Same Day Services

Nobody likes to stay in a hospital longer than necessary. The goal of our Same Day Services program is to make it possible for you to recover from minor procedures in the comfort of your home. After all, isn't that where you'd rather be?

Since some surgical needs do not require overnight stays, Central Arkansas Hospital has developed a same day surgical program for patients in Searcy and surrounding communities. The focus of Same Day Services is not only to provide convenience and, in some cases, substantial cost savings, but also to earn your trust in our ability to make both surgery and recovery as comfortable as possible.

Instructions for Same Day Surgery Patients

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to the day of surgery. Take nothing by mouth, including coffee, juice, water, food or medicine (if you are taking medicine, bring it with you; you may take it after surgery).
  
• You may brush your teeth prior to surgery, but do not swallow the liquid.
  
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before surgery.
  
• If requested, bring an early morning urine sample.
  
• Someone must accompany you to the hospital to drive home. (Note: If a child is having surgery, two adults must be present, one to drive and one to care for the child.)
  
• Wear loose-fitting, easy-to- change clothing.
  
• Perform your usual bathing routine.
  
• Do not wear fingernail polish or any kind of eye makeup.
  
• Bring a case for eyeglasses, contact lenses or dentures, if necessary.
  
• Please bring all insurance claim forms and identification cards, including Medicare/Medicaid.
  
• Do not bring jewelry or other valuables. The hospital cannot be responsible for their safekeeping.
  
• We strongly urge that you do not bring children, since they may become restless while waiting.

  Canceling Surgery
  

  Your surgery may have to be canceled or rescheduled if you eat or drink anything beforehand, or if you have a change in you physical condition, such as a cold, fever, persistent cough or rash. If these or other unforeseen reasons cause you to cancel surgery, please contact Same Day Services and your physician as soon as possible.

  Other Instructions

  A consent form for surgery must be signed upon your arrival. For patients under 18, the form must be signed by a parent or guardian. Your arrival time has been arranged so that you may go directly to Same Day Services one hour before surgery. Your temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure will be checked. At this time, any tests ordered by your physician will be performed.

  Pre-surgical Testing

  Your physician may order pre-surgical tests. These tests may be completed fourteen (14) days prior to your surgery or on the day of surgery, you must report to Same Day Services one-and-a-half hours early. If you are not prompt, surgery may have to be rescheduled.

  Surgery Instructions for Children

  The instructions in the brochure apply to children as well as adults. Babies and young children may wear pajamas to the hospital and bring their favorite toy or blanket, if desired. It is not safe for anyone to care for a child who has had surgery and drive a car at the same time. Please bring another adult to assist you. Be prepared to stay at the hospital until your child is discharged.

  About Discharge

  You will not be permitted to leave Same Day Services alone following the administration of anesthetic drugs. Please make arrangements for someone to drive you home. We strongly recommend that, if you live more than an hour drive from the hospital, you should plan on overnight accommodations near the hospital. If you need help making these arrangements, please contact Same Day Services. You will be discharged according to your physician's orders. Our staff will provide you with a list of the doctor's instructions.

  For More Information Or In Case of Emergencies

  If you have any questions, please call Same Day Services at (501) 278-3235. If you develop a medical problem, call your physician. If the doctor is not available, call either the emergency room at (501) 278-3180, or come directly to the hospital's emergency room.

  Charges for same-day surgery include all supplies, drugs, routine laboratory work and materials used during your stay. Charges for special laboratory work, examinations of surgical specimens or x-rays will be added to your hospital bill. All physicians involved in your case - your doctor, radiologist, pathologist, anesthesiologist, etc. - will bill you separately.

  Central Arkansas Hospital's Same Day Services is covered by most major medical insurance carriers including Medicare. For more information, a tour or a referral, please call (501) 278-3235.

  Our Location
  
  Same Day Services at Central Arkansas Hospital is located in the southwest section of the hospital. You can reach it by entering from South Main Street at the emergency driveway. Ample parking is available on the south, east and north sides of the building. If you prefer, you may be dropped off at the emergency entrance of the hospital near the Same Day Services admission office.

  If a family member or friend accompanies you, they may wait in the surgery waiting room.