FAQ

What is an Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC)?

Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC) are facilities where surgeries that do not require a hospital inpatient admission are performed. They provide a safe, cost-effective, caring and convenient environment that is less stressful than a large hospital environment.

What time is my surgery?

Surgery center staff will call you the day before your surgery to tell you the time to arrive at the surgical center. If you have not received a call by 2:00pm on the day prior to surgery, please telephone the surgical center to ask about your surgical and arrival time.

What should I do if something comes up and I need to cancel my surgery?

Please call both your surgeon’s office and the surgical center as soon as possible. If you call after hours, an answering service will take your message.

How do I know if my insurance company will cover my surgery?

Please check with your insurance carrier to review your benefits and determine if pre-authorization is required. If you need assistance with this, the surgical center billing department will be happy to help you.

What do I do the day before surgery?

Please go to the Patient section of this website to review what to do before your surgery, the day of surgery, and after your surgery.

Will I be able to drive after my surgery?

If you are having surgery under anesthesia, with the exception of local anesthesia, you cannot drive, and must be accompanied home by a responsible adult. This policy is for your safety, and is strictly adhered to. You cannot take a taxi home, unless accompanied by a responsible adult.

Will my family be able to visit me immediately after my procedure?

PLEASE READ COVID INFORMATION ON HOME PAGE AS VISITATION GUIDELINES HAVE CHANGED DURING THE PANDEMIC.

Please bring all insurance cards and information with you. Your doctor may provide you with a surgical center Registration Form that you can fill out and bring with you. If your doctor did not give you a blank registration form, you can print out the form under the Forms heading on this website, complete it and bring it in on the day of surgery.

Please bring your list of medications, including the dosages. Also include a list of any supplements, herbal preparations and vitamins that you take.

Please bring any paperwork given to you by your surgeon.

Please bring your healthcare Power of Attorney and/or Guardianship papers (if applicable).

Please leave all jewelry and valuables at home (including rings, watches, necklaces, earrings, and money). While we do our best to safeguard your belongings, they are best secured at home.

Is it necessary to do the whole preparation?

The colonoscopy requires that you take a bowel prep or regimen of laxatives and a liquid diet. This ensures that your colon is clean and clear of stool for a better examination. It is very important that you follow the instructions given to you by your physician. If you feel you cannot finish the prep, please contact your physician’s office for instructions.

What are my physician’s credentials?

The gastroenterologists that perform procedures at the Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center are board certified or board eligible through the American Board of Internal Medicine.

What if my prep makes me sick or dizzy?

Sometimes a bowel prep can make you nauseated or even cause you to vomit. If you do vomit or are unable to continue your prep, be sure to notify your physician immediately. The physician will instruct you on how to proceed with your preparation.

Can I take my medication before the procedure?

Your physician will give you instructions regarding medications. If you are a diabetic, please contact the physician that manages your diabetes for specific instructions.

Why do I need someone to drive me home?

Even though sedatives wear off quickly after your procedure, they can affect your coordination for up to 12 hours. Technically, you are legally impaired. Therefore, for your safety and for the safety of others on the road, please bring someone to drive you home. Your procedure will be cancelled if you have no one to drive you home.

What can I eat after I leave?

Generally diets are not restricted following the procedure.

Am I going to be “knocked out” for the procedure? (part 1)

Most endoscopic procedures are done under what is called “conscious” or “moderate” sedation. This involves giving you one or more medications through an intravenous (IV) line. This type of sedation causes you to become drowsy and relaxed, and you may sleep during the procedure, not consciously aware of what is occurring. In addition, some medications produce a temporary short-term amnesia effect. Therefore, you may not remember anything that occurs during and sometimes for a short time after the procedure.

Am I going to be “knocked out” for the procedure? (part 2)

This type of sedation does not really “knock you out”. You will be able to breathe on your own and follow simple commands. For most patients, this sedation is more than adequate for their procedure. If you drink moderate to large quantities of alcohol, take sleeping pills, or are on anti-depressants or pain pills on a regular basis, this can alter the efficacy of the sedative. Be sure to discuss this with your physician prior to the day of your procedure.

What if complications occur during my procedure?

The Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center is fully equipped with the latest emergency technology and supplies. The registered nurses are trained in ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support).

How will I feel after my procedure?

After awakening from sedation, you may feel drowsy and sleepy for the remainder of the day. If you have an upper endoscopy, you may find yourself belching for a short time following awakening, and your throat may be sore, but usually you will be back to normal in 24 hours. If you have a colonoscopy, you may feel bloated immediately after the procedure, and you will be encouraged to expel the air. Do not be embarrassed – air was introduced during your procedure to dilate your colon for better viewing.

When will I get my results?

