Patient Information
Below you will find documents, preparation information and other helpful resources better your experience at our centers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
Before Surgery
If you have any special requests (i.e. disabilities, language translation, etc.), please call our Corporate Office at (818)937-9969 and let us know what your specific needs are. We will be happy to accommodate you!
Transportation: You must have transportation available for pickup. Uber, taxi, or other private car service is not acceptable if you are attempting to go home alone. If you need transportation arranged, please call our corporate office at (818) 937-9969.
Transportation: You must have transportation available for pickup. Uber, taxi, or other private car service is not acceptable if you are attempting to go home alone. If you need transportation arranged, please call our corporate office at (818) 937-9969.
Eating restrictions
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night prior to your surgery. This includes solid foods, gum, candy, liquids and dairy products of any kind. This restriction is because anything in your stomach may cause serious, even life-threatening complications when anesthesia is administered. If you have eaten or drank anything after midnight, your procedure may have to be re-scheduled.
- Children under two years of age can have sugar water up to three hours before surgery.
- Please follow all preparation instructions given to you by your Doctor and Pre-Operative Nurse. If you are taking meds please consult with your Doctor for instructions.
Personal Hygiene and APPEARANCE on the day of surgery
- Please take a bath or shower either the night before or morning of your surgery.
- Brush your teeth, being careful not to swallow any liquid.
- Wear loose-fitting, easily removable clothes that will fit over bandages and splints. Avoid wearing jeans/denim of any kind.
- Do not apply makeup or hair products of any kind. Lotions and deodorants should not be applied near the surgery area.
- All watches, rings, necklaces, earrings and body piercings must be removed prior to surgery. Better yet, leave them at home.
- Remove contact lenses prior to surgery. Bring a lens container, or eyeglasses, if needed to read and sign your forms.
Call us the day before surgery to discuss the following
Time of surgery and medical history. Please call (949) 900-1340 between 10:00am and 3:00pm one business day before your surgery to receive your pre-operative instructions and to review your medical history with our staff. We ask that you arrive one hour prior to surgery to complete and sign consent forms.
If you have any serious medical problems or have recently developed a cold, fever, sore throat or any other condition that you believe might affect your readiness for surgery, please tell us during your telephone interview.
If you have any serious medical problems or have recently developed a cold, fever, sore throat or any other condition that you believe might affect your readiness for surgery, please tell us during your telephone interview.
Items to bring with you on the day of your surgery
- Your Photo Identification (Driver License, State I.D. or Passport).
- Insurance Card(s), if applicable.
- Cash, Credit Card or Personal Check for any owed deductibles, co-pays or self-pay procedures.
- Bring the completed ‘Patient Information' forms filled out as best you can. You may fill the forms online, or elect to fill it out in person upon arrival.
- Storage cases for eyeglasses, contact lenses and solution, dentures or hearing aids, as you may be asked to remove these items when you dress for the procedure.
- If you are on oxygen or use a CPAP/BIPAP at home (and are having general anesthesia), please bring it with you.
- Please limit only one adult visitor per patient and one or both parents for children under 18.
- Please do not bring young children, if possible.
Types of anesthesia
May be discussed with Anesthesiologist prior to going into surgery. Types of anesthesia fall into three categories:
- Local Anesthesia is an injection of a numbing medicine at the operative site
- Regional Anesthesia is an injection to numb an entire limb or lower body
- General Anesthesia is medicine given through an IV catheter to ease you to sleep, after which you breathe an anesthetic to keep you asleep
After Surgery
The average length of stay following surgery is an hour or two, but this may be shorter for children or adults who have brief procedures. You must have a responsible adult give you a ride home and arrange to have someone stay with you following surgery. Also, for the first 24 hours after surgery, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and:
- Don’t stay alone
- Don’t operate an automobile or other power equipment
- Don’t sign legal documents or make important decisions
- Don’t care for a dependent person
- Don’t drink alcohol or take any medication that your doctor didn’t prescribe
General FAQ
Here we have listed some of the most frequent questions we get from our patients. Simply click on the question to reveal the answer. If you have questions that are not answered here please contact us.
General Questions
Where can I find directions to the Prime Surgery Center?
You can find directions to our surgery centers on our surgery centers page.
What are the hours of operation for Prime Surgery Centers?
Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, Saturday: By Appointment Only, Sunday: Closed. Business office hours are 8:30 am to 6 pm.
Do Prime Surgical Centers have a parking lot?
Yes, we provide free parking. Most centers have open parking for patients and visitors. For our Encino and Newport Beach locations we provide parking validation at the front desk. Be sure to read parking directions for the center that you are visiting on the surgery center page.
Is there a cafeteria?
Some of our centers have cafeteria inside the building such as Prime Surgical Center of Encino. Few others do not but there are conveniently local restaurants and diners that offer healthy to go meals. Be sure to call the specific center and our staff will be more than happy to provide local options.
What does NPO mean?
NPO stands for “nothing by mouth”. This includes water, gum (gum increases natural saliva production), hard candy, chewing tobacco, food and drink.
What should I wear the day of my procedure?
You will be provided a surgical gown during your procedure. Please wear loose, simple, comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Leave all jewelry at home. Please keep in mind what procedure is being performed and bring clothes that are appropriate for your return home. For example, loose button-up shirts are best for shoulder surgeries. For lower extremity orthopedic surgeries, loose shorts or pants are recommended. Wear something that will easily accommodate a bandage, cast or other type of dressing at your surgical site. If you are having a pain injection, wear elastic loose fitting pants and avoid wearing jeans or pants with metal around the waist area, such as zippers, grommets or buttons. Please remember to leave all valuables at home.
Why do I have to arrive so early before my surgery?
