Outpatient Services
 SPECIALIZED OUTPATIENT DIAGNOSTIC
TESTS and SERVICES
When life's too busy, we make it easy to get the healthcare
tests and services you need at two convenient locations in Harford County,
Maryland.
(Click here to schedule an appointment)
The outpatient diagnostic and treatment services you
need are available at Harford Memorial Hospital (HMH) in
Havre de Grace and Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Campus (UCMC) in
Bel Air. With cutting edge technology and experienced health care professionals,
we provide quality outpatient care built on patient comfort. Our one-call
scheduling of tests and procedures makes it easy for you to schedule
your tests.
To learn more about our laboratory, imaging, outpatient
surgery and specialty services, click on the area of interest below.
OUTPATIENT SURGERY
Our Outpatient Surgical Centers are committed to ensuring
a healing experience provided in a supportive and caring environment.
The Ambulatory Care Center at Upper Chesapeake Medical
Center and Outpatient
Surgery Center at Harford Memorial Hospital provide outpatient surgical
services in an accessible, cost efficient, convenient and comfortable
setting.
Patients benefit from the services and support of the hospitals. The well being of patients and their families is paramount. From the spacious waiting rooms to the progressive Recovery Rooms, our outpatient surgery centers provide patients and families with a peaceful and comfortable environment.
For more information to help you prepare for your surgery, click on one of the links below:
Preparing For Your Surgery
Have your physician conduct a physical examination commonly
called an H&P (history and physical). Your Surgeon or your Primary
Care Physician can perform this exam.
The results of the exam need to be received at our outpatient surgical center at least 48 hours prior to your procedure. This will ensure that the anesthesiologist has time to review your history and develop a safe plan of care for your surgery.
Pre-Surgical Assessment and Testing
Your physician
will probably order pre-surgical tests such as an EKG
or blood work. If your insurance will allow you to have these tests performed
at our facility, you will not have to worry about test results getting
to us in time for your surgery. If you have tests performed anywhere
else, please be sure that the facility sends or fax the results to Pre-Surgical
Testing at least 24 hours prior to your surgery.
If your surgery is scheduled at Harford Memorial Hospital, you can call the Pre-Admissions Business Representative at 443-843-8078, Monday through Friday, to schedule your pre-admission visit or the Business Office Representative will call to schedule your appointment.
The type of insurance you have will determine if you can have the required pre-operative testing done at the hospital. If your pre-operative testing needs to be done at an outside facility and you do not have the results with you, the nurse will retrieve the test results so they can be reviewed by the anesthesia providers before your surgery. The nurse will obtain a medical history, review your medications, provide patient teaching, answer questions and/or address concerns, and get your medical information in order prior to surgery.
Our Pre-Surgical Testing Team at the Upper Chesapeake Surgical Pavilion will help you plan for your surgery and help you understand what to expect before, during and after your procedure. To schedule a Pre-Surgical Testing visit, call 443-643-3660. A Pre-Surgical Testing Nurse is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
On the day of your Pre-Surgical Testing visit:
- Please dress comfortably.
- Bring the written reports of all pre-operative
studies/tests if completed at a facility other than Harford Memorial
Hospital or Upper Chesapeake Medical Center.
- Bring your insurance information, including ID card and forms that are necessary to register with the Admitting Office.
- Bring your medications in their original containers for the nurse to record on your database.
In preparation for your Pre-Surgical Testing health assessment, we will ask you to complete some information.
Your Surgical Experience
If you are having general anesthesia
- Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after the time given to you by your physician or the surgical team nurse.
If you are having local anesthesia
- Ask your physician for specific instructions regarding diet restrictions or if pre-operative tests or assessments are needed.
Bring your medications with you
- Bring all medications with you in their original containers. This includes any herbal remedies that you take routinely. Please ask the physician if you should take your routine medications (insulin, blood pressure pills or heart medicine) on the day of surgery.
Exercise your lungs
- As a part of your education process, practice taking deep breaths and coughing to exercise your lungs prior to your surgery date.
If you become ill before
surgery
- Notify your physician before your surgery date if you develop any signs of illness such as fever, sore throat, infection, difficulty breathing or chest pain.
If you must cancel your surgery
- Notify your surgeon’s office immediately.
Children
- Please do not bring sick or unsupervised children with you on the day of surgery.
Day Of Surgery Instructions
Before You Arrive
- Wear clothing that is loose fitting and comfortable. Flat slip-on shoes are a great idea. Please leave jewelry and other valuables at home. Do not wear makeup, fingernail or toenail polish or contact lenses.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, unless instructed otherwise by your physician.
- Do not smoke after midnight.
- Please bring your insurance forms and cards with you.
- If you have Advance Directives, please bring them with you.
Checking In
- Please be prompt and arrive at the scheduled time you have been given.
Your Assessment
- A physical assessment will be done by a
nurse upon your arrival. She will verify your medical history,
explain procedures and answer your questions as you prepare for surgery.
Your family may remain with you during this time.
Going Home After Surgery
After Surgery
- You must have a responsible adult drive you home after recovery from general anesthesia or sedation.
Discharge
- Your physician will give you written instructions. Be sure that you understand and follow them.
- A nurse will review these instructions with you before you leave the facility. At this time, he/she will answer any questions or concerns that you might express.
- Have all prescriptions filled promptly and take them according to directions.
Caring For Yourself At Home
- You may be drowsy for up to 24 hours.
- Plan to rest quietly at home. Restrict your activities.
- DO NOT go up and down stairs alone.
- DO NOT smoke if you are alone.
- DO NOT drive.
- DO NOT make an appointment or important decisions until the day after the surgery.
Follow-Up
- Within three days following your surgery, a surgical team nurse will contact you by phone to assess your recovery.
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