Patient Instructions
Thank you for choosing Lexington Clinic for your surgical, endoscopy and pain management services.
The actual time of arrival will be given to you 1 day prior to your procedure. If you do not receive this call, please call us and ask to speak to a pre-op nurse.
Please read these instructions carefully. It is important for you to follow these instructions before your surgery or procedure to prevent delay or cancellations.
Before Your Surgery or Procedure
A pre-operative nurse will contact you prior to your scheduled surgery. During the call, we will review your health history, medications, past surgeries, allergies and other information about your current health status.
- If you are receiving sedation or anesthesia, arrange for transportation before and after (up to 24 hours) surgery. Also, arrange for someone to care for you for 24 hours following surgery/procedure. Your case will be cancelled if the appropriate after-procedure caregiver and transportation are not in place at the time of your surgery/procedure.
- Your caregiver will be required to stay at the surgery center during your surgery/procedure.
- Patients under 18 years of age must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
- Legal guardians should bring documented proof of guardianship for adults and children.
- Notify your physician if there is a change in your physical condition before your procedure, such as a cold or fever, or if you are allergic to Latex.
- Your physician or a nurse from the surgery center will advise you on medications that can be taken or should be stopped prior to surgery. Please discuss this with your physician prior to stopping medications. If instructed to take a medication the morning of your procedure (i.e. blood pressure medication), take medication with a sip of water.
- If you are taking any medication for weight loss, please let your provider know. Some medications may raise the risk of complications under anesthesia.
- It is very important that you do not eat or drink before surgery if you are receiving anesthesia or sedation. This process is known as "fasting.” Physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals refer to it as "NPO.” It is important that patients follow the guidelines exactly how they are detailed below. If you are unsure, please obtain specific instructions from your physician or contact the appropriate surgery center. Failure to follow any of the NPO times below will result in postponement, or even cancellation, of your surgery or procedure.
Surgical Procedures Requiring Anesthesia/Sedation (Adults/Children)
- Do not eat anything eight (8) hours prior to your arrival time, including foods, gum, candy or tobacco/vape/any nicotine products, unless directed otherwise by your physician or the surgery center.
- You may drink clear liquids until four (4) hours prior to your arrival time. Clear liquids include water, plain black coffee or tea, Gatorade, or clear fruit juices with no pulp, such as apple or white cranberry juice.
Infants Requiring Anesthesia/Sedation
- You may provide clear liquids to your child until two (2) hours prior to the scheduled procedure. Breast milk may be given until four (4) hours prior and infant formula/non-human milk (cow, soy, goat or almond) may be given until six (6) hours prior to the scheduled procedure.
- Bring something for your infant to drink while in the recovery room.
Endoscopy Procedures Requiring Anesthesia/Sedation
- If scheduled for a colonoscopy or EGD, please refer to colonoscopy or EGD prep instruction detail as instructions vary based on prep prescribed.
On the Day of Your Surgery/Procedure
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and leave all valuables at home, with the exception of your insurance card, driver’s license and form of payment.
- NO jewelry may be worn. With safety in mind, it is very important to remove ALL body jewelry and body piercings prior to admission for your surgery/procedure. For safety reasons, if jewelry is not removed prior to surgery, we reserve the right to remove the jewelry, even by cutting off the jewelry, if necessary.
- Bring appropriate storage cases for dentures, hearing aids, glasses and contact lenses.
- Bring an accurate list of medications and dosages, including over-the-counter medicine and herbal supplements.
Bring home oxygen if used. - You will be asked to arrive one to two hours prior to your surgery/procedure time. During this time, you will check in at the registration desk, the nurse will prepare you for your surgery/procedure and you will see your physician and/or an anesthesia provider.
After Your Surgery/Procedure
You will be given verbal and written instructions regarding your post-operative home care including your physician’s orders for diet, rest, medication and activity.
Please bring a caregiver with you that can discharge instructions and provide care for you at home after you are discharged.
If you receive sedation or anesthesia, it is not unusual to feel a little sleepy or light-headed for several hours after you return home. Please have a responsible adult assist you and do not sign any important papers or make significant decisions for at least 24 hours following your procedure.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call your physician or the appropriate surgery center. A nurse will contact you within one business day after your surgery to check on your recovery.
Do not attempt to drive, operate dangerous machinery, make legal decisions or drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after your procedure if you received sedation or anesthesia.
Financial and Insurance Information
The facility fee covers the use of Lexington Clinic Ambulatory Surgery Centers, from the pre-operative phase through the procedure room and recovery phase. As a courtesy we will file your insurance, if applicable.
You may be billed separately for the following services:
- Your physician or surgeon
- Your anesthesiologist
- Lab tests, EKG, radiology and pathology for any specimens removed during the procedure
- Implants or grafts used during the procedure
Prior authorization will be obtained from your insurance company. You may be given an estimate of the amount of any deposit and/or co-insurance that is required to be collected on the day of your procedure.
You will be contacted by the surgery center if an estimated amount is due to make arrangements for payment on the day of the procedure. If we do not reach you by phone or letter, please call the Endoscopy and Surgical Center at (859) 258-4100 or the Ambulatory Surgery Center at (859) 258-4200.
Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have regarding insurance coverage or billing procedures.
