The Medical Center of Central Georgia
Magnet Program
Solucient Top 100 Hospitals



Our commitment to the highest level of customer service and quality of care will be evident to you and your family as you go through your surgical experience. Your safety, comfort, and convenience are our top concern as you are cared for by the best healthcare professionals.  

We are now able to serve you at two sites:

The Surgery Center
840 Pine Street

The Center for Ambulatory Services
1014 Forsyth Street

Your doctor will decide which site will provide your care.

Your questions and concerns are important to us. Please ask us if you need any help to better understand your surgery or healthcare needs. We look forward to serving you.

The Surgery Center & The Center for Ambulatory Surgery Center
The Medical Center of Central Georgia

Macon , GA
 

PARKING

We provide free parking for family members on the day of surgery in the Red parking deck across from McDonald's on Pine Street.

We provide valet parking for $5.00 per day. This service is offered Monday – Friday, 7:30AM to 5:00PM. No tipping please!

Your keys will be kept secured until you are ready to leave. Keys not picked up before 5:00PM will be taken to The Medical Center’s Security office. To get your keys after this time, you may call ext. 1490 from any house phone in the hospital (call (478)633-1490 if outside of the hospital).

There is free parking for family members on the day of surgery in either the Red or Yellow parking deck.  The Red deck is located across from McDonald’s on Pine Street and is the best parking area for those having surgery at The Surgery Center. For patients of the Center for Ambulatory Services, the Yellow deck located behind the center should be used.

The parking deck is patrolled by security and monitored by closed circuit TV; however, do not leave valuables in your car. The Medical Center cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items.

 
GETTING READY
FOR SURGERY

To prepare you for surgery, you will be scheduled to come to The Surgery Center for a pre-surgery interview.

The Pre-Surgery Interview

Please check-in at the main desk. A registration person will register you into The Surgery Center.  This involves asking questions about your insurance and employment status. You will be asked to sign needed papers and consent forms.  You will then be taken into the pre-surgery interview area where a nurse will talk with you in private about: (1) the surgery, (2) your current and past medical history, (3) arrange any tests needed (such as EKG, X-ray, lab). Most of these tests are done in the same area to prevent you from having to go place to place. If you have had any of these tests in the past six months bring a copy of the results with you. This will reduce the cost of having them done again.

A nurse will review with you any required education and instructions along with written details about the day and time you are to report to The Surgery Center. You will also be given phone numbers to call if you have questions, or to report changes in your condition.

Here is a list of things you will need to bring with you for this visit:

  • All medicines you a currently taking.

  • Results of tests that were done anywhere other than The Medical Center . If you don't have copies, call the place where they were done to get them. The results can also be faxed to us at 633-1947.

The Day Before Surgery and Morning of Surgery

Here are some things you should do before and on the day of surgery:  

1. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the morning of your surgery unless you have been told to do so. We suggest that you do not drink alcohol or smoke 24-hours before surgery. Children under the age of five may have fluids the night before surgery. The testing nurse will give details to the parents.

2. You may brush your teeth or use mouthwash the day of surgery but do not swallow the water. You should shower or bathe the night before of the day of surgery. Do not wear make-up.

3. Take your medicines early on the morning of surgery with only a swallow of water unless you or told to otherwise.

4. Do not bring jewelry, valuables, or large sums of money to the hospital. You will not be allowed to wear jewelry during surgery and we cannot be held responsible for it.

5. Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off. We will provide a gown to wear during surgery. The operating room is cool so you may want to wear socks.

6. If you wear contacts, bring your case labeled with your name and phone number for safe storage while you are in surgery.

7. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home after surgery. Please have a licensed adult driver who can drive you home. We suggest that someone be with you for 24-hours after surgery.

8. A parent or legal guardian must come with a minor scheduled for surgery. Plan to remain in The Surgery Center while your child is here. Please do not bring other children with you. We suggest two adults be with very young children on the way home.

9. Let your doctor know of any physical changes. This includes: a cold, fever, rash or if you are exposed to diseases such as chicken pox, mumps, or pink eye.

