There are many advantages to receiving your care at a freestanding surgical center other than being introduced to a warm, caring environment. Some include:

• highest quality patient care
• patient’s reduced anxiety
• patient’s increased comfort
• elimination of a hospital stay
• higher productivity for surgeons
• lower risk of infection/complications

Since you must be accompanied by an adult, they have the option to remain with you in the pre-op area until you are taken to the operating room. Then, they can either relax in our cheerful waiting area, where we have television, refreshments and reading materials. Or, they may leave, leaving a number where we can reach them to inform them of your progress and discharge time.

You can call New Century Spine and Outpatient Surgical Institute between the hours of 6am to 6pm Monday through Friday, otherwise call your doctor’s office. 

Whether you have sedation or general anesthesia, for your safety, you will not be permitted to leave New Century Spine and Outpatient Surgical Institute alone.

A family member or other responsible adult must drive you home or accompany you in a taxi. You must make these arrangements prior to your surgery date. If you need transportation, the center will provide it within a one-hour distance. If you are self pay, the cost will be $50 one way.

Because it takes time for the effects of anesthesia to wear off completely:

• Do not drive for 24 hours following surgery.
• Do not operate any machinery.
• Do not make any major decisions for at least 24 hours.
• Do not drink alcohol.

Bring some identification, such as driver’s license, insurance cards, picture ID required, insurance forms if needed, advance directive or living will if you have one. 

We participate in Medicare. WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR INSURANCES. If you are a self-pay patient, you must bring the full amount in the form of certified check, cash or money order. We accept all credit cards.

• You should plan on arriving approximately one hour before your procedure is scheduled.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless previously instructed by your physician or the pre-operative nurse. This includes water, gum, candy and mints. You may brush your teeth and/or rinse with mouthwash.
• If at all possible, you should refrain from smoking the evening before or the morning of your procedure.
• If there is a change in your physical condition such as a cold, cough, rash, fever or any change in the condition for which you are having the procedure done, please notify your physician.
• Do not wear any make-up, jewelry, or contact lenses. You may bring eyeglasses and hearing aides. Wear loose fitting, comfortable, easy on and off clothing.
• Take any prescription medications as instructed by the pre-op nurse.
• Bring a list of your medications with you.

The facility is licensed as multi-specialty with our physicians able to offer expertise in a range of specialties that includes:

• Pain Management
• Dental/Oral
• Plastics
• Orthopedics
• Podiatry
• Neurology/Spine
• Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)
• General Surgery
• Gynecology
• Anesthesia
• Sports Medicine

Pre-op testing, if required, will be arranged by your doctor’s office.

We have staff who speaks Japanese, Spanish and Korean. Please bring an interpreter with you or inform us ahead of time, so that we may provide someone who speaks your language, including sign language.

Your procedure will be scheduled by your physician’s office who will confirm the date and time with you.

After your appointment is scheduled by your physician’s office, you will receive a telephone call from a member of your nursing staff. They will review your medical and surgical history with you.

One or two days before your surgery you will be called again to confirm the date and time you need to be at the center and review any instructions you may require.

If you will not be available to take these calls, you may call the facility and make arrangements where you may be reached.