Outpatient Surgery (Ambulatory Surgery) at Holzer Medical Center

The Ambulatory Surgical Unit (ASU) provides excellent care to patients of all ages, assuring a pleasant, thorough, and relaxed experience for everyone. We understand you may be anxious about the tests or outpatient surgery your doctor has scheduled, and ASU works hard to treat you with the highest levels of technical skill and compassion. Our typical patients include same day surgeries or admissions for one day diagnostic procedures.

ASU receives patients for same day and extended stay surgical procedures, one day diagnostic procedures, the infusion of medications, and blood transfusions. Our pre-op routine involves a patient assessment, pre-op education, and any pre-op preparations including starting IVs, administering antibiotics, etc. Post-op care includes monitoring of vital signs, discharge instructions, return appointments, and follow up discharge phone calls.

If you wish to call or email the Ambulatory Surgical Unit (ASU), please contact Holzer Medical Center Gallipolis.

ASU Services at Charles E. Holzer, Jr., M.D. Surgery Center

The Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU) is located on the second floor of the Charles E. Holzer Surgery Center and consists of two areas, Chair Care and Cubicle. Chair Care cares for patients having diagnostics tests such as colonoscopies or same day surgeries. The cubical area is used either for same day surgical procedures or preadmission of extended stay surgical patients.

It is a common misconception that all ASU patients require a bed. Actually, depending on the type of procedure or surgery you have, it may be more comfortable and healthier for you to sit in a chair rather than lying on a bed. Sitting promotes faster healing by increasing lung capacity and circulation.

An additional benefit of the ASU at Holzer Medical Center is our experienced staff and access to world class health professionals right on premises, including a full operating room staff available in case of any unforeseen emergency, a benefit many surgical clinics cannot claim.

The Surgery Center offers convenient parking and a comfortable waiting area, allowing patients to easily access the facility and family members to feel at ease while they wait. Adjacent to the foyer are Pre-Admitting and special patient education accommodations. The close proximity of hospital and physician staff means patients can feel secure knowing that important medical resources are close at hand, if they should be needed.

Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday 6:00a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Charles E. Holzer, Jr., Surgery Center is named for the man who was the inspiration for Holzer Medical Center when it was built in 1972 and who founded the Holzer Clinic in 1949. Carrying on the tradition of quality health care that his father began in 1909, Charles E. Holzer, Jr., M.D. shared his expertise and leadership skills with the hospital, the clinic and the community for more than 40 years.

Same Day Surgery Services

The Charles E. Holzer, Jr., M.D. Surgery Center provides a broad array of surgical procedures, all performed by the experienced and compassionate physicians and staff you have come to trust at Holzer Medical Center and Holzer Clinic. Some areas of practice at the Surgery Center include:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Cardio/Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Invasive Imagery
• Mammotome Biopsy
• Gynecologic surgery
• Ear, nose and throat surgery
• Eye surgery
• Laser and microscopic surgery
• General surgery
• Orthopedic surgery
• Endoscopic surgery
• Thoracic surgery
• Vascular surgery
• Podiatric surgery
• Urologic surgery

Testimonials for the Charles E. Holzer Surgery Center

The Ambulatory Surgical Unit scores very high on Press Ganey Surveys. Typical comments include:
• ASU nurses are very professional and kind.
• Everyone made me feel very comfortable and eased my anxiety.
• My nurse started my IV on the first stick.
• ASU is always very clean.

Service Area

At the Ambulatory Surgical Unit of Holzer Medical Center, Gallipolis, our service area encompasses much of the tri-state area, including all of Ohio, the Ohio River Valley, Gallipolis, the city of Gauls, and Gallia County.

Insurance/Payment

Please contact the Hospital Business Office regarding insurance and payment issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have to be there so early before my procedure or surgery?

We ask that you be here two hours prior to your procedure to make sure we have all of the information we need prior to testing or surgery. We will be starting your IV and giving you any pre-op medications your physician may have ordered. Often the procedure or surgery before you finishes ahead of schedule, so being here early means we can get you home in a timely manner.

Why am I served only a muffin and juice after my procedure or surgery?

We want to make sure you can tolerate fluids and a light snack after your procedure/surgery. Typically after anesthesia, some nausea does occur. Your stomach will tolerate something light much easier than a full meal. You should eat light until the anesthesia wears off.

Why am I sent home so soon?

The nurses taking care of you use discharge criteria when deciding how soon to send you home. They look at your vital signs, how alert and awake you are, how much pain you are having, if you are able to walk, drink fluids, and use the restroom. We carefully assess how well you are doing and whether or not you have met the discharge criteria before sending you home.

Will I experience pain after my surgery or diagnostic procedure?

Your comfort is very important to us. The nurses in PACU are experienced in pain management. You will be asked to rate your pain on a scale from 0-10. Medication will be given according to the pain scale. We may not be able to make you completely pain free, but our goal is to make you comfortable and the amount of pain you are experiencing tolerable.

Will my doctor talk to me after my surgery or procedure?

Your doctor may not see you after your procedure or surgery. Your doctor will talk with your family, and will see you at the time of your return appointment.

“After my procedure, will I need to ride in a wheelchair to my car?

Not everyone needs a wheelchair ride. Based on your procedure or surgery, the type of anesthesia used, and how well you are doing, your nurse will determine whether or not a wheelchair is appropriate for you. Many patients are more comfortable walking with a family member to the car. Our staff will ask the person accompanying you to park outside the door of the surgery center so that you will have easy access to the vehicle.

Department History

The Ambulatory Surgery Unit began at Two East on April 15, 1985 to meet the needs of patients having minor procedures and not needing overnight stays. The unit moved from Two East to the new Charles E. Holzer Surgery Center in July of 1999.

Department Personnel

The unit is staffed with a certified RN manager with years of experience in Medical/Surgical, Telemetry, Recovery, and Education nursing, full-time and part-time RNs. All of our staff have at least 10 years of experience with many having been on the job for 20 years and more. The staff is trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and several of our RNS are certified in post anesthesia care and medical-surgical nursing.

Location

Holzer Medical Center
100 Jackson Pike
Gallipolis, OH 45631
(740) 446-5020

Enter the Charles E. Holzer Surgical Center located at the rear of the hospital. Take the elevator located at the right of the entrance to the second floor.

Contact

Marsha Rodgers, MS, BSN, RN, BC
Unit Manager
(740) 446-5023
mrodgers@holzer.org

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