Frequently Asked Questions

How many physicians and surgeons do you have?

Surgical Solutions Network prides itself on working with some of the most highly skilled surgeons in Canada. Our network of surgeons are renowned specialists and are fellowship-trained by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

What accreditation do you hold?

Surgical Solutions Network adheres to the highest standards of operational, financial, and legislative accountability. At our multidisciplinary centres in British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba, these standards are determined and rigorously monitored by each province’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. These colleges perform regular accreditation assessments, ensuring we meet the highest quality of care standards for all patients.

Our Toronto facility is accredited by the Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (CAAASF). The CAAASF accreditation provides patients with the confidence that the facility operates at the highest level of quality care and service.

What is an ambulatory surgery centre?

Ambulatory surgery centres are facilities where doctors perform surgeries that do not require hospital admission. Surgical Solutions Network’s multidisciplinary facilities use highly advanced equipment to minimize the invasiveness of surgery, resulting in reduced post-operative pain and complications. Our centres are accredited for general anesthesia and a wide variety of surgical procedures. The Surgical Solutions facilities in Toronto and Calgary are accredited to have patients stay overnight.

Do I qualify for surgery?

Qualification requirements vary by surgery, and each facility has different criteria based on its accreditation/licensing. Our patient advisors would be pleased to talk with you to determine if you are likely to qualify. Your consultation will confirm if you are a candidate.

Use our online form to take the next step toward booking a consult or surgery. Fill out your contact information, and we will contact you by email and/or phone. If you don’t hear from us within one business day, please check the spam folder in your email inbox and double-check that the contact information submitted to us is correct.

Can I see a Surgical Solutions Network specialist without a referral?

Yes. However, your surgeon may require medical information and diagnostics, such as confirmation of X-rays or other laboratory tests, prior to your consultation and surgery. Our patient intake team will let you know what diagnostics and medical information are required prior to your consultation. For more information, please visit Preparing for Your Consultation & Surgery. Your family physician will receive a consultation note from your surgeon, unless you request otherwise.

Can I do a consultation online?

Virtual or online consultations are available for all procedures. If you would prefer an in-person consultation with a surgeon, we can arrange that as well. Some procedures may require a second in-person visit with your surgeon prior to surgery. We have partners that provide telehealth services.

Do you charge for consultations?

One-time consultation fees vary by specialty; some specialists offer free consultations, and others charge a modest fee. If you proceed with surgery, the consult fee may be applied towards the cost of surgery, depending on your specialist and type of procedure.

How long are consultations?

Consultation duration depends on the specialty and the patient’s needs. Generally, a consultation lasts between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the procedure.

How soon after the consultation can I have the surgery?

After the consultation, surgery can generally be scheduled within days or up to a few weeks.

Can I have a consultation with more than one physician?

Yes, you can arrange a second-opinion consultation if needed for your peace of mind.

Do you have before-and-after pictures?

Please reach out to your surgical centre and surgeon for patient testimonials and before-and-after images. Before-and-after images may not be available for all procedures.

Can I choose the day/time I get surgery?

We do our best to work with you to find a day and time that fits your schedule. Depending on the specific surgery and physician there may be limitations in daily availability, but we will present you with a range of available days. The specific procedure time may be subject to daily scheduling requirements, but we will do our best to find a time that works.

Can I get an estimate for how long the surgery will take and how much it will cost?

The length of time each surgery may take and the cost of the procedure vary with the type of procedure and specific needs of the patient. The best way to get an estimate of the time and cost of your surgery is to contact our patient advisors and speak with the surgeon during your consultation.

Do I need to have blood work done, or any other tests?

Diagnostics and other laboratory tests are often required prior to your consultation and surgery. Depending on your age, underlying health conditions, and the nature of your procedure, you may require pre-operative laboratory tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), or X-rays. Our patient intake team will let you know what diagnostics and tests are required prior to your consultation. For more information, please visit Preparing for Your Consultation & Surgery. Depending on your procedure and health status, there may be other specific requirements, such as a pre-operative diet or physiotherapy.

What type of anesthesia is used?

An anesthesiologist will attend to you before, during, and immediately after your surgery. Working with you and your surgeon, they will determine which type of anesthesia is most suitable for your surgery. Options for anesthesia include general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, intravenous sedation, and local anesthesia.

What can I expect after receiving general anesthesia?

The sedative (sleepy) effects of general anesthetic or intravenous sedation may persist for several hours.

Is there anything I need to know leading up to or following my surgery?

Once the decision to proceed with surgery has been made, we will provide you with information outlining the steps you need to take to prepare you pre-operatively and help you understand what to expect post-operatively, including any rehabilitation protocols.

Do I need to bring anything on the day of surgery?

Depending on the surgery, you may be required to bring crutches or a cane to assist you. If your procedure requires an overnight stay at one of our facilities, packing an overnight bag of toiletries is recommended. The staff will be sure to review your needs and inform you well in advance if anything is required.

Please be sure to leave all personal items and valuables at home.

Can I go home on my own after surgery?

No, you cannot go home on your own after surgery. All post-surgical patients MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult who can either drive them home or accompany them home in a taxi. You will not be allowed to leave on your own, and public transit is not deemed an appropriate means of transport following surgery.

When can I get back to work, the gym, and other activities?

Every patient and procedure is unique, so make sure you communicate with your surgeon to ensure that you do not participate in any activities, work or otherwise, that may affect your recovery until it is safe to do so.

Do you have extended hours?

Hours vary by location. Generally, our centres offer consultations and surgery five days a week, Monday through Friday during regular business hours, with limited service on the weekend. Please call or email your surgical facility for specific hours.

If you require information or service outside of regular business hours, please send a request and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Is there parking available?

Parking is available at each of our locations. Please call or email for more information.

Can I request a private room?

We know that peace and privacy can make a big difference. If you are staying overnight, we do offer private rooms (availability and features vary by location). If you would like to know more about our accommodation options, please feel free to contact us.

I’m from out of town. Can you help book a hotel?

If you require a hotel before or after your surgery, there are hotels available near all our facilities. A patient advisor can assist you by recommending local hotels close to the surgical centre.

I have more questions. Can you send me more information?

Yes, we can send you information pertaining to the surgical procedure(s) you are interested in, our intake process, facilities, and financing. Please send us an email with your request using our contact form.

If you have other questions for our FAQ, you can send them using our contact form.