Your physician will usually be able to tell you how well your procedure went and possibly some preliminary findings prior to your discharge. If tissue samples were obtained, your physician’s office should be in contact with you in 7 – 10 days with the results. Contact your physician’s office if you have any questions about your results.

Do I need pre-operative testing?

Most patients will not be required to have pre-operative testing. Any pre-operative testing required will be determined by your surgeon, anesthesiologist or as instructed by the pre-operative nurse.

What if I am pregnant?

The pre-operative nurse will ask you if there is a chance you may be pregnant. This is important, because anesthesia and medications may be harmful to your developing baby.

Why do you ask about illegal drug and alcohol habits?

A patient’s response to the anesthesia drugs may vary based on drug and alcohol usage.

Why can’t I smoke?

Smoking may interfere with the anesthetic and frequently produces nausea during the recovery period.

When can I go back to work?

Return to work will be determined by your surgeon.

When can I resume exercise?

Return to exercise will be determined by your surgeon.

Why can’t I eat or drink anything after midnight?

Undigested food and liquids in the stomach can cause complications and your surgery is likely to be postponed if you forget to follow this instruction.

Can my significant other watch my surgery?

For safety and sterility reasons, the surgical center does not allow family members or others not on the surgical team to observe surgeries.

Why is the operating room so cold?

The operating room temperature is kept low for the maintenance of our equipment and to maintain sterility of our supplies. You will be kept warm throughout your procedure.

Will I need an IV?

All patients receive an IV except those having local anesthesia.

What happens if something goes wrong in surgery?

The surgical center is fully equipped with state of the art emergency equipment and supplies. The surgical center utilizes the same Anesthesia providers as our affiliated hospital, Catholic Medical Center. The recovery room nurses are trained in critical care, and are ACLS (Advanced cardiac life support) certified. In the event of an emergency, the patient is stabilized, then transferred via ambulance to the hospital of the physician’s choice.

Do I have to fill my pain medication prescription?

Patients are often comfortable when leaving the surgery center and do not think they will need anything as strong as a prescription pain pill. Your pain will be better controlled when you take your pain medication as prescribed. It is much easier to keep your pain under control than try to alleviate it with more medication once you are very uncomfortable. We recommend that you fill your prescription either prior to your surgery or have your ride fill it while you are in surgery. (Please note that most pharmacies will not fill prescriptions for narcotic pain medications without a written prescription.)

How can I help prepare my child for surgery?

We encourage you to discuss the procedure and anesthesia with your child prior to surgery to ease anxiety about surgery. Usually your child’s pediatrician will also have recommendations or tools to suggest to you.

What can my child eat prior to surgery?

Your child should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before, unless otherwise specified by the pre-operative nurse.

Should I give my child his/her medication on the day of surgery?

Your physician will direct you whether or not to take medications on the day of surgery. This will also be discussed during your pre-operative phone call.

What should my child bring to the surgical center?

Comfort items, such as blankets, pacifiers, or a favorite toy are highly recommended. If applicable, diapers and wipes should be brought to the surgical center. It is a good idea to bring an extra set of underwear and pajamas. We will supply the hospital gown that is used in the operating room.

How soon after surgery can I see my child?

The operating room nurses will bring your child to the recovery room after surgery. Your surgeon will speak to you after the surgery is performed. As soon as your child is awake, the recovery room nurses will ask you to come in. Due to privacy issues we generally ask that only one parent visit with the child at this time.

Will my child get an IV?

Depending on the type of surgery scheduled, the anesthesiologist will determine whether or not an IV is required. Most children undergoing anesthesia will require an IV. Occasionally, the IV can be started after the child is asleep.

Who is my child’s anesthesiologist?

The Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center is staffed by the Anesthesia Care Group, a group of board certified/board eligible Anesthesiologists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). The Anesthesia Care Group has been providing the anesthesia services for the Catholic Medical Center for over 20 years.

What if there is a complication during surgery?

The Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center is fully equipped with state of the art emergency equipment and supplies. The surgical center utilizes the same anesthesia providers as our affiliated hospital, Catholic Medical Center. The recovery room nurses are trained in critical care, and are ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certified. If necessary, once stabilized, your child will be transferred by ambulance to the hospital.

What if my child gets sick prior to the day of surgery?

If your child has a fever, symptoms of a cold, or other illness, call the surgeon and the surgical center, because your child’s surgery may need to be rescheduled.

How can I get a copy of my report?

Once the report is completed, a copy will be faxed to the ordering physician. We can also email patients a copy of their reports or have a hard copy ready for them to pick up.

How long before the results are ready?

Results take 24-48 hours to be completed.

What do I have to do for prep?

Varies for exams. We will notify you if any prep is needed prior to your appointment.

