Ask Questions Before Undergoing Surgery
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality recommends that patients ask at least these 14 specific questions before undergoing surgery, including:
- Alternatives to surgery?
- Benefits of having the surgery?
- Risks of not having it?
- A second opinion?
CNN Health suggests that asking questions before surgery can prevent a lot of pain and suffering after.
"Patients should not go in blind and say, ‘Doc do whatever you want,’ " [Clifford Ko, director of the quality division for the American College of Surgeons] says. He suggests they’ll get a better outcome if they ask a lot of questions.
Experts agree that the first step in reducing the risk of complications is picking a qualified surgeon you feel comfortable with. Surgical risks may be amplified if a doctor isn’t properly trained and accredited. The American Board of Medical Specialties provides information on its Web site that allows the public to check a doctor’s certification. (source)
The best defense against medical mistakes is to be involved in your care from start to finish. If you don’t understand a recommendation your doctor makes, keep asking questions until you feel like you get it. Don’t be embarassed — you’re not supposed to know all this stuff! But with your doctor’s help, and possibly with a second opinion, you’ll be able to make well-informed health choices.
What questions do you wish you’d asked your doctor before undergoing a procedure? Leave a comment and tell your story.
Tags: womens health, woman, health, preparing for surgery, medical procedures, medical mistakes, informed medical decisions
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POSTED IN: Awareness, Encouragement, Health, Medicine, Prevention, Safety, Wellness
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