Patients

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I schedule a procedure/surgery at Green Mountain Surgery Center?

If you wish to have a procedure/surgery performed at Green Mountain Surgery Center, please contact the physician's office to schedule an appointment. Please reference our "Physicians" page for each physician profile and contact information.

How do I access the Patient Portal to fill out my pre-procedure questionnaire?

You will receive a unique link from Green Mountain Surgery Center in the weeks prior to your procedure, either by email if it has been provided or by text message.  The questionnaire usually takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and can be filled out on the phone or on the computer. You will continue to get reminders to fill out your information until it has been completed.

How long will my same day procedure take?

Depending on the procedure and the recovery period, there is no definite answer to this question. We will be able to give you a better idea after a consultation with one of our physicians. Generally for patients having surgery, you can expect to be in the recovery center for 1 hour following your procedure. For patients having GI procedures, you can expect 1 -2 hours total time from arrival at the surgery center to your departure.  Your driver should remain at the facility.  Please check with your physcian about the specifics of your procedure.

Will I be able to speak to the anesthesiologist before my procedure?

If your procedure requires anesthesia, your anesthesiologist will go over the anesthesia procedure with you in pre-op. Together you will speak about any health issues or any prior experiences that may impact your procedure.

What medications or vitamins should I take the morning of my outpatient procedure?

Our physicians and nurses will guide you on this before your procedure. We will discuss what specific medicines, herbs, and minerals you may be taking. We will then guide you on which ones need to be cut out of your regimin for a period of time if need be. On the morning of your procedure, be sure to take the least amount of water with any medications you are currently taking.

Why should I remove jewelry?

Metal on the skin may cause conduction when cauterization is used and may cause irritation to your skin. Removal of jewelry is very important for your safety while in the procedure/operating room. We encourage you to leave any jewelry at home.

What discharge instructions will I receive?

Our discharge instructions are customized to each patient and each procedure. Your discharge instructions will be shared with you in the final steps of your recovery in the recovery room. You will be sent home with written discharge instructions to refer to if needed.

Why can’t I drive myself home after discharge?

The anesthesia and pain medicine you will receive will impair your ability to drive and to make important decisions for about 24 hours. You will need a responsible adult to bring you to the  surgery center, receive your post-operative instructions, and then drive you back home after the procedure.

What can I expect for my recovery?

Depending on the sedation you have recieved, we highly recommend that you have a responsible adult supervise you for 24 hours after your procedure. This person must be able to aid you with your discharge instructions. For patient's having surgery, the staff from Green Mountain Surgery Center will call you the next day for a follow-up. If you have any complications or side effects please contact your doctor immediately or call 911.

What will I be expected to pay?

If your procedure is likely to incur costs that will be due from you at the time of the procedure, an estimate will be sent to you via email and/or text message with your current health benefit balances clearly listed. After your procedure, we will bill your insurance carrier and will also send you a bill for the portion you owe.  Our charges for the most common procedures can be found on the Price & Quality page of our website. Our billing team is available by calling (802) 488-5350 and choosing the billing option should you have questions about your estimate. 

What if I don’t have insurance?

We offer a self-pay option for patients with no insurance.  The self-pay charge for services is equal to the lowest amount the surgery center gets reimbursed by commercial payers for the same procedure. Payment is required at time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advance.  Please call our business office to learn more 802-488-5350.

Will my doctor’s fees be part of the surgery center bill?

No, the surgery center bill is only the facility fee. You will be billed separately by your doctor and anesthesiologist and for any laboratory fees.

I have more questions about billing, whom should I call?

For any questions about co-pays, deductibles and out of pocket expenses, or other billing inquiries, please call our business office (802) 488-5350 and choose the menu option for questions about insurance estimates or billing

Where can I find colonoscopy prep instructions?

Vermont Gastroenterology will send your prep instructions after they schedule your procedure. For a copy of the prep instructions, please visit www.vtgastro.com or call their office at 802-864-7483