About Our Surgery Center
The Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) at Dermatology Associates of Kentucky, a Part of Lexington Clinic, is an outpatient surgery center where patients are treated for skin cancer in a safe and comfortable setting. Our ASC is state licensed and accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and equipped to provide patients with the best treatment available. This accreditation means the ASC has passed a series of rigorous and nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care.
One of the most effective methods for treating skin cancer is Mohs micrographic surgery. Mohs is a precise surgical technique, performed in our onsite surgical suite, in which thin layers of cancerous tissue are removed and examined until only cancer-free tissue remains. Because Mohs surgery is so precise, the amount of tissue removed is minimized, resulting in a smaller wound which heals more quickly and results in less scarring. Mohs is done in stages, and the lab work is performed on-site in our licensed and accredited medical lab immediately. This method ensures the cancer has been completely removed, usually on the same day, rather than sending the tissue sample to an offsite lab for results days later.
All surgeries in our ASC are performed entirely under local anesthesia, avoiding the traditional costs and risks associated with general anesthesia, intravenous sedation, and hospitalization.
Patient’s Rights and Responsibilities
Dermatology Associates of Kentucky Ambulatory Surgery Center, A Part of Lexington Clinic is committed to providing patients with quality care.
Patient Rights
DAK ASC affirms that every surgery patient has the following rights. Each patient has the right to:
- Be fully informed about a treatment or procedure and the expected outcome before it is performed so you and/or your legal representative may make informed decisions about your care.
- Respect for your personal privacy and the security of your individually identifiable health information. Upon written request, you have the right to access any information contained in your medical records.
- Be cared for in a safe setting, free of all forms of abuse or harassment, including but not limited to mistreatment, neglect, verbal, mental, sexual, or physical abuse.
- Be treated with respect, consideration, and dignity regardless of your race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, orientation, gender identity, or religion.
- Communicate about your care in a language you understand, including American Sign Language.
- Know that regardless of any advance directive or instructions from a health care surrogate, it is our policy to initiate resuscitative or stabilizing measures in the unlikely occurrence of an adverse event. If you do not agree to this policy, we can assist you in rescheduling your procedure.
- Know that Kentucky state law allows you to designate a healthcare surrogate and to complete a living will. DAK can provide official Kentucky living will forms at your request.
- Change your assigned clinician or health professional. Upon your request, we can provide you with a referral to the nearest available physicians who provide similar services.
- Know that if you feel any of these rights have been violated, you have the right to file a grievance regarding treatment or care that is (or fails to be) furnished without the fear of reprisal or discrimination. All allegations should be reported to the DAK ASC Administration Office at (859) 977-2294.
- Complaints may also be reported to: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Office of Inspector General, Division of Healthcare
275 E Main St 5E-A.
Frankfort KY 40621. - Patients enrolled in Medicare may also report complaints to the Office of the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman at www.medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE. The role of the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman is to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries receive the information and help needed to understand Medicare options and to apply Medicare rights and regulations.
Patient’s Responsibilities:
Every patient of the surgery center has the following responsibilities to:
- Read all instructions, consent forms, and permits, and to ask for clarification if you do not understand.
- Advise the facility before your appointment if you need assistance to communicate, such as a translator or sign language interpreter.
- Provide complete and accurate information about your health, medications, and allergies.
- Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your provider, both before and after surgery.
- Provide a responsible adult to transport you to and from the surgery center on the day of your surgery if directed to do so by your physician.
- You and any visitors with you must be respectful of all health care providers, staff, and other patients and must follow center rules regarding conduct and respect for property.
- Patients accept personal financial responsibility for any charges not covered by your insurance, and are responsible for understanding their personal insurance benefits, including the network status of facilities and providers. Patients are responsible for providing complete information necessary for processing insurance and payment.
- Inform center staff upon arrival of any medical power of attorney, healthcare surrogate, advance directive, or living will that could affect your care.
- You are responsible for any personal items brought with you to the center.
- Patients are encouraged not to bring valuables such as jewelry, since the center cannot be responsible for their security.
- Contact your provider if you experience any complications after surgery.
