The Special Procedures Unit
429 East 75th St.
New York, NY 10021
What Is the Special Procedures Unit?
The Special Procedures Unit (SPU) is a streamlined clinical setting that enables you to have your pain management or physiatry procedure performed in a place that is not as complex as the operating room, yet is outfitted with all the necessary safeguards. Located at 429 East 75th Street, the SPU offers convenient access to the advanced techniques that have made procedures safe in this ambulatory setting. Your physician will decide if your procedure may be performed in the SPU.
Special Procedure Scheduling
All procedures in the Special Procedure Unit are scheduled between 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. A registered nurse will notify you of your arrival and procedure time 1-2 business days prior to your procedure. Arrival time is usually one hour before your scheduled procedure time.
Cancellations
If you have a cold, cough, fever, an open sore near the injections site, or any illness prior to the procedure date, please notify your physician’s office as soon as possible. Your physician may decide to reschedule your procedure.
The Day Before Your Procedure
- The call center will call to do a screening in addition to verifying the time and type of procedure and your medications. They will also give specific details on arrival time, what to bring, eating/drinking instructions, etc.
- The Pre-access team will confirm your information in our system to help expedite your registration process.
What to Expect
Please follow all safety protocols
- Bring your government issued photo ID and insurance information with you.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes.
- Please leave your valuables at home.
When you arrive, you will initially go to the 1st floor. A patient liaison will guide you through the check-in process. After you are checked in, the Patient Access Services team will ask you screening questionnaire and complete the registration process. Your procedure, recovery and discharge process will take place on the 2nd floor.
Connecting with Remote Visitors
To enhance communication on the day of procedure, phone calls and/or text message updates may be sent to a designated recipient. iPads are available to help you virtually connect with your family member or friends.
Holding (pre-procedure)
Once in the pre-operative area, you will be seen by the clinical team to go over your medical history, allergies, medications, and details about the procedure. Once you are settled, your temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure will be taken. The nursing staff will confirm medical information gathered during their telephone conference with you and will review the planned procedure. You will have an opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.
During Procedure
After you speak with your physician and sign the consent form, the procedure room nurse will review some information with you. Your procedure will take place in a sterile operating room. Once the procedure is complete, you will be transferred to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).
Procedures vary in length. Your physician’s office can clarify your expected procedure duration to assist with your planning.
After Procedure (PACU)
The recovery process is different for everyone depending on the type of procedure. If your procedure requires anesthesia, recovery is a minimum of 1 hour.
On the day after your procedure, a post-operative nurse will call and check up on you to see how you are feeling. These calls are made Monday-Saturday between the hours of 8:00am – 7:00pm.
At Home
Please follow the post-procedure instructions given to you.
On the day after your procedure, a post-operative nurse will call and check up on you to see how you are feeling. These calls are made Monday-Saturday between the hours of 8:00 am – 7:00 pm.
Important Numbers
For non-clinical questions related to the day of procedure, please call:
- Service Excellence at SPU 646.714.6768
- Family Resource Line 212.774.7547
Helpful links:
Back to the Pain Management Division