The Saltzer Gastro Center staff is here to help you prepare for your procedure.

It is our goal to keep you comfortable, safe and provide you with a pleasant experience.

Pre-operative Information

You will be contacted a few days prior to your scheduled procedure by our pre-admission nursing team. The nurse will review the pre-admission information with you, including:

  • A brief review of your medical history and any special
    instructions related to your procedure
  • Information related to medications that you might take
    or need to avoid taking prior to the procedure
  • Instructions on preparing for your procedure and answer any questions. Interpreters are available upon request.

The arrival and procedure time will be verified before surgery.

f you have not been contacted the day prior to your surgery, please call us at

For all of our patients:

Your procedure may be delayed or cancelled if these instructions are not followed.

  • Do not eat or drink anything after the time you are given by our pre-admission nurses
  • No alcohol or cigarettes 24 hours prior to surgery
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions for blood thinners or anti-inflammatories
  • Notify your physician if you develop a cold, sore throat, or infection

If you have any questions or concerns prior to your surgery, please do not hesitate to contact our pre-admissions nurse
at 208.463.3008.

Day of Surgery

Planning for Your Surgery

The effects of general anesthesia can take as long as 24 hours to subside. You must arrange to have a responsible adult stay with you for at least 24 hours after general anesthesia.
Patients who receive a sedative with a local anesthetic will be advised to have a responsible adult drive them home and stay with them for at least half a day following surgery.

Before You Arrive

  • Leave all valuables at home, including jewelry.
  • You may shower the morning of surgery with antibacterial soap, but don’t use any perfumes, colognes, or body lotions.
  • Do not wear make-up.
  • You may brush your teeth the morning of your surgery.
    If you have dentures you may wear them. Please bring a case for them to be stored during your procedure.
  • Make sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing that you will be able to easily slip off.

What To Bring/Do

  • If you use an inhaler, please bring it with you.
  • Wear your hearing aids and bring a case for them to be stored during your procedure.
  • Contacts are not permitted. Make sure to wear your eyeglasses and bring a case for them to be stored during
    your procedure.
  • Please bring all insurance cards and a photo ID with you.
  • If your child is having a procedure, please bring along an empty bottle or sippy cup. You should also bring along
    formula or milk for after surgery. Bring any comfort items for your child (blanket, pacifier, etc).
  • Identification bracelets are given to all patients. Please keep these bracelets on while at the center.
  • Confirm any allergies you have and any medicines you take.
  • You are responsible for bringing the agreed upon day-of-service payment.

You will meet and be evaluated by your nurse, physician, and anesthesiologist prior to having your surgery.

Check-in & Communication

Upon your arrival to our facility, please check in at the front desk. Our staff will verify your name, date of birth, and procedure to ensure that all information is correct. If you notice a discrepancy, please notify the staff.

We will collect any monies due.

After your check-in is complete, the surgery center staff will escort you to the pre-op area. Please know that they adjust which patient goes to pre-op according to procedure needs. If you are not called in the order of your arrival please do not be concerned. If you have been waiting longer than 15 minutes, please check with the front desk.

Caregivers & Family

Due to limited room space, one caregiver is welcome to be with you during your visit. However, this may be limited according to individual patient needs.

For Children Having a Procedure

Parents or guardians will be able to stay with their child until the procedure, and wait in the post-op area.

A nurse will accompany your child at all times; at no point will your child be left alone.

At least one responsible adult must remain in the building during the entire procedure/process in case the surgeon, nurse or anesthesiologist would need to contact you. When your child’s procedure is complete, the surgeon will discuss the  details of the procedure with you.

Recovery

After surgery you will be taken to the recovery area for observation. Your surgeon will speak to the appropriate family member regarding your procedure. Your surgeon may speak to you about your procedure, but due to the effects of some
types of medication, you may not remember having the conversation.

When you are stable and ready for discharge, home instructions will be given to you prior to discharge. The nurse
will go over the instructions with you and your family and will provide a printed sheet with the instructions for review at home. We go over information multiple times to make sure you are comfortable being discharged.

Medications given during procedure frequently cause people to have unclear memories and we want you to be as informed as possible. It is also important to have a responsible adult available to hear the discharge instructions in order to clarify information at home as needed. You will receive a courtesy call from our team to see how you are recovering. If you have any needs or concerns, please contact your physician.

Saltzer Gastro Center COVID Pre-procedure Instructions

Before your procedure, please do the following:

  1. Two weeks before your procedure, avoid out-of-state travel, sick individuals, crowds, bars, and communal living spaces (for example, nursing homes). Follow recommended guidelines for wearing masks and keeping your distance from others.
  2. If you have not had a COVID vaccine, a COVID test will be coordinated by your Saltzer physician’s office and must be performed within 3 days of your scheduled procedure. If we do not have a documented negative COVID test or COVID vaccination for you when you arrive at Saltzer Gastro Center, your surgery will be canceled or delayed until we verify a negative test or vaccination. There are some unusual instances where a vaccinated person will require testing.
  3. Walk in COVID testing can be done any at Saltzer Urgent Care. Saltzer Urgent Care COVID results will be sent to the Saltzer Gastro Center. If you decide to have your COVID test somewhere else, please be aware that in some locations it takes longer than 3 days to get your COVID results. See below for a list of locations and times of Saltzer Urgent Care facilities.
  4. Immediately after having your pre-procedure COVID test, until the time of your procedure:
    1. Wear a well-fitting mask in public and indoor settings.
    2. Limit social gatherings.
    3. Keep 6 feet of distance between yourself and anyone who doesn't live with you.
    4. Notify the doctor if you have been around anyone who is sick or if you develop any of these symptoms before your procedure: – Temperature greater than 100.4 ºF (38 ºC) – Cough – Shortness of breath – New body aches – Diminished sense of smell or taste.
  5. Both you and the person with you should come wearing a face covering or mask (mouth and nose covered).
    Please contact us right away if you have any questions or concerns before the day of your procedure. The Saltzer Gastro Center Pre-Admission phone number is 208-960-0870.

Please contact us right away if you have any questions or concerns before the day of your procedure. The Saltzer Gastro Center Pre-Admission phone number is 208-960-0870.

Saltzer Health Urgent Care Locations:

For all Saltzer Urgent Care locations call 208-463-3000

  • North Meridian
    6357 N. Fox Run Way Meridian, ID 83646
  • South Meridian
    2840 S. Meridian Road Meridian, ID 83642
  • Ten Mile, Meridian
    867 S. Vanguard Way Meridian, ID 83642
  • Caldwell
    512 E. Elm Street Caldwell, ID 83605
  • South Nampa
    215 E. Hawaii Ave Nampa ID 83686
  • North Nampa
    9850 W. St. Luke’s Drive Nampa ID 83687
  • East Boise
    3077 E. Barber Valley Drive Boise, ID 83716
  • Meridian Portico
    3277 E. Louise Drive, Suite 200 Meridian, ID 83642