What should I wear?

Anything is acceptable to wear for CT/Ultrasound. MRI patients should be aware that no metal is allowed to be worn in the unit. We do have gowns and shorts for those would prefer to change.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Once we receive an order from the ordering physician we can schedule an appointment. You can get the process started by filling out an online request form and asking your physician to fax the order to BASC Imaging.

Can images be sent to my physician?

Yes, images can be sent to the physician as well as the patient. We can set up an account on our DiCom Grid system to make the images viewable to either the patient or physician. We can also mail a CD to the physician or burn a CD for a patient before they leave.

Who will I obtain the results from?

Once the report is completed we fax a copy directly to the ordering physician. Please contact the ordering physician for your results and follow up instructions.

Who will read my report?

Southern New Hampshire Radiology Consultants read for BASC Imaging. If you are a patient of New Hampshire Orthopedic Center then New England Baptist Radiologists will be reading your report. Both groups will have reports back within 24-48 hours.

How long will my appointment be?

CT Scans will be scheduled for 15-30 minutes. MRI’s will be scheduled 30-60 minutes. Ultrasound will be scheduled for 30-45 minutes. Scan length time depends on the type of exam being performed.

Is there a weight limit on the scanner?

The weight limit for the Hitachi Oasis is 660 pounds.

Does my head have to go in the scanner?

Depending on what type of MRI you are having, your head may have to go into the scanner. If you are having a scan of your lower body, you will go in feet first.

Where will the technician be while I’m in the scanner?

The technologist will be just outside the scanner door at the operating console. The technologist will also be in visual contact with you through the glass during your exam. 

How will the technicians know if I need them?

The technicians will be in contact with you throughout the test. You will also have a call button.

Is there radiation in an MRI?

MRI does not emit radiation.

Can anyone have an Open MRI?

Pacemakers and defibrillators cannot go into an Open MRI unit. Stents, aneurysm clips, non-removable electronic devices, and metallic foreign bodies need to be reviewed by the radiologist prior to the exam.

Why do I have to have contrast?

Contrast may enhance the images and gives the radiologist more detailed information about your exam.

Will the contrast make me sick?

It is highly unlikely, but with any contrast injection there is a chance of an allergic reaction. Our medical staff on site will be present for your contrast injection in case of an allergic reaction.

Can the MRI be done without contrast?

Yes; however, specific information that your physician is looking for may not be able to be visualized without the help of contrast injection.

Will I be able to drive after the exam?

Yes, as long as you did not have to take an oral sedative for your exam.

Do I have to hold my breath the whole time I’m in the machine?

No; however, you may be asked to hold your breath for specific exams. Usually it is a period of 30 seconds or less as we are obtaining the images.

Can my head be scanned without putting it in the head coil?

No. However, we do have an alternative option to use a different coil which is less restrictive on your head. Please know image quality is effected using this option.

Why do I need to drink contrast?

The oral contrast fills the colon and small bowel for better visualization on the images.

Why do I need the IV contrast?

The IV contrast enhances all of the vascular structures on the images (i.e. liver, pancreas, kidneys). It will also characterize potential pathology.

Could I have a reaction to the IV contrast?

Yes, but the chances are minimal. It has the same risk for reaction as any medication does, which is why we use contrast screening forms—to flag possible patients who are at risk for having a reaction to the contrast.

Why is a head CT done most frequently without IV?

Most pathology can be detected in the brain without IV contrast. If there is suspicion, contrast may be given or a MRI might be suggested for further evaluation.

Is it ok that I took my medication(s) this morning before I came?

Yes. Any type of medication is fine to take the morning of your exam. For patients who are NPO, please do not take medication 2 hours before your exam. If you take a certain kind of diabetic medication, you may be asked to withhold for 48 hours after the exam.

What is this test going to show?

A CT scan is a good way to image and evaluate bones, internal organs, the brain and vascular structures within the neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

Why does the bladder need to be full for a pelvic exam?

A full bladder pushes the uterus in a position where we can see it better, and brightens up the entire pelvis so that we can adequately visualize the uterus and ovaries. It also moves the intestines and bowel out of the way.

Can I have a transvaginal exam while I am still on my period?

Yes, but if you are uncomfortable in any way we would be happy to reschedule your appointment.

Why do I have to fast for my abdominal ultrasound?

This decreases the amount of gas in the abdomen and allows the gallbladder to be adequately visualized. The gallbladder contracts when you eat or drink.

Is ultrasound radiation?

No. Ultrasound uses sound waves.

Is ultrasound better than other modalities?

Not necessarily. Each modality images differently. Sometimes it is necessary to image with different modalities different ways for the best diagnosis. An ultrasound is what your doctor’s office has ordered at this time.