Surgical Services

"It is our purpose to ensure our patient and their families have an understanding of each procedure performed on their loved ones. Education is a key to successful outcomes in any realm. We will strive each and every day to make that happen for each and every patient that entrusts us with the care of their family member. High quality surgical skills, combined with the talents of a motivated staff committed to the best potential result is how we create the environment of compassion, safety, security, and success. You are the reason we are here. I look forward to being available to each and every one of you at your convenience. Please feel free to call me for any reason."

Sincerely,
Mike Fritz
Surgical Services Director
(928)402-1211

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

CVRMC believes that a patient's rights and responsibilities are an important part of providing quality healthcare.

At CVRMC, you are encouraged to actively participate in your health care decision making process. Research shows that patients who take part in decisions about their health care are more likely to have better outcomes.

You will be provided with verbal and written notice of patient rights in a language and manner that you understand. These include, but are not limited to:
Receive private, respectful, and safe care by competent personnel free of all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation or harassment.
Be informed of risks and benefits regarding care and treatment provided.
Refuse care and treatment and to be informed medical consequences of refusing such.
Personal privacy and confidentiality of medical records.
Receive services without discrimination based upon race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or payer.
Make concerns known, without fear of reprisal, about the care or services you receive.

Every patient/patient representative is responsible for:
Providing their caregivers with the most accurate and complete information regarding present complaints, past illnesses, and hospitalizations, medications, unexpected changes in the patient's condition or any other patient health matter.
To actively participate in their care as evidenced by following all instructions in the course of their treatment.
To report whether he/she clearly understands the planned course of treatment and what is expected of him/her.
Be considerate of other patients receiving care in the outpatient services department.

CVRMC Outpatient Services sincerely hopes that we provide excellent care for you. If you wish to voice a concern or make a suggestion, please call (928) 402-1212 and ask to speak with the Director.

Thank you for choosing Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center for your outpatient surgical procedure. We take our responsibility to you and your family very seriously. This is to help prepare you for your upcoming surgery and provide you with information about your rights and responsibilities as a patient. Please take a few minutes to read through this information and be sure to let us know if you have any questions. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality of care within a caring and supportive atmosphere.



Before Your Surgery:
You will receive a call from a nurse prior to the day of your surgery. If you have not received a call within 24 hours of your surgery, please call CVRMC and ask for a pre-op nurse. The nurse will review your medical history and current medications and will answer any questions you may have. In order to prepare you for your surgery we need you to come in earlier than your scheduled surgery time. The pre-op nurse will let you know when to arrive. Please anticipate that your surgical procedure will consume the entire day.

Be sure to ask your doctor about taking your usual medications for diabetes, blood pressure, heart, breathing problems, and blood thinning (Coumadin, aspirin, Plavix, and anti-inflammatory). The dosage may need to be adjusted for surgery.

Call your doctor if you get a fever, cold, or rash. Your surgery may need to be postponed.

Do not bring any small children (age 12 or younger) to the surgical center.

Your care and safety is our ultimate priority. We require that patients are accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older who can drive you home and stay with you at least 24 hours after your procedure. If your child is having surgery, at least one parent must remain in the facility at all times.

Day of Surgery:
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day of surgery. This includes candy, throat lozenges, chewing gum, and tobacco products. A nurse will give you specific instructions regarding medications to take, as well as instructions for children.
Wear loose comfortable clothing.
Bring your insurance and driver's license.
Remove any piercings, and leave jewelry and valuables at home.
Do not wear any kind of nail polish or makeup.
Do not shave the surgical site, and shower the night before or the morning of surgery.
If you use a rescue inhaler, please bring it with you.
Be sure to ask any questions and let us know what we can do to make you comfortable.

Anesthesia Care:
Anesthesia is a medication that keeps you comfortable or makes you sleep during surgery. It is given by a highly trained Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA). You will meet your CRNA before surgery to discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used during your surgery.

After Your Surgery:
After surgery, you will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). There you will be monitored closely as the anesthesia wears off. Your nurse, surgeon, and CRNA will decide when you are ready to be transported back to outpatient or to your hospital room. Family and friends can join you once you transition out of PACU.
As anesthesia wears off it is not uncommon to feel weak, drowsy, and remember little or nothing about the surgery.
You may have a mild sore throat if a breathing tube was placed in your windpipe during surgery.
You may feel burning or pain in the area of your surgery.

Pain Management:
Management of your post-surgical pain is a priority for us:
We will ask you to rate your pain from 0-10. Remember all pain is real.
Pain medication will be provided.
Know that medication will reduce but not take away all of your pain.

You will be discharged when you are ready to go home. It is very important that you follow the discharge instruction carefully.

When arriving at the hospital campus, please enter through the MAIN LOBBY. Please inform the volunteer at the information desk of your scheduled procedure. If no one is available, please ring the bell on the desk.

You will be escorted to a separate waiting area designated for outpatient services. Outpatient staff will, at the appointed time, guide you to the surgical area to begin your surgical experience.