Questions? Call 570-421-4978

PASC Before Surgery Guide

Before Surgery Guide

Preparing for surgery

It’s normal to be nervous before a medical procedure, but our friendly staff at Pocono Ambulatory Surgical Center is here to help and make sure you are prepared and know what to expect.

Please pre-register through MyPASC prior to check-in on the day of your surgery. This will help expedite the process and ensure the process goes smoothly. A nurse will call you the day before your surgery to provide your time of arrival, review any special instructions and answer any questions you may have. If you have not received a call by 2 p.m. the day before your surgery, please contact us at 570-421-4978.

Please note, your surgery will be canceled if you do not have a ride home and someone to stay with you for 24 hours following your procedure.

Before surgery checklist

It is important for you to follow these guidelines before surgery to prevent delay or cancellations.

Food and drink: You may eat a light meal up to 8 hours before arriving to the surgery center. You also may drink clear liquids, such as water, clear tea, black coffee (no milk or sugar) or fruit juices without pulp up to two hours before arriving. Please avoid chewing gum or hard candy the morning of your surgery.

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 and 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 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: A friend, relative or dedicated caregiver MUST stay with you for 24 hours.
  • 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 570-421-4978 as soon as possible.