If your physician has scheduled your surgery as an outpatient procedure, you will be discharged after you have recovered, on the same day.
Checking In
Arrive at the hospital two hours prior to your procedure time. Check in at the registration desk on the 2nd floor, just outside Elevator B, unless otherwise instructed.
If you have pre-registered for your procedure:
Once you check in at the registration desk, you will be directed to the Pre-Op Surgery Nursing Unit. For the comfort and privacy of all patients, we only allow one visitor per patient in this area. You will be assigned a medical ID band and asked to change into a surgical gown, and any necessary additional testing will be performed.
If you have not pre-registered for your procedure:
Once you check in at the registration desk, we will assist you in completing necessary admissions forms. Any information we already have will be updated, including your Advanced Healthcare Directive form if you have one.
What to bring:
- Your insurance card
- A valid photo ID
- Forms or orders given to you by your physician
- A copy of your Advanced Healthcare Directive form if you have one
- For patients under 18, a parent or guardian must sign consent forms. Guardians must present their copy of the court order granting their guardianship of the minor when registering and on the day of surgery.
Many insurance carriers require the patient to be responsible for a co-payment or a percentage of approved charges. Co-payments and deductibles are due at the time of service. Payment may be made by cash, check or major credit card. Because insurance requirements vary by contract, we ask that you be responsible for verifying that our hospital is a contracted provider. Our financial counseling staff can be reached at (775) 770-7099 to answer questions and assist you with any financial concerns you have.
After your registration paperwork is completed, you will be directed to the Pre-Op Surgery Nursing Unit. For the comfort and privacy of all patients, we only allow one visitor per patient in this area. Here you will be assigned a medical ID band and asked to change into a surgical gown. If you need an EKG, chest X-ray or lab work, it will be done at this time. A nurse will review the list of medications you currently take and ask you further questions to complete your health history. Any questions or concerns you have regarding your procedure can be addressed during your interview. If you prefer, you can fill out your forms at home and bring them with you, using the links below.
Going to the Operating Room
An orderly or volunteer will transport you from the Pre-Op Surgery Nursing Unit to the pre-operative holding area. For the comfort and safety of all patients, only one visitor is allowed in this area. In this area your IV will be started and you will meet with your physician, your anesthesiologist and operating room nurse. The surgical crew will interview you and complete a pre-procedure checklist. Your surgeon will mark your surgical site, and you may receive presedative medication prior to the surgical crew taking you to the operating room suite. Visitors will be directed to the waiting area once you leave the pre-operative holding area. We understand that this can be a time of emotion and stress. We urge you to ask questions and voice any concerns. Our team is here to care for you, and we strive to make your surgical experience as stress-free as possible.
Recovery - Phase One
The surgical crew will transport you to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) after your procedure. At this time your physician will update your family and friends in the waiting area. In the PACU your vital signs and pain management will be monitored by a nurse while you recover from anesthesia. No visitors are allowed in this area. A nurse will give you something to drink and medication to keep you comfortable. Phase-one recovery usually takes about an hour but may take longer depending on the type of procedure you had.
Recovery - Phase Two
For phase-two recovery, you will be moved back to the same-day surgery area where you started. Again, only one visitor is allowed in this area. Here you will be monitored by a nurse for about an hour. A nurse will give you written and verbal instructions about home-care information, including surgery site, activity and diet, as well as signs to watch for and who to call if a problem occurs. If your physician has written a prescription for home medication, the nurse will give you the prescription so you can fill it at the pharmacy of your choice. Any questions you have regarding this medication can be discussed with the pharmacist.
Discharge
When you are cleared to be discharged, a hospital employee will escort you in a wheel chair to the exit, where your driver can pick you up. For your own safety, Saint Mary’s cannot allow you to drive yourself home. It is important to take things slowly after surgery in order to let your body fully recover.
Saint Mary's Surgical Services
235 West Sixth Street
2nd Floor (Elevator B)
Reno, NV 89503
(775) 770-STAR (7827)
