Learn About Your Procedure

Going to the hospital isn't something anyone looks forward to. Unless it's for childbirth (Read about "Childbirth"), it usually means that we have a problem. (Read about "Medical Procedures") Hopefully, by reading the following some of your anxiety can be relieved. If nothing else, it will arm you with information and questions you'll need to try and make the hospital visit successful. Most of this information is for people who know they'll be going to the hospital in advance, not for emergency visits to the hospital.

Questions to ask

If you are going to the hospital, the first step is understanding why you are going. Is it for tests that will require you to stay overnight, an operation of some sort? Or will the tests or operation be done on an outpatient basis?

The federal Agency for Health Care Policy and Research suggests you also ask the following questions:

• What is being recommended? Find out exactly what the operation or the test is. Make sure you understand what is going to be happening.
• Why do you need it? Ask what they will be looking for with the test or operation and exactly what they hope to accomplish.
• Are there alternatives? Particularly when it comes to surgery, there may be other choices. The surgery still might be the best answer but make sure you are making an informed decision and have all the options available to you. The same with other procedures, make sure you have been given all the options.
• What are the benefits? When the surgery or the tests are done, what is the expected outcome? For example, if you are having hip surgery, will it allow you back on the golf course? Will this test give a clear answer, or can it mean more tests or even an operation when the results are in?
• What are the risks? Make sure you know all the risks involved. At some point, you will be asked to sign a release to allow the operation or the procedure. The time to ask your questions is now while you have time to make a decision not while you are lying in a hospital bed.
• What happens if you back out? Understand what the operation would mean to you, and what would happen if you decided against it. The same goes for any test or other procedure.
• Ask about a second opinion. Many health plans require second opinions for many operations. It's a good idea to ask for one if you have any doubts about what kind of tests or operations are being proposed for you.
• What kind of experience does the doctor have? This is more related to operations. Find out the experience level of the surgeon. You want someone with experience and a lot of success.
• Where will the procedure be done? Is it going to be in a hospital? Which one? Some procedures are done on an outpatient basis and you will be sent home right away. Know how long it will take and if you will have to make arrangements to go home after a short time or if you will be admitted overnight. Also, find out if you will be able to drive a car or should you arrange for transportation home after your discharge.
• What do you need to do beforehand? Some surgeries or procedures require that you clean out your colon with laxatives or enemas beforehand. You may also be required to stop eating or drinking at a certain period of time before your surgery or procedure. Ask specifically whether you should take your normal daily prescription medicines if you are instructed not to eat or drink.
• What about avoiding certain foods or vitamins? Are there medications or supplements you should not be taking in the days or weeks prior to your surgery or procedure? (Read about "Vitamins & Minerals" "Herbal Precautions")
• Are there issues with pacemakers, dental work or anything else you need to think about?
• Have you made an advance directive? This is a document that lists your healthcare desires in advance, so as to guide healthcare providers in the event you become incapacitated. The best time for all of us to develop an advance directive is before injury or illness occurs.
• What kind of drugs will you be taking? Sometimes you are required to ingest drugs or other substances for tests, such as barium.
• What kind of anesthesia will be used? (Read about "Anesthesia") Anesthesia can be general, (where you are put to sleep), regional (such as the lower part of your body) or local (for relatively localized procedures). Make sure you are aware of what will be happening.
• How long a recovery can you expect? A simple test could have you back to work in a few hours; a major operation could require months of recovery. Know what will be happening to you and know what you can and can't do as part of that recovery. A white water rafting trip a month after major surgery might not be a good idea.
• What will it cost? Even if insurance is paying for most of the procedure, you still might find yourself responsible for some costs that aren't covered. It's best to be aware in advance.

Finally, if you are confused or concerned, don't be afraid to ask the question again and again until you understand. You don't have the years of training that medical people do. Stop them and have them explain any terms that you don't know. It's only fair to them to tell them you don't understand what they are saying.

Related Information:

    At the Hospital: For Patients

    At the Hospital: For Visitors