Top 7 Questions People Need To Ask When Before Surgery
So you have heard the dreaded news. You need to consult a specialist. Perhaps you need Lasik, heart surgery or some form of special help with your problem. Get the most out of consulting a doctor (and paying those high fees) by knowing what to ask and to make the most of your time in the office.
Can I Get A Second Opinion? Misdiagnosing what you have can cost you more than the pride you might hurt. Good doctors actually encourage second opinions, especially if the disease is rare or the surgery potentially life threatening. Surgery is risky and it pays to ask for a second opinion before you let yourself go under that scalpel. In fact, many health insurers require a second opinion, especially if the only solution to the problem is surgery.
Why Do I Need an Operation? Ask your doctor how the surgery helps fix your problem. For some options, such as bypasses or open heart surgery, a stent may do it its stead. Ask for other options that do not require surgery or what else you can do together. If lifestyle changes are also an option, ask what it will require.
Do I REALLY need the operation? Are there alternatives to surgery? Ask if changes in diet or exercise can help more in the long run. There may be other, less invasive procedures that do not involve surgery. Ask your doctor if surgery is the best alternative and ask for an outline of all the other options before you make a decision.
Is My Surgery Safe? Ask your specialist to outline the procedure and what will be done to you. Ask about possible side effects and how long the recovery time will be.
What is your experience with this type of surgery? Inquire if your doctor is qualified to do this type of surgery and how many times they have done it before. Lessen risks by choosing a doctor who is qualified and has done the surgery before. Ask the specialist how they handle complications in the OR.
As the patient, you have all the right to quiz your specialist and doctor before taking the plunge. A few simple questions and safety procedures go a long way towards ensuring that you have chosen the correct course of action, even if the procedure is as simple as Lasik or as complicated as an arterial stent. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as minor surgery.