- What is an Ambulatory
Surgery Center (ASC)?
- Why do some
patients stay overnight?
- Does an overnight
stay cost extra?
- What happens
if there is a complication?
- Who makes sure
the clinic is up to standard?
- Does the clinic
do all types of surgery?
- How can I find
out if I am eligible for surgery at the clinic?
- What kind of
anesthetic will I have?
- Is my surgery tax deductable?
- Under which circumstances is a private
consultation an option?
- Estimated, how much will my surgery cost?
[
Return to Patient Info Index... ]
1. What is an Ambulatory Surgery
Center (ASC)?
It deals with patients who can be sent home several hours
after their surgery, and occasionally those who require a
stay of one night. An ASC is prohibited from keeping patients
more than one night.
back to
top...
2. Why do some patients stay
overnight?
Overnight stays are arranged in advance to care for patients
who require more nursing care or don’t have a responsible
adult to look after them the first night.
back to
top...
3. Does an overnight
stay cost extra?
Yes.
back to
top...
4. What happens if there
is a complication?
The clinic is fully equipped to deal with most emergency
situations. If something unexpected occurs the surgeon, anesthesiologist,
and nurse decide if it requires transfer to the hospital.
Minor complications will be handled at the clinic but the
patient may be sent to the hospital by ambulance if necessary.
back to
top...
5. Who makes sure the clinic
is up to standard?
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC is the organization
that licenses all physicians in the province. It has a branch
that inspects and licenses private medical and surgery centers.
Standards for patient care and safety meet or exceed those
in the public hospitals.
back to
top...
6. Does the clinic do all types
of surgery?
No. Two factors that influence the risk of surgery are:
- The health of the patient. Some medical conditions may
cause problems during or after the surgery.
- The type of surgery. Some procedures stress the body
more, and can have a higher rate of complications.
The licensing body clearly states what surgeries are permitted,
and prohibits patients who have significant chronic illness.
The goal is minimize patient risk at all times. Not all patients
are eligible for surgery at the clinic because of this.
back to
top...
7. How can I find out if I
am eligible for surgery at the clinic?
Your surgeon and family doctor determine initially if the
clinic is the right place for the surgery. Once you are booked
your medical information is reviewed by the staff. The anesthesiologist
may request more lab tests or information from physicians
you have seen in the past. Once the necessary information
has been gathered the decision will be made as to whether
your surgery can be done safely at the clinic and you will
be notified immediately.
back to
top...
8. What kind of anesthetic
will I have?
The anesthesiologist is happy to discuss the different options
and any specific concerns you may have. The final decision
is based on the type of surgery, the patient’s physical
and psychological needs, and the recommendation of the surgeon
and anesthesiologist.
Some of the different anesthetic options include:
- General Anesthetic- the patient is completely unconscious
and unaware of the surgery.
- Local Anesthetic – freezing is injected and no
other medications are given.
- Local Anesthetic and Sedation – freezing is injected
and sedatives are given intravenously to minimize anxiety
or any discomfort. The patient may doze, but will be aware
that they are in an operating room.
- Spinal Anesthetic – freezing is injected into the
fluid surrounding the spinal cord in the lower back. This
renders the lower part of the body very numb and allows
surgery from the belly-button downward.
Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages and
may not be appropriate for your surgery.
back to
top...
9. Is my surgery tax deductable?
Check with your accountant to see if your receipts are elegible
for your tax return.
back to
top...
10. Under which circumstances
is a private consultation an option?
All Surgeon’s, regardless of type, follow the same
guidelines. All consultations are to be booked through the
Surgeon’s office. The only exception to private consultations
are those which are paid for by third party medical providers
such as WCB, DND, ICBC and Disability Insurance Companies.
10. Estimated, how much will
my surgery cost?
Unless you have had a consultation with the Surgeon and their
office has sent us a booking, an estimate is unavailable.
The amount for a surgery is based on the procedure itself,
equipment needed, if an overnight stay is required, if an
assistant is required, the length of time needed, etc. Unless
we have received a booking we do not have any of this information,
including an estimate.
[
Return to Patient Info Index... ]
|
