Patients
PATIENT ACCESSIBILITY
GMSC Patient PoliciesGreen Mountain Surgery Center is accessible to and useable by disabled persons, including persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or blind, or who have other sensory impairments. Access features include:
- Convenient off-street parking designated specifically for disabled persons.
- One level facility easily accessible for disabled persons.
- Fully accessible offices, bathrooms, waiting areas, patient treatment areas.
- A full range of assistive and communication aids provided to persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or blind, or with other sensory impairments. There is no additional charge for such aids. Some of these aids include:
- A twenty-four hour (24) telecommunication device (Cyracom) which can connect the caller to all extensions within the facility for use by persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired.
- Readers and taped material for the blind and large print materials for the visually impaired.
- Assistive devices for persons with impaired manual skills.
If you require any of the aids listed above, please let the receptionist or your nurse know.
BILLING INQUIRIES
Green Mountain Surgery Center
Phone 802.488.5350
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.
- How do I access the Patient Portal to fill out my pre-procedure questionnaire?
- You will recieve a unique link approximately two weeks prior to your procedure, either by email if it has been provided or by text message. The questionairre usually takes 5-10 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 my family in the waiting room know what’s happening with me during my procedure?
- If there is time before your procedure, one family member at a time can stay with you in pre-op until we take you into the procedure/operating room. They will stay in the waiting room during your outpatient procedure. Our receptionist will also keep them informed of the progress of your procedure. After your procedure, your doctor will inform them about your outcome. When you are ready for discharge, one family member at a time can re-join you in the recovery area. Together, you will receive the nurse’s verbal and written discharge instructions.
- Can I bring my children?
- We highly recommend that arrangements for childcare be made on the day of your procedure, especially during the flu season.
- Will I be able to speak to the anesthesiologist before my procedure?
- Yes, 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.
- Does my driver need to remain in the facility during my procedure?
- We strongly encourage your driver to remain at the facility during your procedure. This is due to varying procedure times and unexpected schedule changes.
- 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, we will we contact you in advance to explain your estimated deductible and co-payment amounts based on your insurance. 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.
- 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 and deductibles and out of pocket expenses, or other billing inquiries, please call our business office (802) 488-5350
COVID-19 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 Stands for Coronavirus Disease 2019. It is caused by the virus “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)” from the family of coronaviruses. In December of 2019, this new coronavirus began spreading, and has now become a global problem (pandemic). A person who is sick with the virus SARS-CoV-2 has the disease COVID-19.
- How is COVID- 19 spread?
- The main route of transmission is person-to-person spread via respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs. Transmission can also occur via direct contact or surface contamination. For example, the virus may be transmitted if an infected person coughs into their hands and then touches a doorknob, and another person then touches that doorknob and then their face. Proper coughing (into your sleeve or a tissue paper) and frequent hand washing are the best methods to reduce the risk for such transmission.
- Can COVID-19 be spread from the GI tract?
Components of the virus can be detected in the feces of infected patients although less is known about the likelihood of intact viral particles from fecal contaminants actually causing an infection in another individual. Likewise, the risk of transmitting virus through saliva, or other body fluids has not yet been studied in detail. Regular and proper hand washing is the best method to reduce such transmission risk.
- Can people with COVID-19 who do not have symptoms infect another person?
Yes. From the time a person contracts the SARSCoV-2 virus, it can take up to 14 days for symptoms to develop (average of 5 days). Viral shedding and transmission to another person can occur several days prior to symptom development.
- Do I need to wear a mask when entering Green Mountain Surgery Center?
Yes. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that infected patients or those suspected of being infected, such as anyone with new onset respiratory symptoms, should wear a mask to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets with coughing. Due to the symptom onset varying and the population of asymptomatic, for the safety of our patients and staff we require masks to be worn while in our facility.
- Should I come in for my procedure if I have any symptoms?
Please contact your healthcare provider by phone or website portal to make them aware of any symptoms you are having before coming in person. They will give you recommendations about the best course of action.
- Can I get infected if the patient before me had the virus?
This is highly unlikely. Our staff decontaminate and disinfect surfaces before and after each procedure. Your team at Green Mountain Surgery Center will employ all methods to minimize the risk of you getting exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus during your visit.
- Can my physician give me coronavirus during my procedure?
This is highly unlikely. Physicians performing your procedure wear masks, gloves, gowns, and other personal protective equipment that helps prevent any spread of the virus. Your team at Green Mountain Surgery Center will employ all methods to minimize the risk of you getting exposed to this virus during your visit.
- My endoscopic procedure was cancelled and rescheduled for a later date. Will my health be compromised because of this delay?
The best way to avoid acquiring COVID-19 is to stay away from people that may have the virus (“social distancing”). Your GI provider has carefully reviewed your history and reason for performing your endoscopic procedure. It has been determined that rescheduling your procedure is safe and allows you to minimize any potential exposures within the medical facility. If you have any further questions or concerns about being asked to reschedule, please contact your healthcare provider.
- Can I still bring a family member with me?
You will still need a family member/driver to come with you however we require them to stay in their vehicle.
- What can I expect upon entering the facility?
You will be met at the entry way with a COVID-19 screening questionnaire, a staff member with go over this with you and then take your temperature. This is to protect you and our staff and to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Where can I find more information about COVID-19?
Information about COVID-19 can be found on the following websites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)