Southwest Idaho Surgery Center was established in 1997 by the founders of Southwest Idaho ENT to create a more accessible, efficient, and affordable surgical facility for their growing patient population. Since then, we’ve proudly served both pediatric and adult patients with a full range of outpatient ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgical services.
We are accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), a distinction awarded to Ambulatory Surgery Centers that demonstrate excellence in patient care and safety. Southwest Idaho Surgery Center has maintained continuous AAAHC accreditation since 2010, undergoing regular independent, on-site evaluations to ensure we meet nationally recognized standards in patient safety, quality improvement, infection control, and professional credentialing.
Our facility features fully equipped operating suites, enabling us to deliver the highest standard of care. Our expert ENT surgeons collaborate with certified nurse anesthetists, skilled registered nurses, certified surgical technologists, and dedicated support staff to ensure a safe, comfortable experience for every patient.
As a single-specialty center, our focused approach allows us to efficiently perform approximately 1,600 procedures annually—all while maintaining the lowest surgical costs in the community.
What to Expect
Once you and your physician have decided that surgery is the right option, a member of our benefits analysis team will contact you to review your estimated costs. If you choose to proceed, our surgery scheduling team will follow up to help you select a surgery date that fits your schedule.
One to two weeks before your procedure, our pre-operative nurse will call to review your medical history, discuss your current medications, and advise you on any medications you may need to stop prior to surgery. The day before your procedure, you’ll receive a confirmation call with your exact arrival time.
Please note that you may be asked to arrive 1–2 hours before your scheduled surgery time. We recommend bringing a book or a quiet activity to help pass the time while you wait.
Day of Surgery
Upon arrival to the surgery center, you will be offered a copy of the following:
- HIPAA Privacy Regulations
- Patient Rights and Responsibilities
- Policy on Advanced Directives
- The Disclosure of Ownership Policy
Upon arrival, you’ll be asked to provide any required payment, and an identification bracelet will be placed on your wrist. After check-in, a nurse will escort you and your family to a private pre-operative room. You’ll be asked to change into a surgical gown, removing all undergarments and jewelry. Your personal belongings will be secured in a locker and returned to you upon discharge.
During the admission process, a nurse will perform a health assessment, start an IV if needed, and administer any necessary pre-surgical medications or therapies. Before entering the operating room, you’ll meet with a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) who will conduct a brief assessment, explain your anesthesia plan, and answer any questions you may have.
Once in the operating room, you’ll be transferred to the surgical table and connected to monitoring equipment. After you are safely asleep, our team will perform a Surgical Safety Time-Out to confirm your identity, review your medical history, and verify the planned procedure with all staff involved.
Following your surgery, you will wake in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), where a nurse will closely monitor your recovery and address any discomfort such as nausea or pain. Once you’re more alert, you’ll be moved to a reclining chair and transitioned to our discharge area. Here, you’ll be offered a drink and a light snack, and your family may join you during the remainder of your recovery.
Before discharge, a nurse will go over your post-operative instructions in detail, including any new medications, home care supplies, and follow-up steps. Recovery time is individual and unique to each patient’s individual needs, we take as much time as you need.
One of our nurses will follow up with a phone call the next business day to check on your recovery progress. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (208) 813-9351.
How to Prepare for Surgery
