Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we provide free parking to our visitors.  The parking lot is located directly in front of the surgery center.

We do not have a cafeteria at our facility.  There is a cafeteria at the St. Anthony’s Summit Medical Center next door.   There are many restaurants within driving distance as well.

NPO stands for “nothing by mouth”. This includes water, gum (gum increases natural saliva production), hard candy, chewing tobacco, food and drink.

You will be provided a surgical gown during your procedure. Please wear loose, simple, comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.  Leave all jewelry at home. Please keep in mind what procedure is being performed and bring clothes that are appropriate for your return home.  For example, loose button-up shirts are best for shoulder surgeries.  For lower extremity orthopedic surgeries, loose shorts or pants are recommended.  Wear something that will easily accommodate a bandage, cast or other type of dressing at your surgical site.  If you are having a pain injection, wear elastic loose fitting pants and avoid wearing jeans or pants with metal around the waist area, such as zippers, grommets or buttons.  Please remember to leave all valuables at home.

There are many things we need to do to prepare for your surgery.  A registered nurse or nurses will take your vital signs, wash and remove hair from your surgical area, review your medical history and medications, and start your IV.  We will take the time you need to discuss your surgery, answer any questions you may have and review instructions for return home.  You will also visit with your surgeon and anesthesiologist prior to your surgery.

Your scheduled surgery time is an estimated time. Surgeries may take a shorter or longer amount of time than planned; therefore, we cannot give an exact scheduled time. We will make every effort to meet your expected surgery time and will keep you and your family informed of any delays.

After your procedure, you may be tired and groggy and may not be up to a trip to the pharmacy. Filling your prescriptions beforehand will be easier on you and you will have pain medications on hand when you need them.  Please bring them with you when you have surgery.

If you are having surgery on your lower extremities, ask your physician if you will need crutches. If possible, please bring the crutches with you to the preoperative area the morning of surgery.

Bring a case for your glasses, contacts and dentures.  Bring reading glasses if needed.  Bring any paperwork you were given at the doctor’s office.  Bring crutches, ice machine, brace, boot or sling if needed. Bring your inhaler, CPAP, and insulin if requested by your physician or Peak One Surgery Center representative.  Bring a photo ID, your insurance card and a form of payment if you have been notified of a co-pay or deductible amount due on the day of your procedure.  All jewelry and piercings need to be removed.  It is best to leave all valuables at home or with your family.

Yes, you may have a friend or family member with you during the preparation for surgery.  We prefer that you limit visitors to one friend or family member.  If possible, make arrangements for someone to care for your children the day of the surgery.  We do our best to provide a calm, quiet area for our patients while they recover.

You may feel groggy and tired.  You may feel cold or have some chills. Warm blankets are available. Noises may seem louder than usual. Your vision may be blurred and you may have a dry mouth. You may feel some discomfort.  Your recovery room nurse can give you pain and nausea medications that your anesthesiologist and surgeon have ordered for you.

If you are having a surgical procedure, it is normal to experience pain afterwards. If you have been given a prescription for pain medications, fill it as soon as possible, preferably before surgery and bring them with you to the surgery center.  Stay on top of your pain by taking the pain medication when you first become aware of pain sensations. Remember to always eat before taking pain medications to avoid nausea. To minimize pain after an orthopedic procedure, ice and elevation of the affected extremity will help minimize swelling, therefore reducing pain. Detailed discharge instructions will be provided based on your specific surgery.

Everyone reacts differently to surgery and anesthesia, therefore, recovery time depends upon the individual. When you are awake, doing well and feel ready to go home, your nurse will review your post-operative instructions with your responsible party, then allow you to go home.  If you receive anesthesia or sedation, you will need to have a responsible adult with you for the first 24 hours to help you with your care. Your safety is our primary concern.

If there is a break in the skin around your surgical site, the chance of infection is increased. If you notice any break in the skin anywhere close to the surgical site, please notify your surgeon immediately.

Yes, you will need to have a responsible adult take you home after any procedure requiring sedation or anesthesia. This is for your safety.  You will need someone available to assist you at home.  Patients cannot drive for 24 hours after being sedated or receiving anesthesia.

With regard to driving a car, going back to work or resuming exercises, etc., ask your physician, who will explain any limitation(s) you may have.

Notify your physician immediately if you experience any excessive bleeding, signs of infection (redness, swelling, heat, increased pain, red streaks, drainage from the wound, fever of 100.6 degrees or higher), difficulty breathing, excessive pain, excessive nausea and vomiting, inability to urinate, if you feel short of breath or have chest pain, or if you have any new pain in either calf area.  For any other concerns or problems, contact your physician or the Peak One Surgery Center at 970-668-1458.  In case of an emergency, call 911.

Please contact our billing office at 877-852-7552 toll free.  Please identify Peak One Surgery Center as your surgical facility to ensure you are connected to the correct representative.

Please call 970-668-1458 and ask to speak to a pre-surgery testing nurse.  If your call goes to voice mail, please leave a message as we check voice mail frequently throughout the day.

Please contact your physician’s office as they receive these results and can pass them on to you.

Please contact the Business Office at 970-668-1458.  A release authorization will be required.