General Questions
What are the hours of operation for North Metro Surgery Center?
Our clinical hours of operation are 6:00am - 5:00pm and business hours are between 8:30am - 5:00pm.
Do you have a cafeteria at North Metro Surgery Center?
We do not have a cafeteria at our facility. There is a snack basket, coffee machine and soda machine here for families and there are many restaurants within close proximity to North Metro Surgery Center. If family members and visitors have specific dietary needs, please plan ahead and bring appropriate foods.
What does NPO mean?
NPO stands for "nothing by mouth". This includes water, gum (gum increases natural saliva production), hard candy, food or 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 and contacts at home. Please keep in mind what you are having done and bring the appropriate clothes. For example, for shoulder surgeries, loose button-up shirts are best, for leg surgeries, loose shorts or pants are recommended. Whichever site you are having worked on, wear something that will facilitate a bandage, cast or other type of dressing. And please remember to leave all valuables at home.
Pre-Procedure
What medications and medical conditions should I notify my physician or North Metro Surgery Center about?
If you are taking any heart medications, blood pressure medications, blood thinners (including aspirin and aspirin-like products like ibuprofen), diet pills, herbal supplements or diabetes medications please contact a pre-op nurse by calling (303) 288-4694.
In addition, please contact us if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- Latex allergy or latex sensitivity
- Diabetes
- Heart conditions
- Kidney or liver failure
- Pregnancy
- If you have been feeling ill lately (fever, cough, or other concerns)
Why can't I have anything to eat or drink before surgery?
There are several reasons for this rule. First, if there are contents in your stomach, you are more likely to get nauseated and get sick after surgery, and no one wants that. Second, 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 pneumonias.
Why should I fill prescriptions that my physician has given me before I have my surgery?
After your procedure, you may be tired and groggy and may not be up to a trip to the pharmacy. Filling your prescriptions beforehand will be easier on you and you will have pain medications on hand when you need them.
Do I need crutches?
If you are having any surgery on your lower extremities, ask your physician if you will need crutches. If you do, please get the crutches before your surgery as we do not provide them.
Who do I contact for my appointment time?
Please contact your physician's office the day before your procedure to confirm the correct appointment time.
Post-Procedure
What can I do to minimize pain after surgery?
If you are having a surgical procedure, you may experience normal pain afterwards. To minimize pain after an orthopedic procedure, ice and elevation of the affected extremity will help minimize swelling, and reduce pain. If you have been given a prescription for pain medications, get it filled as soon as possible (before surgery). Stay on top of your pain by taking the pain medication when you first become aware of pain sensations. Remember; always eat before taking pain medications to help avoid nausea.
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.
I am scheduled to stay overnight after my surgery. What should I expect?
We have six private overnight rooms. Each room has a phone, cable TV and access to a bathroom. You will be moved to your overnight room after a few hours in the recovery room. Visitors are allowed throughout the night, although we ask that visitors allow patients to rest as much as possible. If the patient is a minor, we will make accommodations so that a parent can stay in the room that night, if space allows.
Patients are served light meals when staying overnight. If the patient has strict dietary requirements, please let us know ahead of time, or bring appropriate foods.
Please bring any personal items needed, for instance, tooth brush and toothpaste, combs, and any other personal hygiene items needed. Also, feel free to bring a robe or favorite pillow.
Discharge times vary for our overnight patients. Some physicians will come in the morning to see you, while others allow for discharge without a visit from the surgeon. If the physician is coming to visit you in the morning, you will usually be discharged after they see you, unless other treatments are needed before discharge (medications or dressing changes). The time is usually between 7:00am - 9:00am.
Do I need someone to drive me home and stay with me after my procedure?
Yes, you will need to have an adult take you home after any procedure requiring sedation or anesthesia. This is for your safety. In case you need help at home, you will need someone available to assist you. Patients cannot drive for 24 hours after having sedation or anesthesia.
Contacting North Metro Surgery Center
Who do I contact for questions regarding my bill?
Please contact Musculoskeletal’s Central Business Office at (720) 279-2678.
Who do I contact for questions regarding Preoperative clinical questions?
Please call (303) 288-4694 and ask to speak to one of the nurses in pre-op or recovery.
Who do I contact for questions regarding financial matters or insurance questions?
Please contact our Central Business Office at (720) 279-2678.
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 Center at (303) 288-4694.
Who do I contact if I have a grievance?
Please contact our Nurse Manager, Diane Sutton by calling (303) 288-4694 or e-mailing to Diana.Sutton@hcahealthcare.com or you may contact North Metro Surgery Center’s Administrator, Rhonda Von Loh at the same number or via e-mail to Rhonda.VonLoh@hcahealthcare.com.