Ambulatory Surgery Center

Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists’ is excited to announce the opening of VCS Heart and Vascular Center, LLC (VCS HVC), our ambulatory surgery center located on Discovery Drive. VCS patients can expect the same innovative and compassionate care at the Heart and Vascular Center that they have come to trust over the last 30 years, in a cost-effective and high-quality setting. VCS HVC is wholly owned by Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists, one of the largest independent cardiology practices in Virginia and a member of the Central Virginia Community.

Our state-of-the-art facility is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (Quad A), is Medicare certified, and specializes in cardiovascular and electrophysiology procedures. The surgery center includes six pre and post-operative bays, one operating room and one procedure room. Our staff include Board Certified Cardiologists, registered nurses, and medical technicians who are professionally trained in cardiac, surgical, and recovery care.

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Why Choose an Ambulatory Surgery Center:

• Standard of Care: Surgery Centers are required to meet the same Federal and State guidelines as hospitals.
• Quality: Through the use of strict screening protocols, same-day discharge, and lower occupancy; ASCs across the country report lower infection rates for patients.
• Efficiency: Surgeries are pre-scheduled and the center does not accommodate emergency cases, which means patients should expect on-time procedures.
• Lower-Cost Setting: Surgery centers on average cost patients and insurance companies 40-60% less than typical hospital departments due to lower contracted rates, bundled fees and cost savings from outpatient efficiencies.

 

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Preparation for Procedure:

• Coordinate a responsible adult to drive you to and from the facility on the date of surgery and someone to stay with you for at least 24-hours after the procedure. You will not be permitted to leave the facility unaccompanied and you will not be allowed to leave the facility in a mode of public transportation, such as a taxi or bus. For your safety, we will postpone your procedure if you do not have a responsible adult with you.
• You should expect a call the day prior to your procedure to review instructions and to verify your arrival time.
• No eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before, including hard candy and gum.

 

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Insurance and Paying for Your Procedure:

• One of our eligibility specialists will contact your insurance company to verify your benefits prior to surgery.
• The eligibility specialist will contact you via telephone to review the information provided by your insurance company and to inform you of the estimate due to VCS Heart and Vascular Center. By being fully transparent, our patients are able to prepare financially for their procedures and make informed decisions about their healthcare.
• For your convenience, our staff can take your payment over the phone during your insurance call or you may pay on the date of your procedure.
• The ASC accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, bank card, check, and cash.

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Day of Procedure:

• Please bathe or shower the morning of with Dial Antibacterial Soap to reduce the risk of infection.
• Do not apply lotion, perfume, cologne, or hair products.
• Do not wear makeup, jewelry (including watches and body piercings), or false eyelashes.
• Do not wear contact lenses. If you wear eye glasses, please bring the case.
• If your doctor or nurse directs you to take certain medications the morning of your procedure, please do so with one sip of water.
• Please bring the following items with you:
  • Driver’s license or other legal photo ID
  • Insurance card(s)
  • Payment method, if applicable
  • List of current medications with dosage and frequency
  • Any medications you may need during your stay, such as insulin or inhaler
  • A copy of any advance directive documents
  • Please leave all other valuables at home
• For your comfort, wear loose-fitting clothes that can easily be removed and stored

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During the Procedure – Caregiver:

• If possible, please remain in the reception area
• If you need to leave the premises, you will be required to leave contact information with the Patient Intake Coordinator
• You are encouraged to bring books, magazines, tablets, headphones, etc. to occupy your time. Wi-Fi is available to patients and caregivers.

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Anesthesia/Sedation:

Unless otherwise informed by your physician, you will be given IV conscious sedation that allows you to remain awake yet relaxed during the procedure.

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Procedures:

VCS has a team of highly-trained and experienced Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologists (EP) who have additional education and training in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal heart rhythms. Heart rhythm disorders, or arrhythmias, are problems that affect the electrical system, or “wiring” of the heart muscle. VCS Heart and Vascular Center offers treatment options to diagnose and treat heart rhythm disorders:

• Implantable Cardiac Monitor (Loop Recorder) – Implantable cardiac device used to monitor your heart’s rate and rhythm and is useful if your doctor suspects a disruption in your heart’s electrical system. The loop recorder insertion is a simple procedure usually performed under local anesthetic. The small monitor is inserted to provide data over an extended period of time for the most accurate information.
• Pacemaker Implant – A pacemaker is a small device inserted into the chest to treat certain cardiac arrhythmias caused by a disruption in the heart’s electrical current. A small incision is made and the pacemaker lead is inserted in the chamber of your heart needing stimulation. The lead is connected to a generator that is then inserted in your chest wall and then your incision is closed.
• ICD Placement (Defibrillator) – A defibrillator is an implantable medical device that acts as a pacemaker capable of delivery electricity to the heart to trigger it to beat and, if necessary, shocks the heart out of life-threatening heart rhythms. A small incision is made and leads are then inserted and attached to the defibrillator generator which is placed underneath the skin.
• Cardiac Rhythm Device Maintenance Procedures (Battery Change-Outs) – If you have a cardiac rhythm device implant, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator, you may need a battery replacement from time to time. Your old generator will be disconnected from your leads and will be removed. Your physician will place a new generator in the same pocket and connect it to the leads that are in place.

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After Procedure:

• You will be taken to our recovery room, where one support person will be able to visit once you are awake and comfortable.
• Your discharge time will depend on how you are feeling.
• Once you are ready to go home, a nurse will go over your discharge instructions and answer any questions. You and your caregiver will be given a written copy of the instructions as well.
• Please be sure to follow all discharge instructions and make the appropriate follow-up appointments. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

 

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Forms:

• Patient’s Rights and Responsibilities

• Disclosure of Physician Ownership

• Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA)