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Surgery
Does the patient have a diagnosis?

Are you scheduled to undergo a treatment or procedure?

Q) Has your doctor recommended surgery?
Q) Is it really indicated?
Q) What is the operation (procedure) that is recommended?
Q) Is there a medical advisory board that reviews the diagnosis?
Q) What is the surgeon's experience with this procedure?
Q) What is the reason that this procedure is necessary at this time?
Q) What are the options if this procedure is not done?
Q) What is the anticipated outcome of the procedure?
Q) What kind of anesthesia is required for the procedure?
Q) What are the specific risks that this procedure involves?
Q) What are the benefits of having the operation?
Q) What are the risks of having the operation?
Q) How much experience do you have doing this operation?
Q) At which hospital will the operation be done?
Q) What about medicine?
Q) Why is the test being done?
Q) What steps does the test involve?
Q) Are there any dangers or side effects?
Q) How long will it take to get the results?
Q) What will we know after the test?

Q) What may have caused this condition? Will it be permanent?
Q) How is this condition treated or managed?

What is the operation (procedure) that is recommended?
What is the surgeon's experience with this procedure?
What is the reason that this procedure is necessary at this time?
What are the options if this procedure is not done?
What is the anticipated outcome of the procedure?
What kind of anesthesia is required for the procedure?
What are the specific risks that this procedure involves?
What about a second opinion?
What is the recovery process after this procedure?

What is the operation (procedure) that is recommended?
Ask your surgeon for a simplified explanation of the type of operation, technique used, and reasons it should be performed. (Pictures and drawings can tell patients and family a great deal.)
Why was this specific procedure chosen over possible alternatives?

What is the surgeon's experience with this procedure?
Ask the surgeon about his/her experience with this procedure, its outcome, and the hospital or setting in which the operation will be performed.

Is the nursing staff accustomed to caring for patients who have had this procedure?

What is the reason that this procedure is necessary at this time?

Is the procedure being done to relieve pain, diagnose a condition, correct deformity, for cosmetic reasons, or what exact purposes? Must the procedure be performed immediately?

What are the options if this procedure is not done?

What are the nonsurgical or medical treatments available to help the condition? What will/might happen if the operation is not done? If the operation is not done at this time, can it be done later? What are the consequences if the procedure is postponed or delayed?

What is the anticipated outcome of the procedure?

What exactly are the expected or possible benefits of doing the procedure?
How likely is it that these benefits will result from the procedure?
What kind of anesthesia is required for the procedure?
Is a general anesthetic necessary?
Can the procedure be performed under local or regional anesthesia?
Are sedatives or other medications required prior to the procedure?
What are the risks of the type of anesthesia to be used?

What are the specific risks that this procedure involves?
What are the problems, complications, or conditions that are the risks of the procedure?
How common are these complications and potential adverse events?
If complications occur, how can they be treated?
Is hospitalization required, or can the procedure be performed on an outpatient basis?
If hospitalization is recommended, how long is a typical hospital stay?

What about a second opinion?
Obtaining a second opinion is very reasonable for an elective (voluntary, or non-emergency) surgical procedure. This will not be a problem with the first surgeon, who will recognize this as commonplace. Second opinions can reassure anxious patients (and family members) and make the whole process easier for all involved.

What is the recovery process after this procedure?
Procedures vary in terms of wound recovery time and length of rehabilitation programs. It is very important for patients to know the long-term program ahead of time for the best planning.

Will pain control medications be necessary?
How long will it be until you can resume normal functioning?
Is this procedure covered by my insurance plan?
Will physician's fees, associated costs, hospital services, rehabilitation programs, and pain medications be covered by my insurance plan? Sometimes the doctor's office staff can be very helpful in securing the answers to these questions. If not, a direct call to your insurer is in order.

About medications:

Q) What are the common side effects?
Q) When will the medicine begin to work?

Here are some things to remember when deciding on a treatment:
Q) Are there any risks associated with the treatment?
Q) How soon should treatment start? How long will it last?
Q) Are there other treatments available?
Q) Is there a medical advisory board that reviews the diagnosis.

Don't hesitate to discuss sensitive subjects.

Q) What is your diagnosis?
Q) What treatment do you recommend?
Q) How soon do I need to begin the new treatment?
Q) What may have caused this condition?
Q) What about a second opinion?
Q) Can my disorder be treated without surgery?
Q) If surgery is needed, what procedures are needed and why?
Q) What are risks and complications associated with treatment?
Q) What is the success rate for this treatment or procedure?
Q) What is the recovery process after this procedure?
Q) Are you facing surgery?
    What You Need to Know is for patients who are facing surgery that is not an emergency. Are you facing surgery?
    You are not alone. Every year, more than 15 million Americans have surgery. Most operations are not emergencies and are considered elective surgery. This means that you have time to learn about your operation to be sure it is the best treatment for you. You also have time to work with your surgeon to make the surgery as safe as possible. Be active in your health care to have quality care.

    Your regular doctor is your primary care doctor. He or she may be the doctor who suggests that you have surgery and may refer you to a surgeon. You may also want to find another surgeon to get a second opinion.

Q) Why do I need an operation?
Q) What operation are you recommending?
Q) Is there more than one way of doing the operation?
Q) Are there alternatives to surgery?
Q) What are the benefits of having the operation?
Q) What are the risks of having the operation?
Q) What if I don�t have this operation?
Q) Where can I get a second opinion?
Q) What kind of anesthesia will I need?
Q) How long will it take me to recover?
Q) How much experience do you have doing this operation?
Q) At which hospital will the operation be done?

Ask whether your operation will be done in the hospital or in an outpatient setting, and ask which of these is the usual way the surgery is done. If your doctor recommends that you stay overnight in the hospital (have inpatient surgery) for an operation that is usually done as outpatient surgery�or recommends outpatient surgery that is usually done as inpatient surgery�ask why. You want to be in the right place for your operation.

About surgery or procedures

Q) Will I need surgery?
Q) Why do I need it?
Q) What is the surgery or procedure like?
Q) How is it done?
Q) What are the risks?
Q) Could I have a stroke or heart attack during surgery?
Q) What are the alternatives?
Q) Will I need this procedure or surgery again?
Q) What should my family know?

About the hospital (before surgery or procedure)

Q) When do I check in?
Q) What will happen before the (surgery, procedure)?
Q) How long will it take?
Q) Where can my family wait for me?
Q) What effects (temporary or permanent) will the surgery have on me?
Q) What is the doctor's experience in performing this procedure?
Q) What medicines will be prescribed (short term/long term)?
Q) For how long will I have to rest at home after surgery?

About recovery in the hospital (after stroke, heart attack or surgery)

Q) What happens after surgery?
Q) How soon can my family visit?
Q) Will there be pain or fever?
Q) What are the ICU and CCU?
Q) What happens in the ICU and CCU?
Q) When will I leave the ICU?
Q) How long will the breathing tube stay in?
Q) What happens when I leave the ICU?
Q) What can be done to help in recovery?
Q) How soon can I get out of bed?
Q) What is a good sleeping position?
Q) When can I eat and drink?
Q) What about bathing?
Q) When will my (chest, head, neck, leg, etc.) heal?
Q) What about medicine?
Q) How long will the pain last?
Q) When do I start rehabilitation?
Q) How long do I stay in the hospital?
Q) What is the daily routine in this part of the hospital?
Q) What should my family know?

About recovery at home (after heart attack, stroke or surgery)

Q) Can leaving the hospital cause mixed feelings?
Q) Will I need special transportation or equipment?
Q) Should I stay in bed?
Q) How much activity can I do?
Q) How can my family help me?
Q) Can I get emotional assistance?
Q) Can I get in-home assistance for daily tasks?
Q) What type of diet should I eat?
Q) What about medicine?
Q) Will my (aphasia, chest pains, weakness, etc.) go away?
Q) When should I call my doctor?
Q) Are my feelings normal?
Q) What if I stay depressed?
Q) When can I go back to work?
Q) When should I schedule a visit to the doctor?
Q) How can I prevent another attack?
Q) What changes should I make in my lifestyle?

About tests for heart or brain function

Q) Why do I need it?
Q) How is it done?
Q) Will it hurt?
Q) What will the test show?
Q) How soon will I get the results?
Q) What is monitored during the test?
Q) What equipment is used?
Q) Is there a risk?
Q) Could it give me a heart attack or stroke?
Q) What are the alternatives?
Q) Will my artificial heart valve cause problems (depending on the situation)?
Q) Will I need more tests?

Identify several possible doctors - Once you have a general sense of what you are looking for, ask friends and relatives, medical specialists, and other health professionals for the names of doctors with whom they have had good experiences.

When learning about a doctor, consider asking questions like:

Q) Do you have many older patients?
Q) How do you feel about involving my family in care decisions?
Q) Can I call or email you or your staff when I have questions?
Q) Do you charge for telephone or email time?
Q) What are your thoughts about complementary or alternative treatments?
Q) When making a decision about which doctor to choose, you might want to ask yourself questions like:
Q) Did the doctor give me a chance to ask questions?
Q) Was the doctor really listening to me?
Q) What Do You Need to Know About a Doctor?
Q) What days/hours does the doctor see patients?
Q) Are there times set aside for the doctor to take phone calls?
Q) Does the doctor accept emailed questions?
Q) Is there a charge for this service?
Q) Does the doctor ever make house calls?
Q) What's the process for urgent care?
Q) How do I reach the doctor in an emergency?
Q) Who takes care of patients after hours or when the doctor is away?

Q) How Should I Prepare?

Make a list of your concerns and prioritize them - Make a list of what you want to discuss. For example, do you have a new symptom you want to ask the doctor about? Are you concerned about how a treatment is affecting your daily life? If you have more than a few items to discuss, put them in order and ask about the most important ones first. Don't put off the things that are really on your mind until the end of your appointment bring them up right away!

Q) What Can I Say?
Questions to ask yourself about your symptoms:

Q) What exactly are my symptoms?
Q) Are the symptoms constant? If not, when do I experience them?
Q) Does anything I do make the symptoms better? Or worse?
Q) Do the symptoms affect my daily activities? Which ones? How?