10. Remember, you may be admitted to the hospital after your surgery. Your doctor will decide if this is needed.

11. You can reach The Surgery Center Monday-Friday, 5:30AM-5:30PM at 633-1191. The toll free number is 1-800-426-7164.

12. The day before your surgery, you will be called and given the time you should arrive at The Surgery Center . You will receive this call between 2-5PM. If you have been given a different arrival time by your doctor, please let us know.

13. Your visit here as a patient will be kept private. Any information about you should be given by your family. Please tell your family and friends not to call The Surgery Center for information about you.

The Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, come directly to The Surgery Center and check in at the main desk. You should arrive 1-1 ½ hours before your scheduled surgery unless you have been told otherwise. You and your family will be asked to remain in the waiting room until the floor or nursing unit is ready for you.

We know how important it is to have family members and friends with you before and after surgery. However, the room size only allows for two visitors at a time. We suggest that you do not bring children, as the wait may be long.

Your family will be asked to wait in either your room or The Surgery Center Waiting Room. Get directions from your nurse and always let the receptionist or Guest Relations Associate know where you will be. We know that you are concerned, and we want you to be able to speak with the doctor if needed. There are phones in both waiting areas that can be used to call family members. Your family will be able to check on your progress through the plasma TV screens located throughout The Surgery Center . This system will be explained to you by our Guest Relations Associate.

DURING SURGERY

Your anesthesia will be provided by a board - certified anesthesiologist who will medically direct your anesthesia care.  

About Your Anesthesia

Before surgery your anesthesiologist will:

•  review your medical record

•  discuss your medical condition

•  create an anesthetic plan

•  talk with you about risks and options

Anesthesia options may include: general, regional, or monitored care. If general is used, you will be asleep because the strong medicine affects every organ of the body. You will be watched closely and changes will be made if needed. Your anesthesiologist will be able to decide which care is best for you and how to do this in the safest manner possible. If regional is used, only part of your body will be numbed based on the type of block used (i.e. spinal). Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) means that sedating medicine will be given through an IV. With MAC, the doctor may also inject other numbing medicine. During surgery, the anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetists will closely watch your heart rhythm, blood pressure, blood oxygen, and fluid levels. Pain medicine will be given during surgery through recovery. After surgery you will go to our recovery room where your pain and recovery will be directed by your anesthesiologist.

While surgery is not without risks, the chance of serious problems is low and depends on the type of surgery and your medical condition. Please feel free to ask any questions about your care or risks.  

We now have a system to track patients. You will notice large screens in the waiting rooms. These screens will show where the patient is throughout the surgery process.  

Post Anesthesia Care Unit

The post anesthesia care unit, also known as the recovery room, is staffed by people with special knowledge and skills. They will work closely with your doctor to make sure your recovery is safe.  There will be constant checking of your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels.  You cannot receive visitors here due to the nature of nursing care, safety, and privacy of each patient. However, parents of children under the age of 18 will be allowed to visit. Patients will be transferred to a room or unit once cleared by their doctor. The Guest Relations Associate will let family members know when the patient is moved.

Post-Op Care

Getting Ready to Go Home

You will return to your room in The Surgery Center once your surgery and recovery are completed. The nurse will go over things you need to do with you and your family. You will stay here until you are ready to go home. Even if you have an overnight stay, you will be taken to your Surgery Center room from recovery. However, your doctor may want to place you in our observation unit to further take care of your needs. If your doctor approves special help for your home recovery, we will arrange for you to speak with one of our Discharge Planning Coordinators before your surgery.

When you are ready for discharge, hospital personnel will escort you to your car by wheelchair.

GOING H OME

We ask each patient to follow these guidelines:

• An adult with a valid license must drive you home. Two adults are recommended to accompany small children.  

• You must not drive a vehicle for 24 hours after your surgery.

AFTER YOU ARE HOME

• You should not drink alcohol for 24-hours after surgery  

• Carefully review all after-surgery prescribed medicines. Do not take any over-the-counter or other prescribed medicine unless told to do so by your doctor.

