Elective surgery is surgery that your doctor recommends for your health. Elective surgery is a choice you make with informed help from your doctor. When your doctor recommends an elective procedure, it’s important for you, as the patient, to do your research before agreeing to the procedure.
Where do you start?
Ask your doctor to explain the proceedings in a detailed fashion. Why do they think you need it? What are the benefits you will get from having the surgery? What could happen if you don’t have the surgery?
You will want to know up front what your costs may be, what type of anesthesia will be used and whether the procedure will be in or out patient. Having a surgical procedure is a serious decision. You owe it to yourself to be educated and know what you are facing.
Here are some additional questions to ask the doctor.
What is the physician’s experience in performing this type of operation? The more experienced the doctor, the lower the risk of complications for the patient. If you are concerned with their answer, ask your internist to recommend another surgeon.
What about the medical facility? This is a vital area to research. Most elective procedures go well. However, every year, patients across the country end up with severe infections, pneumonia, and surgical site infections. Your doctor may have operating privileges in various hospitals, and you may be able to choose your preferred facility. To check on local hospital rankings, go to Consumer Reports and find their scores on patient safety.
Your doctor may recommend numerous tests, in advance of the surgery. X-rays, stress tests, blood tests; all of these are common but may not be necessary for your situation.
Unexpected Costs
Health insurance may be the biggest unknown; it’s a complicated issue. Your surgeon may accept your insurance but other providers like pathologists, anesthesiologists and consultants may not. Check with your physician about who will be involved in your care and make sure they are in your network.
The bottom line? Do your research before having any elective surgery. Work with your medical providers to get the answers you need before scheduling an elective medical procedure.
