Not what you expect for a surgery center. It feels like a doctors office when you walk in. Very…read moredrab waiting area with TV was off. The green walls are not visually pleasing, the chairs don't match, there is nothing ascetically pleasing or comforting about this waiting room.
Two ladies at a desk checking people in. These are the first impression and both are kind, I would suggest that there be a dress code, scrub top with company name embroidered on it or professional dress should be considered. I signed in at 7:45 am as requested, I sat and waited to be called up, I finally went up to the desk to ask about my turn 25 minutes after I signed in, I was told I'd be next. I wasn't called up until 8:15 am. The amount of time to register a person is very long and unnecessary if pre-registration is done. I am shocked this place is very paper oriented in this day in age with EMR systems and electronic everything. I would suggest finding a system where you can automate more of the check-in/registration process. It would be great to have a sign pad where I am signing everything electronically.
I will mention that one of the ladies was very kind with a gentleman who had a hard time walking and brought all paperwork to him where he sat.
Staff appearances are scattered here, I would have expected that all staff be in scrub top and bottoms. T-Shirts and non scrub sweat jackets are not professional looking and do not convey a level of professionalism in a surgery center setting where you are face to face with patients.
The previous surgery centers I've been to in Iowa were very different. All staff was very professional looking in appearance, they wore scrubs provided by the center that were embroidered with center name and the staff had two color options to choose from.
I was called back by the nurse and she was very nice. I was taken back through nurse work/prep area to a bathroom where I was asked to change into a gown. The bathroom could use some air freshener. I wasn't expecting to be walked through nurse prep/work area. After I changed I was taken to a pre-op bed. Very small space and it seems like the staff needs a supply cart next to each bed. The supply cart looks like the clear storage you'd buy from Walmart. Like doing things on the cheap here. The nurse attempted to place an IV and couldn't get it and then had to ask for another nurse to attempt to place an IV, it took 3 times before before it was placed successfully. The anesthesia doctor came by and took the paper chart and reviewed that and asked some questions. After that 2 nurses came to get me and wheel me back to the procedure room. Now this room seemed like an old converted room where a doctor might have done stitches, it was like an over sized room and there was more clear cart storage and supplies to do the colonoscopy. Don't get me wrong, it's not the lack of confidence in the staff or providers, it's just that this place didn't really feel like a true surgical center, it felt like a make shift place. Again, the experiences I've had with outpatient surgery center is back in Iowa at the Surgery Center of Cedar Rapids.
Once I was taken into the procedure room I verified who I was and I was asked to lay on my side, oxygen was placed on me, and the anesthesia was given to me and I was out. Next thing I knew I was in a small recovery bay waking up. The nurse asked how I was doing, gave me a glass of water and started discharge process. Doctor came over and followed up with me and gave me the report along with photos and I was given time to change and I was walked out to my ride. They called my husband 30 minutes prior to them walking me out. No one was allowed in with you because of COVID.
I did receive a text message the next day, it said: Citrus Surgery Center: We're checking in regarding your procedure. Are you having any fever, discomfort or bleeding, or have questions about your results. Reply YES or NO.
And on Sunday I received another text message saying: Citrus Surgery Ctr: For the safety of our staff and patients, we are asking if you test positive for COVID 19 or experience any of these following symptoms; Cough, sore throat, fever or shortness of breath, within the NEXT 2 weeks to please notify us at 407-472-5095.
Overall it wasn't a bad experience, the staff was nice, kind, and they explained things well and from my observations with other patients, they would go out of their way for patients if needed.
The facility was what I was expecting, that is on me because I had in my mind an expectation based on previous experiences I have had in a different state.
I would like to see a bit more professionalism in the appearance of the facility and the areas they have to work with.
I think there is room for improvement for the company to give the staff more resources/medical supply carts instead of these carts and put a cart in each pre-op bed.
