Stephen Punzak, MD, of One Medical Passport, outlined several tips ASC leaders can use to keep patients satisfied.
1. Let them drink: Restricting a patient’s fluids before surgery is no longer necessary. Recent research shows that patients can drink clear liquids up to two hours before surgery and that ingesting Gatorade the night before has benefits both pre- and postoperatively.
2. Preoperative Tylenol helps: For patients who can take acetaminophen, a single 1,000 milligram dose before surgery significantly improves postoperative pain.
3. Family and friends: Give family and friends the option to leave during the procedure. While it’s convenient for the facility if family sits around and waits, it’s not necessary and centers can benefit by letting a patient’s loved ones use their time constructively.
More articles on surgery centers:
The state of Surgical Care Affiliates—CEO Tony Kilgore explains
5 updates on total joint replacement in ASCs
Lockdown lifted at North Carolina healthcare facility with surgery center, man arrested—5 insights
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.