Have questions?

Phone: 562-426-2606
Fax: 562-426-5866

Before Your Surgery Checklist

  • A nurse will contact you the day before your surgery to collect information about your health, review special instructions, answer any questions, discuss eating and drinking guidelines, and remind you of your arrival time. Please note, the arrival time may differ from what the doctor’s office has informed you of due to equipment availability and surgical coordination. If you have not received a call by 5pm the day before your surgery or have additional questions, please call us at (562) 426-2606

    If you are having a Colonoscopy, EGD, or Sigmoidoscopy, you will NOT receive all call from the surgery center.

  • Notify your physician before coming to the facility if there is a significant change in your physical condition, such as high fever, heart problems or breathing difficulties.
  • Make arrangements in advance for a responsible adult to drive you home.  We recommend that he or she stay until you are comfortable. You are not allowed to drive your vehicle after the procedure.  If you arrive at the facility without a responsible adult to provide transportation, your procedure will be rescheduled for another day.  Taxi service is not permitted.
  • Carefully read and follow the instructions provided by your physician and the office staff.  Those instructions are important for the safety and quality of the examination you receive.
  • Be on time and call the surgery center if you will be unavoidably late.  If you must cancel your procedure, please contact your physician’s office at least two days in advance.  They will advise the surgery center of your cancellation.
  • Allow for some flexibility in the time of your procedure.  Your appointment time may be adjusted due to unplanned events.
  • Some medications such as aspirin, blood thinners, diabetic medication or anti-inflammatory medication may be stopped prior to your procedure.  Your physician will inform you if any of your medications should be stopped prior to your procedure.  Your questions about medications should be directed to your physician’s office.
  • Questions regarding bowel preparations, dietary restrictions and medications should be directed to your physician’s office.
  • The physician’s office staff contacts you prior to your procedure to confirm your appointment schedule and to review your financial responsibility.
  • Copayments and/or deductibles are due on the day of your procedure.  If you would like more information, please contact our business office at 562-426-2606.

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.

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, 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: It is highly recommended that a family member, friend or dedicated caregiver stay with your for 24 hours after your procedure.
  • Legal Guardian: A legal guardian must be in the center AT ALL TIMES 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 562-426-2606 as soon as possible.
  • Form of Payment
  • Bring Medication List