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Surgery: Questions to Ask the Doctor

Overview

Print this form and fill in the information if your doctor recommends that you have a surgical procedure.

General questions

What is the name of the surgical procedure?
Why do I need surgery?
How soon should surgery take place?
What might happen if I delay or avoid the surgery?
What results should I expect from the surgery?
Are there any nonsurgical options? Yes ___ No___ If yes, describe: Are there any less invasive surgery options?
What is the next step if this surgery doesn't work?
How much does the surgery cost? How can I find out?
Can it be done on an outpatient basis, and is that less expensive?

Questions to ask about the procedure

What kind of preparation is needed for surgery?
Where will surgery be done? Outpatient location: Hospital:
How is the surgery done (laparoscopy or open surgery)?
What kind of anesthesia will be used (general, local, or regional)?
How long will the procedure take?
How successful is this procedure?
What are the risks associated with this surgery?
How much experience does the surgeon have with this procedure?
Has the procedure been done often in this hospital or surgery center? Yes ___ No___
What complications might develop (both immediate and long-term)?
If a biopsy is being done, when can I expect to hear the results, and will my doctor call me?
Other questions:

Questions to ask about what to expect after surgery

How long will I have to stay after surgery?
How will I feel after surgery?
How much pain is there after this type of surgery? How is it treated?
How long will it take to recover from surgery?
Other questions:

Questions to ask about what to expect when you get home

What kind of care will I need at home? Are there any activity limitations?
How soon can I eat a regular meal?
How soon can I resume regular activities?
What symptoms should I watch for and report?
Other questions:

Reminders

Ask for other information about the surgery.
Ask about a second opinion.
Ask how much the surgery will cost and if there are ways to reduce the costs.
State any concerns you have about having the surgery.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.

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Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT); (ii) Life Insurance Company of North America (“LINA”) (Philadelphia, PA); or (iii) New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY (“NYLGICNY”) (New York, NY), formerly known as Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. LINA and NYLGICNY are not affiliates of Cigna.

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