Plaza Surgery and GI Services

• Take Highway 27 and exit at 4th Street (NOT 4th Ave.). Continue on 4th Street, passing the University of Tennessee (UTC) on your right. 4th Street will merge into 3rd Street, just past the UTC Arena.
• Keep going on 3rd Street, passing the Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences and the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department on your left until you reach Central Avenue.
• Take a left onto Central Avenue and then another left into the main Erlanger Baroness Hospital entrance leading you to the parking garage, as well as valet.
• If using valet services, please continue through the horseshoe drive. Valet services are located outside the Medical Mall entrance, and Plaza Surgery and GI Services is directly inside the entrance on the Ground Floor.

Pre-Admission Testing involves questions and tests to eliminate the possibility of allergic reactions, drug counteractions, or physical complications before, during, and after surgery.

• Anticipate a Call: You can expect a call from us where we will review your medical history and discuss your current medications and their dosages.
• Diagnostic Tests/Procedures: Depending on your physician’s recommendation and your medical history, specific tests or procedures may be prescribed to assess your current health status and prepare you for surgery.
• Arrival Information: You will receive a designated time to arrive at Plaza Surgery and GI Services on the day of your surgery. Any changes to this schedule will be communicated to you via phone.
• Pre-Surgery Information Session: A nurse will provide you with comprehensive details about your surgery day, addressing any questions and concerns related to medications, diet, and activities. You will also receive clear instructions to follow before surgery and are encouraged to ask any questions or share concerns.

• Smoking: If you smoke, it is advisable to either quit or significantly reduce your smoking before surgery.
• Consultation: Consult your doctor regarding the intake of any medications before surgery, including blood thinners, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
• Diet Medications: Cease the use of all diet medications two weeks prior to your scheduled surgery date.
• Pre-Surgery Fasting: Refrain from eating or drinking anything after midnight on the night before surgery, unless otherwise instructed. This includes mints or gum.
• Medication Intake: Any prescribed medications can be taken with small sips of water.
• Health Condition Alert: If you experience a fever, cold, rash, or vomiting before surgery, contact your doctor immediately, as surgery may need to be postponed.
• Transportation Arrangements: Arrange for someone to bring you to the hospital and take you home following surgery, as driving yourself will not be permitted.
• Medical Documents: Bring a copy of your advance medical directive, living will, or durable power of attorney for healthcare if you have one.
• GI Prep Instructions: If you are getting ready for a GI procedure or screening (colonoscopy), please refer to GI prep instructions and resources as directed by your provider.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to ensure a smooth and positive experience. If you have any further concerns or need clarification, do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Where to Park:

• When arriving at Erlanger, please use valet parking, which is available off Central Avenue, adjacent to the Medical Mall Entrance. If valet is full, park in the garage and bring your ticket inside with you. The front desk can validate your ticket.

Check-in at Plaza Surgery & GI Services

• Present your insurance card and picture ID upon arrival at Plaza Surgery & GI Services
• You’ll be taken to a private room where you’ll change into a hospital gown.
• Your family may receive updates from staff after your surgery has started.

Important Reminders:

• Companion: Have a family member or friend accompany you to the hospital, and be prepared to stay until you are dismissed.
• Personal Items: Remove all makeup, jewelry, and fingernail polish, including gel and acrylic nails.
• Attire: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and low-heeled shoes. Cotton socks are permissible unless the procedure involves that area.
• Valuables: Avoid bringing valuables to the hospital.
• Post-Surgery Assistance: Arrange for someone to stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery, especially if anesthesia or sedation is administered.

If you have any questions regarding Pre-Admission Testing or Plaza Surgery & GI Services, please call 423-778-3192.

• You will be discharged directly from the recovery area, not from a hospital room.
• Please arrange to have one family member stay through the duration of your procedure until you are discharged.
• The average recovery time is approximately 45 minutes; however, this can vary based on your procedure.
• Following the procedure, you may experience drowsiness, nausea, and/or pain. The duration for complete relief from pain and nausea varies based on the nature of your surgery. This could last a few hours up to a few days.
• Activity instructions will be communicated verbally to your family member or friend with your consent. Additionally, written instructions will be provided to you upon discharge, to review once fully awake.
• If you have questions about your surgical procedure, please contact your surgeon’s office. For inquiries about Pre-Admission Testing or Plaza Surgery and GI Services call 423-778-3192.

Erlanger aims to simplify the payment process for your medical care. A representative will contact you before your surgery date to obtain pre-registration information and discuss financial details.

• Co-pay
• Deductible
• Self-Pay (if uninsured)

Co-pays are collected on the day of surgery.
For pre-certification and pre-registration, call 423-778-5128 or 423-778-2622.

• Charges Not Covered by Your Insurance: You are responsible for charges not covered by your insurance plan. If paying your hospital bill poses a challenge, Erlanger’s financial counselors can assist with payment options. As a courtesy, we will bill your insurance. However, if payment is not made within 30 days, you may need to contact your insurance company and assume responsibility for your bill. For Financial Counselors, call 423-778-7936, or toll-free, 1-800-825-7002 (extension 7936).

• Bills from Other Providers: You may receive bills from providers other than Erlanger. For inquiries about these bills, please call the number on the provider’s billing statements.

Questions about your Erlanger bill?
Call 423-778-5150, or toll-free, 1-800-262-5764.