Recommended Questions a Patient Should Ask Their Surgeon

By Christopher Roseberry, MD

Asking the right questions is important when considering any surgery. Taking an active part in your own healthcare helps your doctors take better care of you. Here is a list of questions to help get your started.

1. What is my diagnosis?

2. What is the operation you are recommending?

3. How many of these operations have you done?

4. How long is the in-hospital recovery?

5. How long is the out of hospital recovery?

6. Will I need rehab or home nursing?

7. How long do you expect me to need prescription pain medication?

8. How long should I take off of work?

9. What are the risks?

10. Are there alternatives to this operation?

11. Is it worthwhile to seek a second opinion?  (Any good surgeon will never discourage this.)

12. Who will oversee my care while I’m in the hospital?

13. Will there be “residents” (physicians receiving training in a specialized area) operating on me? (This is fine, but it is good to know beforehand rather than be surprised at the group of 20-somethings at your bedside.)

14. What do I need to look for after the operation in terms of infection and wound healing, and will I need sutures (stitches) or staples removed?