the discharge area. Your physician will speak with your family or the person accompanying you following your procedure. Your family may stay with you until discharge.
- Discharge Instructions: Before leaving the center, you will be given written instructions for your care after discharge. These instructions are crucial for a speedy recovery, so be sure to review them carefully and follow them closely.
- Follow-Up Appointments: If you require a follow-up appointment, the OSC staff will make the necessary arrangements for you. Be sure to check your discharge packet carefully to see if you have a follow-up appointment scheduled with your physician.
- Doctor's Instructions: Once you're back home, follow your doctor's instructions regarding diet, medications, and activity. Proper rest and care are essential for your body to heal correctly, so make sure you take it easy and avoid any strenuous activities. Please refer to your discharge paperwork or contact your physician regarding when you can resume strenuous activity.
- Driving and Alcohol Consumption: After your procedure, driving a car, drinking alcoholic beverages, operating machinery, signing legal documents, or making critical decisions are highly discouraged until the morning after your procedure. The sedation used during your procedure may still affect your judgment and reaction times, so it's better to err on the side of caution.
- Follow-Up Call: At OSC, we care about your well-being. That's why we will call you at home the day after surgery to ensure that you are doing well. If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
No Surprises Act
Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills
When you get emergency care or are treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from balance billing. In these cases, you shouldn’t be charged more than your plan’s copayments, coinsurance and/or deductible.
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