FAQ

A hospital must be staffed and equipped to provide a broad range of services. Significant savings are realized when using an outpatient surgery center for procedures that do not require an overnight stay. The Palmetto Surgery Center’s comfortable surroundings and increased level of individual attention minimize the stress often associated with hospitalization. The conveniences of ample parking, ease of registration and comfortable waiting areas add to the appeal. Patients are released within hours of surgery to complete recovery in the comfort of their own homes. The pleasant atmosphere and special attention are particularly helpful in easing the fears of pediatric patients.

Our surgeons are supported by a highly skilled team of anesthesia providers, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and medical technicians specially trained in surgical and recovery care. The standards of care required by Medicare and surgical governing bodies are strictly followed. Palmetto Surgery Center’s surgical suites are equipped with sophisticated monitors, technical equipment and instrumentation.

An Admissions Nurse will contact patients before the date of surgery. If this call is not received within 72 hours of planned surgery, patients should call 803.865.8200 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday-Friday. The nurse will ask questions about general health, past surgeries and present medications to determine readiness for anesthesia. Please have this information available before the call. The nurse may request that a patient come in for a preoperative appointment with an anesthesiologist and possible testing. Reports of blood work, EKGs or x-rays performed at other facilities should be sent to the surgery center 48 hours before surgery.

On the day of surgery, please arrive approximately one hour before surgery to allow time for admitting and preoperative preparation, unless otherwise instructed. PSC’s doors are open at 6:30 AM, and there is a large patient parking area at the front of the building. Please enter by the front sliding doors in the front lobby and follow the below instructions for your safety and comfort.

 Day of Surgery Arrival and Screening:

• All patients will be dropped off at the main entrance of the Palmetto Surgery Center. They will then complete the CDC based COVID-19 screening process upon entering the facility.
• For pediatric patients and young adults (under the age of 18 years), one legal guardian will also be recommended to have COVID-19 testing completed prior to the day of surgery.  This individual will be screened per the CDC based COVID-19 guidelines upon entering the facility.
• For adults with special needs, one legal guardian will also be recommended to have COVID-19 testing completed prior to the day of surgery and will also be screened per the CDC based COVID-19 guidelines upon entering the facility. After the screening has been completed, the patients along with their legal guardian (if patient is under age 18 years) will proceed to the registration desk.
• All patients/legal guardians will be asked to wear a self-provided mask to the surgery center.  PSC will not be providing masks due to supply shortages and conserving supplies.
• Once screening has occurred, the patient will complete patient registration paperwork and will be called to the pre-operative area or assisted to the waiting room, where social distancing is in place.
• We have a STRICT NO VISITOR POLICY.  No patient companions or caregivers will be allowed to stay inside the building during the procedure.
• The patient is then prepared for surgery in the preoperative bay area. A nurse will check vital signs and gather necessary information, and the patient will be asked to sign a Consent to Surgery form, giving permission for care to the physicians and facility. If the patient is a minor, the form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. There will also be an opportunity for the patient to speak with the surgeon and anesthesia provider before going to the operating room.

What to bring to the Surgery Center:

• Cellphone number of the adult who is responsible for bringing the patient and receiving discharge instructions.  This individual will remain in the car and will receive a phone call when the procedure is completed.
• Photo ID and Insurance card.
• Copy of Power of Attorney paperwork (if applicable).

After Surgery:

• Upon completion of surgery, the surgeon will call your family member or friend to answer any questions.
• The recovery room nurse will call and provide discharge instructions to the individual driving you home.  A written copy of instructions will be provided.
• Once you are ready to be discharged, the recovery room nurse will notify your driver and you will be discharged at the side patient discharge drive thru.

COVID 19 TESTING MUST COMPLETED NO LATER THAN 7 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR SURGERY IF INSTRUCTED BY YOUR SURGEON.  ANY DELAY IN OBTAINING RESULTS MAY RESULT IN CANCELLATION OF YOUR SURGERY.

CAREFUL ATTENTION TO THE INSTRUCTIONS THAT FOLLOW WILL ENSURE PATIENT COMFORT AND REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF COMPLICATIONS. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY CAUSE SURGERY TO BE POSTPONED OR CANCELLED.

• DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY.
• Patients may bathe or shower and brush teeth (taking care not to swallow any water) the morning of surgery. Do not apply any makeup, hairspray or other grooming products to skin or hair. Remove nail polish, contacts, any body piercings, jewelry and hair accessories. Dress in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes. Wear a top that opens in front; cotton underwear is suggested. A patient gown will be provided during surgery. Dentures may need to be removed immediately prior to surgery
• To maximize the comfort of all visitors, we ask that adult patients be accompanied by one person. Both parents of pediatric patients are welcome to remain at the Center throughout surgery. When possible, do not bring siblings with pediatric patients because of potential supervision issues.
• Be certain the surgeon’s office is aware of any current patient medications that thin the blood (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, heparin, coumadin).
• Please notify the surgeon’s office if there are any changes in patient health between the most recent office visit and the day of surgery. This includes an elevated temperature, cough or cold.
  
• Please limit or quit smoking one week before and several days after surgery to enhance the recovery process.
• If pregnancy is suspected, please notify the surgeon. Anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing fetus.
• Bring insurance, Medicare or Medicaid cards and social security numbers to facilitate the admission process.

The PSC staff makes every effort to alleviate the concerns of parents and the pediatric patient.

• Parents are encouraged to stay with the child in the preoperative area before surgery and in the progressive recovery area following surgery. Bring a favorite stuffed animal, pacifier, or security blanket for added reassurance. A sippy cup or bottle (empty or filled with child’s favorite juice) may be brought from home.
• Children should drink plenty of fluids the day before surgery. A snack before bedtime is encouraged. This will reduce excessive hunger and dehydration on the day of surgery. The child must NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING including water, chewing gum or candy after midnight unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.
• The Surgery Center has a pediatric waiting room equipped for the pediatric patient’s short-term entertainment.
• Parents stay with the child during the preparation time before surgery. An anesthesia provider will answer any questions.
• One parent of the child undergoing surgery must remain in the surgical waiting area. A parent will be allowed in the recovery area at the nurse's discretion when the child is awake and stable. Glider rockers provide a comfortable place to hold and comfort younger children.

The surgeon will provide complete postoperative instructions regarding diet, activity and medications. THE CENTER MAY ALSO PROVIDE A SIMILAR SUMMARY, BUT IF THERE ARE ANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS CONTACT THE SURGEON'S OFFICE FOR CLARIFICATION.

After surgery:

• Patients must arrange for a responsible adult to drive them home and stay for the first night following the surgery. A staff member will be happy to contact the designated person at time of discharge.
• Since it is normal to feel drowsy after receiving an anesthetic, postpone these activities for at least 24 to 48 hours:
  • Driving and operating equipment
  • Signing important papers
  • Making significant decisions
  • Consuming alcoholic beverages or any drugs without physician approval

*If there are any unexpected problems, please call the surgeon’s office. A nurse from the Center will contact patients within a few days after surgery to check progress and answer questions.

• Severe or continuous pain
• Unexpected swelling or discoloration at the operative site
• Excessive or persistent bleeding
• Temperature of 101.5° or above