What NovaMed Does

NovaMed is a network of ambulatory surgery centers that perform outpatient procedures — surgeries and diagnostic tests that don't require an overnight hospital stay. The centers handle everything from eye surgery to orthopedic procedures, meaning you arrive in the morning, have your procedure, and go home the same day. NovaMed operates multiple locations across the United States, primarily in the Southwest, and works with insurance plans to cover the cost of care.

Because NovaMed is an ambulatory surgery center rather than a hospital, the setting is smaller and more focused on specific types of procedures. You won't find emergency rooms or inpatient beds. Instead, you'll find operating rooms, recovery areas, and staff trained specifically in outpatient surgery. This structure often means shorter wait times and lower costs than hospital-based surgery, since the facility doesn't maintain the overhead of a full hospital.

Key Takeaways

  • NovaMed performs same-day surgeries and procedures at multiple locations, primarily in the Southwest United States.
  • Your insurance plan determines what NovaMed charges you and whether the center is in-network for your coverage.
  • You'll need a referral from your doctor to schedule a procedure at NovaMed, and pre-surgery appointments typically happen before your procedure date.
  • Recovery happens at home after the procedure, not in a hospital bed, so you'll need someone to drive you and help for the first 24 hours.
  • NovaMed accepts most major insurance plans, but coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan and the procedure type.

How to Schedule a Procedure at NovaMed

Your doctor must refer you to NovaMed before you can schedule. This referral tells NovaMed what procedure you need and confirms your doctor believes outpatient surgery is appropriate for your condition. You can ask your doctor's office to send the referral directly to NovaMed, or you can contact NovaMed yourself with your doctor's information and they will request it.

Once NovaMed receives your referral, you'll call or visit their scheduling department to book your procedure date. They'll ask about your insurance, medical history, and any medications you take. This is when you should ask whether your insurance covers the procedure and what your out-of-pocket cost will be. NovaMed's scheduling team can often check this while you're on the phone or during your first visit.

Before your surgery date, you'll have a pre-operative appointment at the NovaMed location where your procedure will happen. During this visit, staff will review your medical history, take your vital signs, and explain what to expect on surgery day. They'll also give you written instructions about what to eat or drink before your procedure, which medications to take or skip, and what to bring.

What Your Insurance Covers at NovaMed

NovaMed accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial plans from companies like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and United Healthcare. However, coverage varies depending on your specific plan and the procedure you're having. Some plans cover the full cost of certain procedures; others require you to pay a deductible, copay, or coinsurance.

Before your procedure, ask NovaMed's billing department for an estimate of what you'll owe out of pocket. They can tell you whether your deductible applies, what your copay or coinsurance percentage is, and whether the facility itself is in-network for your plan. If NovaMed is out-of-network for your insurance, your costs will be higher, so it's important to confirm this before scheduling.

If you don't have insurance or your plan doesn't cover your procedure, NovaMed typically offers self-pay pricing. Ask about payment plans if the upfront cost is difficult to manage — many surgery centers will work with you on timing.

What Happens on the Day of Your Procedure

You'll arrive at NovaMed 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled procedure time. Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and any paperwork NovaMed sent you. You'll check in at the front desk, then move to a pre-operative area where nursing staff will take your vital signs again, place an IV if needed, and review your procedure one more time with the surgical team.

The surgeon and anesthesiologist will visit you before you go into the operating room to answer any last-minute questions. If you're receiving anesthesia, the anesthesiologist will explain what type you're getting and what to expect. The procedure itself can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours depending on what's being done.

After surgery, you'll spend time in a recovery room where nursing staff monitor you as the anesthesia wears off. Once you're alert and stable, you'll be discharged home. This is why you must bring someone to drive you — you cannot drive yourself after anesthesia, even if you feel fine.

Recovery and Aftercare at Home

You'll receive written aftercare instructions before you leave NovaMed. These instructions cover pain management, wound care, activity restrictions, and when to call the doctor if something doesn't seem right. Most people can return to light activities within a few days, though full recovery depends on the type of procedure.

You'll need help at home for at least the first 24 hours after your procedure. This means someone should be present to help with meals, medications, and basic tasks. If you live alone, arrange for a friend or family member to stay with you or check on you regularly during this time.

If you experience severe pain, fever, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection after you get home, contact NovaMed or your doctor right away. NovaMed will provide you with a phone number to call if you have questions or concerns during your recovery.

Costs and Financial Responsibility

The total cost of your procedure at NovaMed includes the facility fee, surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, and any lab work or imaging. Your insurance plan determines how much NovaMed can charge and how much you pay. If NovaMed is in-network for your plan, they've agreed to accept a negotiated rate. If they're out-of-network, you may receive a bill for the difference between what they charge and what your insurance pays.

Ask NovaMed for an itemized estimate before your procedure so you understand what each charge covers. If you receive a bill you don't understand after your procedure, contact NovaMed's billing department to ask for an explanation. You have the right to understand what you're being charged for.

Finding Your Nearest NovaMed Location

NovaMed operates multiple surgery centers across Arizona, Nevada, and other Southwest locations. You can find the center nearest you by visiting NovaMed's website or calling their main scheduling line. When you call, tell them what type of procedure you need and they can direct you to the location that handles that specialty.

Some procedures are only performed at certain locations, so don't assume the closest center to your home will be the one where your surgery happens. Ask about location options when you schedule, and consider travel time and parking when making your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat or drink before my procedure at NovaMed?

No. NovaMed will give you specific fasting instructions, usually requiring you to stop eating solid food 6 to 8 hours before your procedure and stop drinking clear liquids 2 hours before. Fasting prevents complications during anesthesia. Follow these instructions exactly — eating or drinking when you're told not to can result in your procedure being postponed.

What medications should I take the morning of my surgery?

NovaMed will tell you which medications to take and which to skip on the morning of your procedure. Some medications, like blood thinners, need to be stopped days before surgery. Others, like heart or blood pressure medications, should be taken with a small sip of water. Don't guess — follow NovaMed's written instructions or call them if you're unsure.

How long does recovery take after a NovaMed procedure?

Recovery time depends on the type of procedure and the anesthesia used. Most people feel back to normal within a few days to a week, though some procedures require longer. Your aftercare instructions will tell you when you can return to work, exercise, and driving. Don't rush recovery — complications are more likely if you overdo it too soon.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my NovaMed procedure?

Contact NovaMed as soon as possible if you need to change your date. Canceling close to your scheduled time may result in a cancellation fee, depending on NovaMed's policy. If you're sick or have a new health concern before your procedure, call NovaMed to discuss whether it's safe to proceed or if you should reschedule.

Will NovaMed bill my insurance directly?

Yes. NovaMed submits claims to your insurance on your behalf. However, you're responsible for any out-of-pocket costs your plan requires, such as deductibles or coinsurance. NovaMed will bill you for these amounts after insurance processes the claim. Ask about payment options if you can't pay the full amount upfront.