Take Charge of Your Health - Just Ask...
To ask the right question is already half of the solution to the problem.
- C. G. Jung
Upcoming surgery? Asking the right questions can help you: be informed about the surgery; understand your options; know what you can expect post-surgery; feel more confident about the procedure and more comfortable with your care team; and better understand your insurance and financial responsibilities. Often times we can be so overwhelmed at the prospect of the surgery itself, we neglect to find out information that will be useful to us once the surgery is complete. This is especially true since surgery and anesthesia has a huge effect on the body and it is best to go in prepared, not just about the surgical procedure, but about the what happens next.
It is helpful to write your questions down for your pre-op appointments and record the answers of your medical team or bring a family member or friend to your appointments to take notes for you and/or advocate on your behalf. Most hospitals will also have you complete an Advanced Directive to have on file upon registration. (For further information on Advance Directives please visit www.health-e3.com/advancedirective.)
Before surgery, there are a number of questions to ask your surgeon and medical team that fall into 3 categories as follows:
Pre and Post Surgery:
What are your goals with the surgery; what do you expect to be the benefits of this surgery?
How long do you expect the benefits to last? (Will I need future surgeries?)
Where will the surgery take place – hospital (inpatient/outpatient), ambulatory surgery center, other? What kind of post-op care is given based upon location?
Please describe the procedure.
How long do you expect the surgery to take?
Will my family/friend receive updates during the procedure?
What type of anesthesia is used? When will I meet the anesthesiologist?
What do you expect to happen if I do not have the surgery?
What are the best, worst, and most likely outcomes of the surgery (given my age, health status, etc.)
How many of these procedures have you performed/What is your experience level with this particular procedure? If at a teaching hospital, who will do the surgery?
What are the risks or complications? How often do patients have complications?
Are there other treatment options I should consider and if so, what are the related pros and cons?
Should I get a second opinion?
What do I need to do to prepare for the surgery? (Tests, medications to take/not take, diet changes, fasting, changes to fitness or daily routine…). What can I do before the surgery to make recovery and healing easier/faster?
How will I feel after surgery? (What to expect in days, weeks, months after surgery?) What side effects can I expect?
How will I manage pain?
Should I expect that I will stay overnight in the hospital; if so, for how many days?
Will I received detailed discharge instructions?
Will I require nursing care at home? What specific care will my family/friends need to provide to me while I recover? Is any special equipment required (hospital bed, wheelchair, cane, scooter? What limits can I expect?
Once I am home, if I have questions who do I call?
Are there any special instructions for care of the surgical site? Are any special supplies needed?
How long will it take to fully recover? When can I return to my regular activities (work, drive, lifting, exercise…) What will my limitations be?
Will I require rehabilitation, occupational therapy, or physical therapy? Where will I receive these services? How long do you expect me to receive PT and/or OT?
Financial:
How much will the surgery cost?
What services are covered by my insurance and which are not (surgeon fees, other team members, hospital/facility fees…)?
What will the rehabilitation services cost?
Will my insurance pay for a second opinion?
Other:
What are the best websites to learn more about my health condition and this medical procedure?
What information did we not cover that you think is important for me to know?
As Brian Tracy says, "Never assume you understand. Ask the questions." Questions are important and the answers will help make you more comfortable or let you know to seek a different provider. And remember, it is up to you to be proactive and Take Charge of Your Health.