Your doctor will ask when your symptoms started, what time of day they happen, how long they last (seconds? days?), how often they occur, if they seem to be getting worse or better, and if they keep you from going out or doing your usual activities.

Stick to the point. Although your doctor might like to talk with you at length, each patient is given a limited amount of time. To make the best use of your time, stick to the point. For instance, give the doctor a brief description of the symptom, when it started, how often it happens, and if it is getting worse or better.

Tell the doctor if you feel rushed, worried, or uncomfortable. Try to voice your feelings in a positive way. For example, you could say something like: �I know you have many patients to see, but I�m really worried about this. I�d feel much better if we could talk about it a little more.�

Remember, the doctor may not be able to answer all your questions. Even the best doctor may be unable to answer some questions. Most doctors will tell you when they don't have answers. They also may help you find the information you need or refer you to a specialist. If a doctor regularly brushes off your questions or symptoms as simply a part of aging, think about looking for another doctor.

Q) What Can I Ask?

Don�t wait for the doctor to raise a specific question or subject because he or she may not know it�s important to you.

Identify several possible doctors - Once you have a general sense of what you are looking for, ask friends and relatives, medical specialists, and other health professionals for the names of doctors with whom they have had good experiences. Rather than just getting a name, ask about the person�s experiences. For example: say, �What do you like about Dr. ______?� and
Q) �Does this doctor take time to answer questions?�

Questions to ask about medical tests:

Q) Why is the test being done?
Q) What steps does the test involve? How should I get ready?
Q) Are there any dangers or side effects?
Q) How will I fi nd out the results?
Q) How long will it take to get the results?
Q) What will we know after the test?

Questions to ask about your diagnosis:

Q) What may have caused this condition? Will it be permanent?
Q) How is this condition treated or managed?
Q) What will be the long-term effects on my life?
Q) How can I learn more about my condition?

Questions to ask about medications:

Q) What are the common side effects? What should I pay attention to?
Q) When will the medicine begin to work?
Q) What should I do if I miss a dose?
Q) Should I take it at meals or between meals? Do I need to drink a whole glass of water with it?
Q) Are there foods, drugs, or activities I should avoid while taking this medicine?
Q) Will I need a refill? How do I arrange that?

Here are some things to remember when deciding on a treatment:
Making Decisions With Your Doctor
Ask about different treatments:

Q) Are there any risks associated with the treatment?
Q) How soon should treatment start? How long will it last?
Q) Are there other treatments available?
Q) Is there a medical advisory board that reviews the diagnosis.

Don't hesitate to discuss sensitive subjects with your doctor.

Q) What is your diagnosis?
Q) What treatment do you recommend?
Q) How soon do I need to begin the new treatment?
Q) Will you discuss my care with my primary doctor?

Seeking a Second Opinion
Questions to ask your surgeon:

Q) Is it really indicated?
Q) What is the operation (procedure) that is recommended?
Q) What is the surgeon's experience with this procedure?
Q) What is the reason that this procedure is necessary at this time?
Q) What are the options if this procedure is not done?
Q) What is the anticipated outcome of the procedure?
Q) What kind of anesthesia is required for the procedure?
Q) What are the specific risks that this procedure involves?
Q) What about a second opinion?
Q) What is the recovery process after this procedure?
Q) What is the success rate of the operation?
Q) How many of these operations have you done successfully?
Q) What problems occur with this surgery?
Q) What kind of pain or discomfort can I expect?
Q) What kind of anesthesia will I have?
Q) Are there any risks associated with it for older people?
Q) Will I have to stay in the hospital overnight?
Q) How long is recovery expected to take?
Q) What does it involve?
Q) When can I get back to my normal routine?
Q) How long can I expect to be in the hospital?
Q) What doctors and health professionals will I see?
Q) Will you talk to my primary doctor about my care?
Q) May I get instructions for further care in writing?


Operation Questions.

Q) What will likely happen if the operation is not done?
Q) How will the operation improve health or quality of life?
Q) Are there any common complications after the operation?
Q) How long does the surgery usually take?
Q) What's the average length of hospital stay?
Q) What kind of follow-up is expected after the procedure?
Q) What type of long-term follow-up does one need in the years after surgery (i.e. doctor visits, echos, EKGs, etc.)?
Q) Are there any restrictions in lifestyle post-surgery?
Q) How do we go about setting up a consultation appointment with the Surgeon?
Q) Will the patient need to accompany us to the consultation?
Q) Is this a teaching hospital?
Q) Who will be doing the surgery? How many surgeons will be in the room?


About drug treatment

Q) Will I need to take medicine?
Q) What kind of medicine should I take?
Q) Can I take the generic form of the medicine?
Q) What should I know about the medicine?
Q) What are the side effects?
Q) How do I know if it's working?
Q) How can I remember when to take medicine?
Q) What if I forget to take a medicine?
Q) Should I avoid any foods or other medicines?
Q) How long will I need to take my medicine?
Q) Will I have to keep taking medicine?