Ambulatory Procedure Center

General Instructions

Do's and Don'ts

The Day Before Your Procedure

What to Bring

Upon Arrival at the Hospital

What to Expect

After Your Procedure

Do's and Don'ts

  • Notify your doctor of any change in your medical conditions, or if any illness or fever develops.
  • Confirm with your doctor which medications you should take the day of your procedure. Medications such as blood thinners, aspirin, or medication containing aspirin may need to be stopped temporarily.
  • Be sure you have a ride to and from the hospital on the day of your procedure.
  • If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring a container to store them safely. You will need to read and sign consent forms.
  • Wear comfortable clothing that can be stored easily.
  • Leave all valuables at home, including credit cards and large sums of money.
  • Cell phones may not be used in the Ambulatory Procedure Center.

The Day Before Your Procedure

  • Be sure you have someone who can drive you to and from the hospital.
  • Most procedures require that you have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before. Please be certain that you follow dietary instructions provided by your physician.

What to Bring

  • Fill out the Health History Form and the Patient Home Medication List. If you are unsure of the names, check the original pharmacy container, which will include the dosage and how often you should take the medication. Be sure to include this information on the Medication List. In addition, record the last time you took each medication with the date and time. Be sure to include any allergies you have to medications, foods, latex, or x-ray contrast dye.

  • Bring your health insurance cards.
  • If you have a Health Care Proxy or Living Will, please bring a copy with you.
  • If your doctor has requested x-ray films, bring them with you.
  • Bring a parent or legal guardian if you are under age 18.

Upon Arrival at the Hospital

  • Follow signs to visitor parking.
  • Proceed to the main lobby; then follow signs to Outpatient Registration.
  • At Outpatient Registration we will verify your personal information and give information to you.
  • After you have registered, someone from the Ambulatory Procedure Center (APC) will greet you and escort you to our department.
  • Those who accompany you to the hospital will wait in the main lobby while you are having your procedure. After the procedure, they will be able to stay with you in the recovery room.

What to Expect

  • When you arrive in the APC, you will be asked to change into a patient gown.
  • A nurse will meet with you to complete the admission process, check your vital signs, and answer any questions you may have.
  • Blood work may be done, depending on your procedure.
  • Your physician will have you sign consent forms. These consents are different than those you signed at the Outpatient Registration area.
  • A nurse will be with you throughout the procedure.
  • We will make every attempt to keep you informed regarding your procedure time, but sometimes delays are unavoidable. You may wish to bring a magazine or book to help you stay relaxed.
  • We are committed to providing you with a comfortable and safe environment during your stay.

After Your Procedure

Once your procedure is completed, you will be transferred to the recovery area. Your recovery time will depend on the type of procedure you had. Visitors are welcome in the recovery room. Before you are discharged from the APC, you will be given written instructions to take home with you.

With your permission, we may follow up with a phone call in the days following your procedure to see if you have any remaining questions or concerns.

Related Links

List of Procedure Instructions