• Please follow all home instructions carefully and don’t forget to follow-up with your post-op doctor's visit.

• Call your doctor right away if you have any bleeding, swelling, dizziness, severe pain or other alarming symptoms.

If you have other questions about your surgery or condition, you can call 800-426-7164.  Any questions should be directed to your doctor.  If you are unable to reach him/her and you need medical help right away, call the Emergency Center at 633-1146 or dial 911.

Because of significant advances in surgery and anesthesia, The new Center for Ambulatory Services at The Medical Center of Central Georgia , offers care, comfort and quality outpatient surgery without the hospital stay.

At the Center for Ambulatory Services you’ll find:

• Roomy and comfortable waiting areas

• World Class surgeons

• Board-certified anesthesiologists

• Caring, highly skilled nurses

• State-of-the-art equipment

• The latest advances in ambulatory surgery, and pain management

• Individualized, quality care

• A faster recovery time

If you have any questions, please call (478) 633-8500.

At Central Georgia Breast Care Center , we recognize that women are special, and so are their healthcare needs. Our brand new facility enables us to offer a new level of service that makes breast care more comfortable and efficient. Central Georgia Breast Care Center is a comprehensive center providing access to a full range of breast care services such as:

• Digital mammography

• Computer aided technology

• Bone densitometry

• Breast ultrasound

• Needle biopsy

• Multidisciplinary consults

• Care coordination by registered nurses

• Cancer genetic counseling

If you have any questions, please call (478) 633-2000.


At
The Endoscopy Center , a doctor is able to peer through
the body’s passageways through the use of a special scope, the endoscope. The endoscope through the use of fiber optics and powerful lenses is able to:

• Examine and inspect the inside of body organs

• Provide light and visuals inside a joint

The part of the scope inserted into the body may be rigid or flexible, depending on the medical test.

If you have any questions, please call (478) 633-1168.


The Heartburn Treatment Center of Georgia
is a brand
new service in the Middle Georgia area. It is a complete service for heartburn sufferers.  

The Heartburn Treatment Center of Georgia offers:

• Evaluation and treatment of Acid Reflux Disease

• A personalized plan of care

• A Nurse Coordinator to answer your questions,   make your appointment with a specialist, or send you information

Our goal is to arrive at an actual diagnosis of Acid Reflux Disease and to give you all treatment options available!  

Please call us, even if your heartburn is only minor. If you have any questions please call (478) 633-GERD (4373).

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Surgery Center Patient Rooms

The Surgery Center patient rooms are equipped with a nurse call light, bathroom, and remote control cable television.

Waiting Rooms

To make our waiting rooms complete, a Guest Relations Associate will be on hand to assist patients and families by answering questions and providing updates on your family member's progress in surgery. The waiting rooms are also furnished with magazines, television, and complimentary coffee to enjoy while you await your loved one's return from surgery.

Restrooms

Public restrooms are located on the first floor, second floor, and sixth floor of The Surgery Center.

Smoking

Smoking and the use of other tobacco products are strictly prohibited throughout The Medical Center of Central Georgia with the exception of designated smoking areas. Signs are located on the first floor directing you to these locations. This policy applies to patients and visitors as well as staff members and doctors.

Telephones

A telephone is located inside the waiting room for use by family members. There is no charge for local calls. Simply dial “9” and the number. Long distance calls may by placed by dialing “0” and must be billed to an outside number. There is also a telephone in each Surgery Center patient room.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

The Surgery Center (478) 633-1191

For Surgery Center Information Toll Free 800-426-7164

Registration (478) 633-1731

The Surgery Center Fax (478) 633-1947

Ambulatory Surgery Center (478) 633-8500

Endoscopy (478) 633-1168

The Medical Center of Central Georgia (478 ) 633-1000

Outpatient Holding (478) 633-1162

Just For Today (478) 633-7777

Public Relations (478) 633-1353

Pastoral Care (478) 633-1461

Security (478) 633-1490

For more information, call The Medical Center of Central Georgia at (478) 633-1000
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