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
At Upper Chesapeake Health, we are dedicated to providing high quality
surgical care in a healing and compassionate environment. The following
information will assist you in preparing for your surgery or procedure.
Please come to the hospital two (2) hours prior to your surgery. If you
are scheduled for surgery at 7:30 AM, please arrive at the hospital at
6:00 AM.
Patient Surgical Assessment
- Please complete the Patient Surgical Assessment form
you will receive during your visit with the surgeon and return it to
the office staff prior to the end of your appointment.
Pre-Surgical Testing
- A medical History and Physical is required for your
procedure. Please make an appointment with your family doctor to have
a history and physical completed. If you do not have a family doctor, presurgical
history and physicals for adults 15 years of age and older may be
scheduled at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center by calling Schedule First
at (443)843-7000 to arrange for an appointment. The pre-surgical
history and physical will need to be completed no more than thirty
(30) days and no less than seven (7) days prior to your surgery.
- Depending
on your medical history, you may be required to have a Pre-Surgical
Cardiac Clearance or Pulmonary Evaluation. Please inform your family
doctor or the physician completing your history and physical about
any cardiac or pulmonary history you may have.
- Blood
work, EKG (electrocardiogram), and/or Chest X-ray may also be required.
Your Surgeon and family doctor will order the appropriate tests for
your surgery based upon your surgical procedure. You will need to make
an appointment to have the required pre-surgical tests. Your insurance
should be reviewed to determine where you have the best coverage for
your pre-surgical testing. If your insurance coverage allows, testing
may be completed through Upper Chesapeake Pre-Surgical Services Departments. If you would like to schedule an appointment in one of our Pre-Surgical
Services Departments, please call Schedule First at (443) 843-7000;
Monday-Friday 8a.m.-4p.m.
- Please see the brochure, Preparing
for Your Surgery, for further details.
The history and physical and pre-surgical test results must be available
seven (7) days prior to the procedure. Please schedule your evaluation
to allow for this time frame.
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.
Back to top |
