Farmington Surgery Center

Part of the John Dempsey Hospital

At Farmington Surgery Center, we’ve taken outpatient surgery to a new level. The surgery center is a state-of-the-art facility designed exclusively for ambulatory surgery and cost-effective, high-quality care. It contains fully equipped operating rooms and postoperative patient care areas – all with advanced technology. For all its advanced technology, the Center is a warm, friendly place where your health and well-being is the number one priority.

Before Your Surgery

The first steps to a successful surgery are yours. Follow these guidelines on the days before your surgery.

• If you have a fever or cold or notice any physical change, call your surgeon.
• A pre-op nurse will call to confirm the time of your surgery and give you pre-op instructions. If you haven’t heard from the nurse by noon on the business day before your surgery, call 860-679-6000.
• Follow your surgeon’s instructions as to whether you should continue or stop taking your medications.
• Inform the pre-op nurse and your surgeon if you are taking herbal supplements.
• Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to the surgery center, drive you home, and stay with you the first 24 hours after surgery.

Please take these instructions very seriously. Your surgery could be canceled if you don’t follow these guidelines.

Day of Surgery

Follow these simple rules to make the day of your surgery safer and more comfortable.

• Bathe or shower on the day of surgery.
• Don’t wear makeup, hair spray, lotions, or oils. If you’re having hand or foot surgery, remove all nail polish.
• Follow the fasting instructions given to you by the pre-op nurse.
• You are allowed to brush your teeth; however, you should not swallow anything.
• Avoid mints, gum or cigarettes.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Leave all jewelry and other valuables at home.
• Remove all body piercings.
• Remember to bring your glasses, hearing aides, contact lenses or any other sensory aides.
• Arrive one hour prior to your scheduled surgery time.
• You will be asked to sign a surgical consent form. For patients under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form.
• Bring your insurance cards and a photo I.D. with you. This is very important as your surgery could be canceled without it.
• An anesthesiologist will speak with you about anesthesia options and answer any questions

After Surgery

You will rest in the recovery room where our staff will continue to monitor your recovery. When your surgeon and anesthesiologist determine that you’re ready to go home, you will be given instructions on what you should and should not do at home.

• You may not drive yourself home.
  Make arrangements for someone to take you home, since you might feel sleepy or dizzy for several hours after anesthesia and medications.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding rest, activity, diet and medications.
• Don’t sign any legal documents or make important decisions for 24 hours.
• Don’t smoke or drink alcoholic beverages.
• Don’t drive a car or operate heavy equipment for 24 hours.

A nurse will call you the first business day after your surgery to check on your progress and answer any questions. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you have any questions or problems.

Your Child and Surgery

Surgery is often frightening or confusing to children because the surroundings and experience are unfamiliar. Here are a few suggestions to help your child feel at ease.

• Bring your child’s favorite toy or blanket.
• Talk to your child about the surgery and what they can expect.
• Encourage your child to ask questions.
• You can stay with your child until they are taken to the operating room. You will be reunited as soon as possible after surgery.

We recommend two adults accompany a child: one to drive home, and one to care for the child.

Insurance and Billing

Your surgery will be billed to your insurance company; however, you are responsible for any deductible, coinsurance or balance. Payment for these amounts is expected on the day of surgery. Whenever possible, you will be notified in advance of the estimated amount due.

If you do not have insurance, or if you are having cosmetic surgery, you will be required to pay for surgery on or before the day of admission. An actual bill indicating a total charge will be sent after surgery. You are required to pay any unpaid balance within 30 days.

The UConn Health Center accepts most major credit cards.

Services provided by your surgeon and anesthesiologist, as well as radiology and pathology, if applicable, will be billed separately.

For workers’ compensation claims, we need more information, specifically the name of the workers’ compensation insurance company, the agent or person to contact at work, your employer’s address at the time of your injury, the date and time of your accident and your claim number.

We participate with most local and national commercial insurers, HMOs, PPOs and workers’ compensation carriers. Call us if you are unsure about your coverage.

When you have a question regarding a bill, please give us a call. If you have a question regarding your surgeon’s or other provider’s bill, please call his or her office.