5 Ways To Prepare for Surgery
Thinking about scheduling that surgery? It can feel very daunting and scary because there may still be a lot of unknowns. Here is a list of 5 things you need to know before you have surgery that will give you a sense of control, and how to best prepare:
1. Understand the Procedure
Details of the Surgery: Ask your surgeon to explain the procedure, its purpose, and what they aim to achieve.
Risks and Benefits: Understand potential risks, complications, and the benefits of the surgery.
Alternatives: Inquire about non-surgical or less invasive alternatives, if any.
2. Pre-Surgery Instructions
Medications: Know which medications you should stop taking or continue before surgery, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Fasting Requirements: Many surgeries require fasting (no food or drink) for a specific number of hours before the procedure.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Follow pre-surgical recommendations like quitting smoking or managing underlying conditions (like diabetes).
3. Recovery Expectations
Recovery Time: Understand how long recovery might take and when you can return to normal activities (knowing that each person is different, just get an estimate).
Pain Management: Discuss post-surgery pain control options, such as medications, home modalities including ice machines, and physical therapy.
Support Needs: Determine if you’ll need assistance at home and for how long.
Physical Therapy: most surgeries require some degree of post-op physical therapy. Review what this timeline will look like for you.
4. Insurance and Costs
Insurance Coverage: Verify what your insurance will cover, including the surgery itself, hospital stay, and any post-op care.
Out-of-Pocket Costs: Get a clear estimate of expenses you may need to pay personally.
Pre-Authorization: Confirm that all necessary pre-approvals from your insurer have been obtained.
Side note- a lot of the insurance and billing questions are handled through a billing department and not through your doctor directly. To save you and the surgeon time, it is best to reach out to the hospital/ surgeons billing department, or your health insurance company to inquire about billing and insurance related questions.
5. Health and Risk Assessment
Health Check-ups: Ensure all required pre-op tests (like bloodwork, imaging, or an EKG) are completed.
Anesthesia Risks: Discuss anesthesia options and any potential side effects or risks based on your health history.
Allergies and Medical History: Provide a full medical history, including any allergies, prior surgeries, or chronic conditions.
Disclaimer: this is not an all encompassing list! If you have any questions that you would like to ask, please ask! More often than not, healthcare providers love when their patients are prepared, and your surgical outcomes will likely be better if you are as prepared as you can be.
Bonus Tip:
Don’t hesitate to ask questions and advocate for your needs. If you have a spouse, friend, or someone you trust who is in the medical field– ask them to come with you to your pre-op appointment so they can help you better understand any unknown medical terminology. Understanding these elements can help you feel more in control and prepared for your upcoming procedure. Knowledge is truly powerful.
Lastly, once you do decide to go forward with your procedure, trust your decision. At this time, you’ve decided that this is what’s right for you. Trust that you are in good hands, and let the professionals take care of the rest.
