8 Questions to Ask Before Surgery
Being told that you or a loved one requires surgery can be a frightening experience. Whether it is an elective procedure or an emergency situation, you need to fully understand your diagnosis, as well as the risks to and the benefits of the operation. To make certain that you have the information you need from a qualified surgeon, and to prevent you from having surgery unnecessarily, these are the eight questions you should ask before going under the knife.
Is the surgical procedure the best option, and if not, what are the alternatives to surgery?
Surgery can be a costly endeavor so it is best to determine whether the operation is 100% necessary. For some, surgery can be avoided through an alternative procedure. If your provider believes that there are other options when it comes to your diagnosis, be sure to ask what the safest and most effective choice would be to safeguard your health.
Who will be performing the surgery and what experience does the provider have in that specific procedure?
The provider that diagnoses and recommends a surgical procedure will not necessarily be the one performing the operation. It is important to know precisely who will be the surgeon and their qualifications. An inexperienced doctor is the last thing that you want on your mind before a surgery, and can increase your chances of improper care. If you have the opportunity to meet your surgeon to ask any further questions you may have, it is highly recommended.
Where will the surgery be performed and what experience does that facility have with your specific procedure?
Equally as important as the “who” and the “what” for your surgery is the “where.” A facility with a reputation for cleanliness, success and bedside care will far outweigh a hospital that may have had a few improper care instances. Knowing where your surgery will take place gives you the opportunity to research reviews, contact your surgeon and nurses with any questions, and learn more about the reputation of the facility.
What all does the surgery entail?
How long will it take? What are the steps that will be done? This information is vital to learn before any surgical procedure. With it, you will know exactly what is supposed to happen while you or a loved one is undergoing the procedure. This also allows you to come from a place of knowledge in the case of a medical malpractice suit. You will be able to state whether or not the doctor knew how to perform surgery in the universal manner, or if they may have done something incorrectly.
What anesthesia will be used and do I have options?
Depending on the type of procedure and your health status, you may have options when it comes to what anesthesia is used during your surgery. By asking for information whether you have options, you can find out more information about the process of your procedure and guarantee that you are comfortable with the decision.
When will the surgery occur and how long will the benefits last?
Planning for your surgery goes beyond how long your procedure will last. You need to make arrangements for who will drop you off and pick you up, and how long the procedure will take as well as recovery. But one of the scariest things about surgery is the unknown factor if all of this effort will actually work. Asking your doctor about the certainty of which it will work and how long the benefits of surgery last, give you peace of mind that your condition will have a solution.
What will recovery be like?
While you are discussing plans for the surgery, you can also bring up your recovery. Depending on the procedure, recovery can be a few days to a few weeks. These are all things you need to be informed of in order to make arrangements to be absent from work or school. You also need to know the limitations of your recovery. For instance, a procedure like wisdom teeth removal can have you up on your feet in a day or two with limitations in your diet. However, an operation like open heart surgery can see recovery periods of a few weeks or even months. Recovery is one of the most important aspects of your surgery of which you need to be informed. If you are not aware of the post-procedure symptoms, how will you know what is normal and what could be a sign of medical malpractice?
What is the cost of the procedure?
Although it can sometimes be necessary, there’s no denying that surgery is one of the most costly medical procedures. Between physician fees, facility fees, diagnostic procedures and associated office visits the cost can really add up. You will want to know exactly how much this surgical procedure will run you and whether or not your insurance will cover it.
Being an informed patient is a lot like being an informed voter. You need to know your options, if it will solve your condition or if it could cause separate symptoms, and if it could cost you thousands of dollars. Before going into a procedure, give yourself peace of mind by ensuring you know the facts of your future. This will hopefully prevent most chances of something going wrong whether it be that you weren’t picked up from the hospital at the right time or that you believe improper care occurred.
If you have suffered harm or negligence as the result of a medical procedure, or believe that the information provided was incomplete, inaccurate, deceptive or misleading, you may be the victim of medical malpractice. Medical malpractice occurs when a health care provider fails to provide the degree of care that a reasonable and prudent provider would give under similar circumstances, resulting in injury or death to the patient. An experienced attorney can help you evaluate the facts, obtain medical records, laboratory results and experts, and guide you in any legal actions for your case. If you have any questions about your rights concerning improper care by a physician, hospital or other medical facilities, contact the experienced medical malpractice lawyers at Avera & Smith.