FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for my procedure?

As a general rule, the following steps will be taken prior to your surgery:

An employee of Gateway Surgical Center will contact you no later than one day prior to your procedure to review medical history, medications you are taking and to give you information regarding your surgery/procedure time of arrival.
You must refrain from eating or drinking anything after midnight on the evening before your procedure/surgery. When having surgery or a procedure where an anesthetic or sedation are used, it is imperative that your stomach is empty. If there are contents in your stomach, you may be at risk for aspiration (stomach contents traveling up your esophagus and back down into either your throat or lungs).If you do eat or drink after midnight, it is possible your surgery/procedure may be cancelled.
By Texas law, a responsible adult (over the age of 18) must take you home. Failure to do so will result in cancellation of your procedure. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home or take a cab home by yourself. Uber, Lyft and other public transportation options are not allowed UNLESS you have another adult traveling with you. It is also strongly recommended that you have someone stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure, particularly if you’ve had an anesthetic or any type of sedation. It is important that you rest and have someone to assist you with your needs.

I need to reschedule my procedure. Should I call the Surgical Center?

If you need to cancel, please call your doctor’s office or call (915) 598-7246 and our contact center will connect you.

Why do I have to come to the center 1 hour before my procedure?

We require an extra hour for several reasons. You will be re-assessed by the Pre-op nurse and the person giving you anesthesia, and/or the nurse responsible for you during surgery, to assure you are still able to safely have an outpatient procedure or surgery. Some surgeries require pre-operative time to give preparatory medications, or to remove/shave hair. An hour also gives us the ability to remedy most last minute issues (high blood pressure, low blood sugar, etc.) in time to proceed with your procedure/surgery.

What should I wear?

Make sure you wear loose fitting comfortable clothing. Keep in mind what would be most comfortable for you depending on what kind of surgery you are having.

Do I need to bring anything with me on the morning of my procedure?

Please bring ID, insurance card, and a form of payment (credit card or checkbook) if you have not already made arrangement for both your professional fee and facility fee.

Why do I have to pay my deductible and co-insurance at the time of registration?

The policy of this center, as with many health care facilities across the nation is that patients pay their portion of co-insurance and any remaining deductible at the time of the procedure.

What happens after my procedure?

As soon as your recovery is stable, and you have a responsible adult to drive you home, you will be discharged. You will be provided with instructions for follow-up care at home, along with contact phone numbers to call if you have any questions or concerns after discharge.

Within one working day after your surgery, a nurse will call and follow-up with you. Please feel free to contact us or the office with any questions that may arise.