Frequently Asked Questions
Since Bellingham Surgery Center is a specialized surgery environment for one-day care, we are frequently able to offer lower costs to patients. While surgery through the Bellingham Surgery Center does not require post-surgical hospitalization, you should know that Bellingham Surgery Center is similar to a hospital in two important ways:
- 1. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist are supported by a team of registered nurses, especially trained in day surgical and recovery care.
- 2. Our surgical suites and sophisticated equipment are identical to those of a large hospital.
One-Day Surgery has many benefits to Patients:
- Contracts with most major insurance plans
- Friendly post-operative follow-up
- Special pediatric areas for before & after surgery
- Total charge can be estimated before surgery
- Professional and personable staff
- Quality knowledgeable health care providers
- Comfortable and personal setting
- Reduced cost compared to hospital charges
- Major Credit and debit cards accepted
- Payment plans available
- Automatic filing of insurance claims
- Patient Satisfaction monitored throughout the year
After surgery, patients rest and receive home care instructions in our recovery area. The average length of stay after surgery depends on the type of procedure. Most patients are discharged from one to two hours after surgery. The fact that patients are released within hours after surgery to complete recovery at home reduces potential stress and anxiety associated with surgery. A companion can visit in the “Step-down” Recovery area. This is also the time and place to receive instructions from the nurse for home care after surgery.
At least one parent or legal guardian is required to remain in our facility while your child is in our care. A parent’s presence can provide a great source of comfort in the recovery room. Bring a bottle if your child uses one, and their favorite stuffed animal or blanket for added reassurance.
When general anesthesia is administered, there has to be a period of fasting to make the procedure as safe and simple as possible for your child. You will be given special instructions on this at your pre-operative visit at Bellingham Surgery Center. The instructions can also be found in our brochure.
Bellingham Surgery Center accepts most insurance carriers and is a preferred provider with many major payers including Aetna, Premera Blue Cross, Regence Blue Shield, Group Health, Labor & Industries and Uniform Medical.
Charges
Our Facility fee includes:
- Pre-registration evaluation by a Registered Nurse
- Pre-op on day of surgery
- Operating room
- Recovery room
- Routine surgical equipment
- Standard surgical and anesthesia supplies
- Routine medications
Not included in the facility fee are:
- Physician fees
- Anesthesia fees
- Blood or blood substitutes
- Implants
- Home prescriptions
- Prolonged recovery time
Co-payments and remaining deductible
Co-Payments and remaining deductible are expected to be paid on the Date of Service. We verify your insurance benefits and will call you prior to the Date of Service to let you know your estimated financial responsibility
Cosmetic Surgery – Elective
Fees for cosmetic surgery will be collected prior to or on the Date of Service. This fee does not include the physician or anesthesia fees. The patient is responsible for making those arrangements. Accepted forms of payment are cash, cashier’s check, Visa and Mastercard
Dental Procedures – Not Covered by Standard Medical Insurance
Fees for dental surgery will be collected prior to or on the Date of Service. This fee does not include the physician or anesthesia fees. The patient is responsible for making those arrangements. Accepted forms of payment are cash, cashier’s check, Visa and Mastercard
Prepayment Discount
We extend a 10% prepayment discount for patients who pay their facility charges in full on their Date of Service. This discount does not apply to patients having cosmetic procedures, as these are already discounted prices. This discount only applies to those paying for their surgery in advance.
Payment Plans
We will extend a payment plan to those self-pay patients (in certain situations) who do not have the money upfront and need the surgery performed. A payment of at least 50% is expected on the Date of Service and the other 50% should be paid within the next three (3) months. Prior approval is required from the Administrator and the Business Office Manager