F A Q's What are Ambulatory Surgery Centers? Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) are facilities where surgeries that do not require hospital admissions are performed. They provide a cost-effective, convenient and comfortable environment. There are more than 2,700 surgery centers across the United States. Where is Fairgrounds Surgical Center located and where do I park? Fairgrounds Surgical Center is located at 400 N. 17th St. in Allentown, PA. The Surgical Center is on the 3rd floor of the Fairgrounds Medical Center building, which is located on the west side of 17th St. between Gordon & Chew Sts. directly across 17th St. from Lehigh Valley Hospital -- 17th & Chew Sts. Campus. Convenient upper level parking is available to our patients. How long will I be at the Surgical Center? Plan to spend an average of two (2) to four (4) hours from the time you arrive at the Center to the time of discharge. The length of stay is determined by the type of procedure performed and the anesthesia that is given. Does someone have to stay with me while I am at the Surgical Center? There is no requirement that someone stay at the Center during your procedure. Since the length of recovery can vary, we ask for a phone number to contact the person responsible to take you home. Can I drive myself to and from the Surgical Center? You may drive to the Center but you may NOT drive home after any type of sedation. It will be more convenient for you to arrange for one person to bring you to the Center and take you home. Do I have to change my clothing for surgery? You will be required to change into a patient gown if you are having any procedure that is performed in one of our operating rooms. Please wear comfortable clothing that is easy to take off. If you are having a procedure performed in a treatment room, you will not need to change into a patient gown. Can I eat or drink the morning of my surgery? You may NOT have anything to eat after midnight prior to your procedure. You may drink 8 oz. of a clear liquid between midnight and two (2) hours prior to arrival at the Surgical Center (example; water, apple juice, black tea or coffee -- NO milk, orange juice, gum, hard candy, mints, etc.). When can I go back to work? Your return to work will be determined by your surgeon. Are there any special requirements if the patient is a child? Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Consent for treatment must be signed by the parent or legal guardian. The Surgical Center will only discharge the child into the care of the legal guardian unless prior written permission is given from the parent or legal guardian to do otherwise. When will I find out the time of my surgery? A nurse will call you the afternoon before your surgery and inform you of the time to report to the Surgical Center for surgery. Patients having surgery on a Monday will receive a call on Friday afternoon. Will I receive more than one bill for my surgery? Yes. Fairgrounds Surgical Center bills only for the facility fee. Our fee does not include the professional services of your surgeon, anesthesiologist, pathologist or radiologist. Laboratory, pathology and radiology testing fees are also separate. You will receive a separate bill from the provider of each of the applicable services. You must address all questions and send all payments separately to each individual provider.