Ambulatory Care

Patient Safety Measures

Ambulatory Care provides services and treatments where you can go home the same day.

Services Provided by Ambulatory Care

  • Preparation for Surgery and Scopes

  • Infusions:

    - Blood Products
    - Antibiotics
    - Hydration Fluids
    - IV Medications

  • Injections:

    - Medications
    - Vaccines

  • CVAD-Port Flush

  • PICC Placement

  • Monitors:

    - Holter Monitor
    - Cardiac Event Monitor

  • Procedure Education

  • Wound Dressing

JCHC Ambulatory Care provides nursing and medical treatments on an outpatient basis. Each patient is unique and treatment is patient centered to meet the goals established by the patient and the provider.

Becoming a Patient

Once a physician has referred you to have a procedure, the Ambulatory Care Unit will be in contact with you. If you have questions prior to Ambulatory Care staff contacting you, you may reach them at 641-469-4466.

Prior to the Procedure

A few days before your procedure you will receive a call from the Ambulatory Care Unit staff. They may ask you some Health History questions, and ensure that you do not have any questions or concerns prior to your procedure.

You will be asked to arrive anywhere from 30 minutes – 1.5 hours ahead of your scheduled procedure time. Your arrival time will be discussed with you when the nurses from the Ambulatory Care Unit call you 48-72 hours prior to your procedure.

You will need to sign in at the Registration Desk prior to coming down to the Ambulatory Care Unit.

Day of the Procedure

Please bring the following items with you the same day of the procedure:

  • Insurance Cards

  • List of Medications, doses and how often you take them:

    - Over the counter medicines, prescription medicines, Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, other pain relievers, daily vitamins, herbal supplements or other health pills.

  • For orthopedic cases: walkers, crutches, etc. (if suggested per provider).

  • For total joint cases: Comfortable street clothes, walkers, crutches, etc.

Most procedures require patients to receive anesthetic, you can expect to be fast asleep before the procedure. Surgeons have different preparations for procedures, so the details of your preparation may differ from that of someone else’s. This will also be discussed with you when the nurses call 48-72 hours prior to your procedure.

If you are female between the ages of 12-55 (or younger if menstruating) you will be required to provide a urine sample.
*If you are post-menopausal or have had a total hysterectomy this is not required.

Outpatient Procedures

For an outpatient procedure, you will be given time to recover before going home. You must meet specific criteria before the nurse will discharge you:

  • Drink fluids without nausea

  • Eat food without nausea

  • Void

  • Ambulate

  • Maintain a tolerable comfort level

The nurse will give you more instructions that will help you continue your recovery at home.

Inpatient Procedures

For an inpatient procedure, you can expect to stay overnight up to several days after the procedure. When you are discharged, you will receive instructions to help you continue your recovery at home.

It is the mission of the JCHC Perioperative Department to provide our patients and their families with exceptional care as well as the knowledge to transition home in a safe and timely manner.

We look forward to providing you with the highest quality care in a warm, friendly environment that is dedicated to a positive personal experience.