There are many things we need to do to prepare for your surgery. A registered nurse or nurses will take your vital signs, wash and remove hair from your surgical area, review your medical history and medications, and start your IV. We will take the time you need to discuss your surgery, answer any questions you may have and review instructions for return home. You will also visit with your surgeon and anesthesiologist prior to your surgery.
Will I have my surgery at the time I am scheduled?
Your scheduled surgery time is an estimated time. Surgeries may take a shorter or longer amount of time than planned; therefore, we cannot give an exact scheduled time. We will make every effort to meet your expected surgery time and will keep you and your family informed of any delays.
Pre-Procedure
Why can’t I have anything to eat or drink before surgery?
There are several reasons for this rule. First, if there are contents remaining in your stomach, you are more likely to get nauseated and possibly vomit after surgery. Second, during sedation or anesthesia, when anything is present in your stomach, including water, excess saliva, food or drink, these contents can be regurgitated and inhaled into the lungs. This may cause complications, including severe pneumonia.
Do I need crutches?
If you are having surgery on your lower extremities, ask your physician if you will need crutches. If possible, please bring the crutches with you.
What should I bring with me?
Bring a case for your glasses, contacts and dentures. Bring reading glasses if needed. Bring any paperwork you were given at the doctor’s office. Bring crutches, ice machine, brace, boot or sling if needed. Bring your inhaler, CPAP, and insulin if requested by your physician or Prime Surgical Center representative. Bring a photo ID, your insurance card and a form of payment if you have been notified of a co-pay or deductible amount due on the day of your procedure. All jewelry and piercings needs to be removed.
Will my family be able to stay with me while I am being prepared for my surgery?
Yes, you may have a friend or family member with your during the preparation for surgery. We prefer that you limit visitors to one friend or family member. If possible, make arrangements for someone to care for your children the day of the surgery. We do our best to provide a calm, quiet area for our patients while they recover.
Post-Procedure
Will I be able to see my family after my surgery?
For a period of time, you will be in the recovery room. One friend or family member may join you in the post-operative recovery room depending on your nursing needs.
How will I feel after my procedure?
You may feel groggy and tired. You may feel cold or have some chills. Warm blankets are available. Noises may seem louder than usual. Your vision may be blurred and you may have a dry mouth. You may feel some discomfort. Your recovery room nurse can give you pain and nausea medications that your anesthesiologist and surgeon have ordered for you.
What can I do to minimize pain after surgery?
If you are having a surgical procedure, it is normal to experience pain afterwards. If you have been given a prescription for pain medications, fill it as soon as possible, preferably before surgery and bring them with you to the surgery center. Stay on top of your pain by taking the pain medication when you first become aware of pain sensations. Remember to always eat before taking pain medications to avoid nausea. To minimize pain after an orthopedic procedure, ice and elevation of the affected extremity will help minimize swelling, therefore reducing pain. Detailed discharge instructions will be provided based on your specific surgery.
Why are cuts and abrasions around my surgical site important?
If there is a break in the skin around your surgical site, the chance of infection is increased. If you notice any break in the skin anywhere close to the surgical site, please notify your surgeon immediately.
When will I be allowed to go home?
Everyone reacts differently to surgery and anesthesia, therefore, recovery time depends upon the individual. When you are awake, doing well and feel ready to go home, your nurse will review your post-operative instructions with your responsible party, then allow you to go home. If you receive anesthesia or sedation, you will need to have a responsible adult with you for the first 24 hours to help you with your care. Your safety is our primary concern.
Do I need someone to drive me home and stay with me after my procedure?
Yes, you will need to have a responsible adult take you home after any procedure requiring sedation or anesthesia. This is for your safety. You will need someone available to assist you at home. Patients cannot drive for 24 hours after being sedated or receiving anesthesia.
When can I resume my usual activities? Go back to work? Drive a car?
With regard to driving a car, going back to work or resuming exercises, etc., ask your surgeon, who will explain any limitation(s) you may have.
What danger signs should I watch for when I go home?
Notify your physician immediately if you experience any excessive bleeding, signs of infection (redness, swelling, heat, increased pain, red streaks, drainage from the wound, fever of 100.6 degrees or higher), difficulty breathing, excessive pain, excessive nausea and vomiting, inability to urinate, if you feel short of breath or if you have any new pain in either calf area. For any other concerns or problems, contact your physician or the Prime Surgical Center at (818)946-7800. In case of an emergency, call 911.
Contacting Prime
Who do I contact for questions regarding payment or insurance coverage for an upcoming procedure?
Please contact the Prime Surgical Center Business Office at (818)937-9969.
Who do I contact for questions regarding my bill?
Please contact Prime Surgical Center billing department at (818)937-9969. Please identify the location for your surgical facility to ensure you are connected to the correct representative.
Who do I contact for questions regarding preoperative clinical questions?
Please call (818)946-7800 and ask to speak to a pre-surgery testing nurse. If your call goes to voice mail, please leave a message as we check voice mail frequently throughout the day.
Who do I contact for questions regarding lab or pathology results?
Please contact your physician’s office as they receive these results and can pass them on to you.
Who do I contact for questions regarding medical records?
Please contact the Business Office at (818)937-9969. A release authorization will be required.
Form Downloads
If you are a new patient, please fill out the Assignment of Benefits form below in advance of your appointment to assist the staff in making sure that we have all the information necessary to provide you with quality care and treatment. Please bring the completed forms with you to your appointment. Be sure to fill our the correct form based on the location that you are visiting.
- Welcome to Prime Surgical Centers (Brochure)Assignment of Benefits
Download FileAssignment of Benefits Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Download FilePatient Rights and Responsibilities
