According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, ASC has a legal obligation to only discharge patients to a responsible adult when they have been under the influence of anesthesia, so prior to the surgery plan your transportation and care ahead of procedure. For some surgeries, you may need to have help at home for the first 24 hours as well.

Patients sometimes believe they can use uber, lyft or taxi but in most states rideshare driver cannot legally take responsibility for the patient’s wellbeing just by stepping into their vehicle, so majority of surgical facilities never discharge an unaccompanied patient to take such ride home, including our facility.

Even if you think you are fine to drive yourself, your judgment may be severely impacted. Anesthesia slows reflexes, hand-eye coordination and thought processes. You might also experience drowsiness and dizziness, have limited range of motion, reduced grip strength and temporary changes in vision, and might be placing stress on incision with a steering wheel, or by shifting and braking. You should not drive or operate any machinery for the first 24 to 48 hours after receiving anesthesia.

If after surgery you take pain medication or other medications that affect your driving ability, such as sedatives, muscle relaxants etc., your return to driving will be further delayed. Your surgeon will advise when you are able to start doing activities, including driving, but generally once you are no longer on medications, your personal comfort is the key. Depending on type and location of surgery, a few days after the surgery you may be comfortable driving to the store but not a 1hour commute on freeway during rush hour. If you are in doubt of your ability to drive, or if you are concerned about a loved one’s ability to drive after their surgery, always err on the side of caution.