Getting the Most Out of a Visit with Your Doctor

Good communication between you and your surgeon extremely important for a successful outcome. Research shows that patients who are more involved with their care get better results.

Your visit with the orthopedic surgeon is a key meeting that can be most effective if you plan ahead. It's important that you give your doctor the information they need, and that you understand what your doctor is saying and recommending to you.

Taking an active role in our own healthcare can reduce your fears and lower stress by helping you to manage your expectations and concerns. The following steps will help you and your doctor get a good start on opening these channels of communication.

Opening Communications with your Surgeon

• Be honest and complete in talking with your doctor. Share your point of view and don't hold back information about issues such as incontinence, memory loss, sex, or other things that you might consider embarrassing.
• Stick to the point. It might be fun to share news about the children, but keep it short to get the most out of your time with the doctor.
• Take notes on what the doctor tells you, and ask questions if you don't understand a medical term, the reason for the doctor's recommendations, or the instructions for taking a particular medication.
• Don’t be embarrassed or afraid to ask questions, especially if you don’t understand something.
• Ask what to expect from your treatment, what effect it will have on your daily activities, and what you can do to prevent further disability.
• Ask your doctor for reading material and additional websites that you and your family members can review at home.
• Talk to the other members of the health care team too, such as physician assistants (PAs), nurses (RNs), or therapists (speech, physical or occupational) to address any questions or concerns.

When you get home

• Review the materials your doctor gave you. If you can't remember something, or if you don't understand your notes, call the office and speak to a member of your health care team.
• Follow the doctor's instructions. Take the full course of your medicine, on schedule, as directed. Stick to the prescribed diet or exercise routine.  Remember you are an active member of your own healthcare team.
• Keep your doctor informed of any changes in your condition.

Questions to ask your doctor:

When you are facing surgery, and you think about going to the hospital, it can be pretty overwhelming. To help you remember the important things you or your doctor will want to know, here is a helpful list of questions:

Surgery Related

What are the benefits of this procedure in terms of pain relief, functioning, mobility? What will happen if I don’t have the surgery now? What is the procedure called? How is it done? What kind of implant or device will be used? What are the risks involved? What is the success rate for this procedure? Are there any written materials or videotapes about this surgery that I can review? Will the surgery need to be repeated after a certain amount of time? How long will the benefit of joint replacement last? How many of these procedures are annually performed at this hospital and by the surgeon? Will other doctors be involved in the operation? If so, can I meet him or her? Is the doctor board-certified? How long does the surgery usually take? Will I need any tests or medical evaluations prior to the surgery? Are there any medications I need to stop taking prior to surgery? As the patient, you should request and/or confirm that the surgeon will preoperatively confirm and mark the surgical site. What kind of anesthesia will be used? Are there possible after effects or risks? Will I meet with the anesthesiologist in advance? Will he or she know my needs/allergies? Will I have pain following the procedure? What pain relief or pain control measures will I be given? Are there any different medications I’ll be receiving while I’m in the hospital? Are there any complications from these medications I should know about? What will be the discharge instructions?

Recovery and Rehabilitation Related

How long will recovery take? Will I need to go to a Rehabilitation facility following surgery, before returning home? For how long? Which Rehabilitation facility does the surgeon recommend? What are my limitations during recovery? Will I need assistance at home afterwards? For how long? Should I arrange for physical therapy at home, or at physical therapy facility? Can the doctor recommend a physical therapist or a physical therapy facility? Will I have any disability following surgery? When can I return to work? When can I drive my car? When can I return to sexual activity?

Surgical Complications Related