Ambulatory Procedure Unit

The APU cares for pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients undergoing outpatient surgical procedures.  All patients are discharged on the same day, after their procedure is completed. Specific procedures involving General Surgery, Gynecology, Orthopedics, Podiatry, and Oral Surgery are performed. The APU has five rooms and two Dental oral sedation rooms with a ten bed capacity.  The ultimate goal of the APU staff is to efficiently provide medical and nursing care in order to minimize the length of stay for the patient.

Pre-Operative Instructions for Patients

• One day before your surgery, you will receive a phone call from the APU staff to instruct you on what time to arrive for surgery. If you do not hear from anyone by 12:00 pm the day before surgery, please call (559) 998-4252 or (559) 998-4471.
• If your surgery is scheduled on a Monday, you will be contacted with your check-in time the Friday before your surgery date.
• DO NOT eat, drink, smoke or chew gum after midnight the night before your surgery. If you do these things, your surgery may be cancelled.
• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before your surgery.​
• If previously approved, you may take morning medications with one small sip of water. Please refer to the pre-op instructions received at your pre-op appointment at the Surgery Clinic for medication instructions.
• The evening before your procedure please use antibacterial soap to surgical site for 5 minutes. Dial soap is fine.
• After you shower, please do not use any lotions, makeup, deodorant or other skin products.
• *Orthopedic Surgery Patients Only* Please refer to the Skin Prep Handout provided to you at your pre-op appointment.  Use the 6 Chlorhexidine wipes, as instructed, the night before your surgery.
• Do not shave the area of surgery.
• Do not get a tattoo within 7 days of your surgery.
• Please leave all valuables at home. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• No jewelry may be worn during surgery, this includes: rings, earrings, necklaces, etc.
• All piercings must be removed prior to surgery.
• We ask that children not be brought to the unit unless there is no other option available. This is for the privacy and courtesy of our patients and the safety of your child.
• Please bring your Military ID.
• If you have other health insurance in addition to Tricare, please bring the appropriate insurance card with you.
• Wear comfortable clothing, no uniforms required.
• You must have a dependable ride home after your procedure, and a responsible adult to stay with you for the first 24 hours after your procedure. If not, your procedure will be cancelled.
• Your escort must come with you to check-in on the day of surgery, and they must bring a valid Driver’s License. Once, we have a good phone number for them, your escort does not need to stay at the clinic for the duration of your procedure.  APU Staff will contact your escort when your procedure is finished.
• If you wear CONTACTS, please leave them at home and bring your glasses with you.
• If you have ASTHMA, please bring your Inhaler with you.
• If you have SLEEP APNEA, please bring your CLEAN CPAP machine with you.
• If you have had any recent illnesses including fevers, colds or coughs please call the APU and speak to one of the nurses.
• Please contact us at any time with any questions or concerns.

Active Duty Members: 

• If you have not already provided your Request for Elective Surgery Chit, please bring a signed copy with you. If we do not have a signed copy, your surgery will be cancelled.

Female Patients: 

• You must provide a urine sample upon arrival for a pregnancy test unless you have had a Hysterectomy or have not had a menstrual cycle within the last year. We only need a small sample of urine. If you are unable to void then blood must be drawn for this test.
•  If you are on your menstrual cycle you must use a pad, no tampons may be worn during your procedure.