Surgery Checklist When your doctor says, “You need surgery,” that’s your cue to find out every detail. Ask questions and be thorough. Bring a notebook, tape recorder and/or your health care advocate with you. 1. Can you review in layman’s terms why I need this surgery? 10.Can this be done under local anesthesia instead of general? _____________________________________________ 2. What’ll happen if I don’t have it done? _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ 11.What kinds of complications do your patients most frequently experience from this surgery? 3. What are the alternatives to surgery, and the pros and cons of each? _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ 12.What should I do and not do immediately before and after surgery? (Find out about food, alcohol, medications, sex, exercise and other activities.) 4. What are the risks of the surgery? _____________________________________________ 5. Where is the absolute best place to have this done besides here? _____________________________________________ 13.How much pain will I be in after surgery? What painkillers will I be given during and after surgery? _____________________________________________ 6. How many of these specific surgeries does this hospital do a year? How many times have you performed this procedure? _____________________________________________ 14.How long will I be laid up after this surgery— meaning, flat on my back—or really unable to get around easily? _____________________________________________ 7. How do your results in this operation compare with those of other surgeons? _____________________________________________ 15.Whom should I call after surgery if I have questions, or if I experience something unexpected? _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ 8. How long will I be in the hospital? _____________________________________________ 9. Is it possible to do this on an outpatient basis, and if so, would that be smart? _____________________________________________ Notes: _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Text reprinted with the permission of Simon & Schuster Inc. from YOU: The Smart Patient by Mehmet C. Oz, M.D., and Michael F. Roizen, M.D. Copyright © 2006 by Michael F. Roizen, M.D., Oz Works LLC, f/s/o Mehmet C. Oz, M.D., and Joint Commission Resources. All rights reserved. Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates. Source4Women content and materials are for information purposes only, are not intended to be used for diagnosing problems and/or recommending treatment options, and are not a substitute for your doctor’s care. Lists of potential treatment options and/or symptoms may not be all inclusive. Treatment options mentioned may not be covered by your benefit plan. Check your plan for specific coverage details. M49778-G 12/11 © 2011 United HealthCare Services, Inc.