Patients & Families

Preparing for care at BigHorn Surgery Center.

Having a procedure under anesthesia can bring questions and uncertainty. Our goal is to make the process clear so patients and caregivers know what to expect before, during, and after the visit.

What to Expect Patient Instructions
Who We Help

Care for patients who benefit from a surgical setting.

BigHorn Surgery Center cares for children needing extensive treatment, patients with special healthcare needs, individuals with significant dental anxiety or difficulty tolerating office-based care, and patients undergoing extensive dentistry or oral and maxillofacial surgery.

01

Children needing extensive treatment

For patients whose treatment needs may be better managed in a surgical setting.

02

Special healthcare needs

Care coordinated around developmental, medical, behavioral, or other special healthcare needs.

03

Dental anxiety

For patients who may not be able to tolerate necessary treatment in the office.

04

Extensive or surgical care

A dedicated ambulatory surgical environment for extensive dentistry or oral and maxillofacial surgery requiring anesthesia care.

Operating room at BigHorn Surgery Center
Why Anesthesia-Supported Care?

A setting designed to make necessary treatment possible.

General anesthesia may allow extensive treatment to be completed in fewer visits and can make necessary care possible for patients who cannot comfortably or safely tolerate treatment in a traditional office setting.

1
Fewer visitsExtensive treatment may be consolidated into a more efficient surgical visit.
2
Comfort during treatmentFor patients receiving general anesthesia, treatment can be completed without conscious awareness of the procedure.
3
Monitored recoveryPatients recover under close observation in a dedicated recovery area.
What to Expect

Before surgery. The day of surgery. After surgery.

Every patient receives individualized preoperative instructions. Follow the directions provided by the BigHorn Surgery Center preoperative team.

Before Surgery

Prepare for the visit

  • Follow the fasting instructions provided by the surgery center.
  • Notify BHSC if fever, cough, cold symptoms, or another illness develops.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing and remove jewelry.
  • Children may bring a favorite blanket or comfort item.
Day of Surgery

Care in a surgical setting

  • Anesthesia care is managed throughout the procedure.
  • Depending on the child and the anesthesia plan, IV placement may be performed after the child is asleep.
  • A parent or guardian must remain available at the surgery center.
  • After the procedure, staff closely monitor the patient during recovery.
After Surgery

Recovery and going home

  • A responsible adult must drive the patient home.
  • Plan for close supervision and a quiet recovery period after discharge.
  • Children may be disoriented, tearful, or difficult to console while waking from anesthesia.
  • Follow the individualized instructions provided at discharge.
Important: Procedure and recovery times vary. The surgery center will confirm arrival details before the procedure, and families should plan for some schedule variability.
Parent & Guardian Requirements

Consent must come from the appropriate legal decision-maker.

For minors and patients under guardianship, the person with legal authority to consent must be available for both the surgery and anesthesia.

Providing Consent

A parent, legal guardian, or other person with appropriate legal authority must be available to provide consent for both the surgery and anesthesia.

If You Are the Legal Guardian

If legal guardianship or delegated authority applies, BHSC may require court-issued guardianship or other qualifying authorization documentation before the procedure.

Please contact BigHorn Surgery Center in advance if you have questions about the documentation required.

Patient Resources

Everything you need to prepare.

Access procedure instructions, FAQs, contact information, and directions from one place.

Patient Forms & Preoperative Instructions

Review the forms and preoperative instructions needed before arriving.

Review instructions →

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about preparation, anesthesia, recovery, Medicaid, and the day of surgery.

View FAQs →

Directions & Contact

3415 Ave E., Billings, MT 59102 · (406) 661-9366 · Office@BigHornSurgeryCenter.com

Contact & directions →

Anesthesia & Safety

Learn how anesthesia care, monitoring, perioperative nursing, safety systems, and recovery are integrated into the surgical visit.

Learn more →

Questions before the procedure?

Contact BigHorn Surgery Center or review your individualized preoperative instructions.

Call (406) 661-9366