Patient Resources | Cleveland Clinic Florida

Welcome

We understand that undergoing surgery is a big decision, and having the right information can make a difference. To help you feel at ease, we’ve gathered important resources for patients and families—including helpful tips to prepare for surgery, information about discharge and recovery, patient documents, and frequently asked questions.

If you need any assistance, please reach out to the surgery center. Our team can help answer questions about scheduling, paperwork, what to expect the day of your procedure, and more.

Use the links below to get the information you need to prepare for your upcoming visit.

Prepare for Surgery

Planning ahead for surgery helps everything go more smoothly. The information below will help you understand what to expect before your procedure, so you feel confident about the process.

Know before you go

To help your procedure go smoothly, please review and follow these guidelines:

Avoid wearing makeup, nail polish, or body piercings.
Leave jewelry, cash, and valuables at home. The center cannot be responsible for lost items.
Do not drink alcohol within 24 hours of your surgery.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing such as a jogging suit.
Bring a list of all the medications you take, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements.
Arrange for a responsible adult (18 or older) to drive you home and stay with you for the first night after surgery.
Wear glasses instead of contact lenses, if needed.
A consent form must be signed before surgery. For patients under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present to sign.
Inform staff of any new or changed medical conditions or medications.
Patients of childbearing age may be asked to provide a urine sample upon admission.
If you have not spoken with a member of our staff, please call the center by 4:00 p.m. the day before your surgery (or by 4:00 p.m. Friday if your procedure is on Monday).

Going home after surgery

After your procedure, you’ll recover in our post-operative area until you’re ready to go home. A provider will review recovery instructions with you and your caregivers before discharge.

Please note:

You cannot leave the center alone if you received anesthesia or sedation.
A responsible adult must drive you home.
Do not operate machinery or drink alcohol for 24 hours following surgery.
A member of our care team will call you the next business day to check on your recovery and answer any questions.

Anesthesia

Your safety is our anesthesiology team’s top priority. Upon arrival, you’ll meet with an anesthesiologist if your procedure requires their care. Please notify us of any recent changes to your health or medications prior to surgery.

Advance directives

If you have an Advance Directive, please bring a copy to include in your chart. Because all procedures at our facility are elective, Advance Directives are not enacted while you are under our care. If you require transfer to a hospital, your Advance Directive will accompany your medical records.

Patient Forms and Documents

If you have questions, please contact us at 772.778.3113.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC)?

An Ambulatory Surgery Center, or ASC, is a modern healthcare facility that provides same-day surgical care. Patients arrive, undergo their procedure, and return home the same day—offering a convenient, efficient, and personalized alternative to hospital surgery.

Why should I choose an ASC over a hospital?

Surgery centers are designed specifically for outpatient procedures, which means patients often benefit from shorter waiting times and more personalized attention. Surgery centers are held to the same rigorous state and federal safety standards as hospitals, and many are also accredited by national organizations that track quality and patient outcomes. Studies consistently show that surgery centers typically deliver safety records equal to or better than hospitals.

What can I do to prepare for my procedure?

To help you feel more at ease, we’ve gathered important information that will help you prepare for surgery and avoid any delays or possible cancellation. View these guidelines on our Patient Resources page.

How is recovery different at an outpatient surgery center?

Recovery at a surgery center is comfortable and efficient. After your procedure, you’ll rest in a recovery area while our nursing team monitors you closely. Most patients return home within a few hours to recover in familiar surroundings.

How long will I be at the center after my procedure?

Your recovery time will depend on the type and length of your procedure. In general, longer procedures require longer recovery time, while shorter ones require less. Most patients spend about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours in the recovery area before going home.

Can a family member or friend accompany me?

Family or friends may stay with you before your procedure. However, when it’s time for the procedure to begin, we ask that they remain in the waiting room until it is complete. Once you are in the recovery room and awake, they will be able to join you again.

Does insurance cover procedures performed at a surgery center?

In most cases, yes. Many insurance plans encourage patients to use surgery centers because they offer high-quality care at lower overall costs. Our staff can verify your benefits and help you understand your coverage before your procedure. Learn more about billing and insurance here.

Is my personal information safe?

Yes, caring for the privacy & security of your information is just as important to us as caring for you during your visit. To empower our commitment, we have partnered with secure, industry-leading technology vendors and have aligned our program with standards such as HIPAA/HITECH, HICP, and NIST. Access to your personal and medical information is limited to the authorized individuals who will support you and your healthcare needs. For more questions, please see Privacy Policy.

Ownership Disclosure

Cleveland Clinic Surgery Centers, Grove Place, Stuart, and Tradition are facilities in which physicians have an ownership or investment interest. The list of physician owners or investors is available to you upon request.