Frequently Asked Questions

Please notify us at 218-822-2400 as early as possible. Rescheduling is done through your surgeon’s clinic.

Please wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing; sweat pants or gym pants are preferred. Leave all jewelry at home, including body piercings and anything you wear on a daily basis. If you wear contact lenses, please wear glasses or bring a contact case and solution.

In order to prevent the risk of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery you must not eat and/or drink prior to your surgery. Contrary to what many patients think, it has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after surgery. Your safety is a priority; if you do not follow the instructions provided prior to your procedure, surgery may be delayed or rescheduled.

You must have a responsible person to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours. You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to sit with you in your room before and after surgery if you choose.

Yes. To help prevent infection, we recommend bathing or showering before surgery. Please do not shave on or near the surgical area for 48 hours prior to surgery. You can take a shower, bathe and brush your teeth. Please do not use make up, hair spray, lotion or nail polish on the day of surgery.

No. A patient receiving sedation needs a ride home. Please make arrangements for a driver and for a responsible adult to care for you when you arrive home.

Because of frequent changes made to the surgical schedule, we cannot guarantee surgical times until the day before surgery.

Yes. Please bring any post-op crutches, hearing aids, walkers, CPAP machines, etc.

• Insurance cards / Any worker's compensation information.

• Photo ID

• Co-payments are due upon check-in

• Crutches, walker or any equipment required for after surgery.

• Make sure you have a ride home and someone to care for you at home for 24 hours.

• It is more cost effective.

• We have eliminated many common concerns about outpatient surgery. Parking is immediately outside the building with designated drop-off/pick-up areas. The surgery center has private pre-surgery and recovery rooms; and a discreet patient exit, which will make your experience easier and more convenient.

• With a high staff to patient ratio, our nursing team provides patients with extremely skilled and attentive care. And, because Brainerd Lakes Surgery Center focuses only on outpatient surgeries, procedures are rarely delayed due to emergency surgery.

Brainerd Lakes Surgery Center is part of a nationwide shift toward ambulatory/outpatient procedures performed at dedicated facilities, away from hospitals where more seriously ill patients are served. Every procedure and situation is unique, but turn-around time between surgeries is as much as three times faster than at hospitals, which means less waiting for patients.

Children and families are treated with the utmost care. Parents are encouraged to be with their child as much as possible, right up to the time of surgery. Your child may bring a security blanket or stuffed animal with for added comfort. In the case of young children having surgery, it is best to have someone along with the driver to help care for the child on the trip home. We require at least one parent or legal guardian to remain in the facility for the duration of your child's stay.

You and your physician can make the decision to have your procedure performed at Brainerd Lakes Surgery Center.

Our fees cover the use of the facility only. Facility fees do not include laboratory, pathology, surgeon, anesthesiologist, or CRNA fees, and may not include the cost of any implants used for you surgery. You will be billed separately for these services.