Each year more than 14,000 patients receive care at the Ambulatory Surgery units at Binghamton General and Wilson Memorial Hospitals.
The units were established in the mid-1970's in response to advances in medical science and technology that enabled many surgical procedures to be performed with out a lengthy hospital stay.
The ambulatory unit is a place where patients are prepared for a procedure that is recommended by their physicians, and where they can rest for an hour or two after surgery, under the watchful eyes of trained staff.
Ambulatory units are self-contained with small private recovery rooms, operating suites and waiting rooms for family and friends.
Surgery today. Home tonight.
If your physician has determined that your treatment can best be done on an ambulatory basis, you will be able to take advantage of our same day service. It is designed to offer you a safe, convenient, and efficient alternative to overnight hospital stays.
Our ambulatory surgery team has been specially trained for outpatient surgery and is backed by the full range of services offered by the hospital. Plus, you will be able to recuperate in the comfort of your own home with your family and friends.
Before Surgery:
Arrangements for your visit:
Your physician's office will contact the hospital to schedule your surgery. They will also tell you whether you will need lab work before your surgery date. Insurance forms, the surgical consent form, test forms and any other physician requested documents should be brought with you at the time of your preadmission testing. If you are not required to come in for pre-admission testing, please bring the papers with you on the day of your surgery.
Instructions before surgery:
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before. (You will receive instructions about your current medications from your physician if you are to take them the morning of your surgery).
- If there is a change in your physical condition such as a cold, fever or cough, notify your physician as soon as possible.
- Bring a list of medications you are currently taking. Follow your doctor's directions regarding taking your medications.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a robe and slippers with you.
- Do not wear make-up, fingernail or toenail polish.
- Leave all valuables and jewelry at home.
- Arrange a ride home beforehand with a responsible adult.
Pre-admission testing
When pre-admission testing is required, your physician's office will schedule an appointment.
The Day Of Surgery
If you had pre-admission testing, please report directly to the Ambulatory Surgery Center two hours before your scheduled time. The center is located on the 2nd floor of Wilson Medical Center (map) and on the 4th floor of Binghamton General Hospital, Park Avenue Building (map)
You are welcome to have only one visitor with you throughout your Ambulatory Surgery stay.
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown for your surgery.
Dentures or contacts may have to be removed prior to going to the Operating Room.
A nurse will review your history, and assure that you've signed consent forms. Your temperature, blood pressure, height, and weight will be obtained. Any specific preparation will be explained at that time.
An anesthesiologist will visit you before your surgery.
You will be taken to the Operating Room where the Operating Room Nurse will check your ID band, verify the procedure to be done, and explain routine preparation.
Children having surgery:
Your child may bring a favorite toy or blanket from home. Parents are encouraged to stay with their child.
Mini-procedures:
Mini-procedures are minor surgical procedures that can be performed under local anesthesia.
Pre-admission testing is not required if you are having a mini-procedure. Your physician's office will contact the hospital to schedule your procedure.
On the day of your surgery, arrive at the registration office one hour before your scheduled procedure time for the completion of forms.
Consent forms
All patients must sign a consent form prior to surgery. Patients under 18 years old must have a parent or guardian present to sign the consent form.
After Surgery:
After your surgery, you will spend time in the recovery area where a nurse will monitor your progress. Once you are awake, you will be asked to drink liquids, sit up, and walk to the bathroom.
After a recovery period, you will be able to go home with a responsible adult. After general anesthesia, you may feel temporarily drowsy or nauseated. You'll need to continue your recovery at home.
You will be given instructions verbally and in writing prior to your discharge.
In the unlikely event your surgery/recovery requires hospitalization your physician will make arrangements for your admission.
Occasionally surgeries are delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. If this occurs, please feel free to ask the nursing staff for an update.
Additional Information
Billing:
Hospital: You will be charged for testing, drugs, supplies and for room use.
Physicians: Your surgeon's, anesthesiologist's and radiologist's charges will be billed from their offices.
Any Questions?
If you need more information, please do not hesitate to call the Ambulatory Surgery Center directly.
If you have any additional questions, please ask. We are here to serve you as our patient and our guest and we hope your stay with us will be as pleasant as possible.
Directions, Phone Numbers and Parking Information
Binghamton General Hospital
Ambulatory Surgical Services
Fourth Floor, Park Building, 762-2151
How to find Binghamton General Hospital:
From NY 17 and US 81:
From US 81, bear left, following NY 17 East toward NYC. Take exit 4 South to NY 7 South. Continue straight ahead to NY 363 South (Brandywine Highway). Take exit to NY 434 West (Vestal Parkway). Cross the State St. bridge. Turn left at first light on to S. Washington St. At next light, turn right on to Vestal Ave. Turn left on Mitchell Avenue.
From NY 11, 12, or US 88:
Enter US 81. Bear left, following NY 17 East toward NYC. Take exit 4 South to NY 7 South. Continue straight ahead to NY 363 South (Brandywine Highway). Take exit to NY 434 West (Vestal Parkway). Cross the State St. bridge. Turn left at first light on to S. Washington St. At next light, turn right on to Vestal Ave. Turn left on Mitchell Avenue.
Patient parking is available across from hospital's main entrance, 10 - 42 Mitchell Ave., Binghamton
Wilson Medical Center
Ambulatory Surgical Services
Second Floor, 763-6700
How to find Wilson Medical Center:
From NY 17 and US 81:
From US 81, bear right, following NY 17 West toward Elmira. Continue for several miles, then take exit 70 South to NY 201 South. Once on 201 South, take the second exit to NYC 17C, Johnson City. At the stoplight, turn right on to NY 17C (Main St.). Continue through two stoplight intersections, then turn right on to Harrison, Baldwin, or (at the third stoplight) Arch Sts.
From NY 11, 12, or US 88:
Enter US 81. Bear right, following NY 17 West toward Elmira. Continue for several miles, then take exit 70 South to NY 201 South. Once on NY 201 South, take the second exit to NY 17C, Johnson City. At the stoplight, turn right on to NY 17C (Main St.). Continue through two stoplight intersections, then turn right on to Harrison, Baldwin, or (at the third stoplight) Arch Sts.
Patient parkingis available on the third level of the Baldwin Street Parking Ramp.
