The UPS Healthy Connections-Informed Choices program is designed to help you get maximum value from your health care benefits. This information is being given to you as a tool to help you to improve your health and wellness. 

If surgery has been recommended for you or one of your family members, it is important to be well-informed and to participate with your doctors in making the decision for surgery. 

Millions of people in the United States have surgery each year. If your surgery is elective, this allows you to have an in depth discussion with your doctor about your surgery. The American College of Surgeons has developed Questions You Need to Ask Your Doctor before Surgery. A well-informed patient is usually more satisfied following surgery. 

1.  What operation is being recommended? 

Ask your surgeon to explain the surgery and how it is done. Ask your surgeon if there are different methods of doing the surgery and why he/she prefers one method over another. You can ask your doctor to provide illustrations or drawings that will help you to understand. 

2.  Why is the operation needed? 

There are many reasons for having surgery. It might be to relieve pain, to improve a body function, to diagnose a problem, or it might be for cosmetic reasons. Ask your doctor how the surgery will improve your medical condition. 

3.  Are there alternatives to surgery? 

Some medical conditions can be treated medically or with nonsurgical treatments. Lifestyle changes, such as exercises or diet, might help treat your medical condition as much as surgery. If you and your surgeon decide to wait, your doctor will monitor your medical condition to determine if your condition changes. If you decide to wait, discuss the benefits and risks of “watchful waiting” with your doctor. 

4.  What are the benefits or surgery and how long will they last? 

Ask our surgeon to describe the benefits or your surgery and how long the benefits will last. Some surgeries correct a problem and are expected to last a long time. For example, someone with a joint replacement should be expected to walk better and have less pain for a long period of time. At other times, the benefit of surgery may be short, and you may require additional surgery in the future. Ask your doctor if there is published information discussing the outcomes of the surgery. 

5.  What are the risks of having surgery? 

All operations carry some amount of risk, so it is important to know the benefits and the risks so that you can make an informed decision. Ask our physician to discuss possible complications such as infection, bleeding, or reaction to anesthesia. Some side effects are anticipated, such as swelling and pain. Ask your doctor how much pain to expect and what will be done to control it.

6.  What happens if I do not have surgery? 

After you weigh the risks and benefits of surgery, you might decide not to have it. Ask your surgeon what to expect by not having the surgery. Ask if your condition will worsen, will you have more pain, or could your condition go away? 

7.  Should I get a second opinion? 

Getting a second opinion may be a good choice in determining if surgery is the best alternative for you. Your surgeon should be able to give you a list of doctors to choose from should you chose to have a second opinion. If you decide to get a second opinion, ask for your medical records so the second surgeon does need to repeat tests. Check your Healthcare Plan! Some plans require a second opinion for certain surgeries. 

8.  What is your surgeon’s experience in performing this type of surgery? 

One way to reduce the risk associated with surgery is choose a surgeon who has thorough training and experience performing the surgery you are to have. Ask the surgeon his/her recent record of successes and complications with the procedure you are to have. If you are uncomfortable discussing this with the surgeon, you can talk to your primary care physician. 

9.  Where will my surgery be done? 

Your surgery might be done in an outpatient facility or a hospital setting. Ask your surgeon what setting he/she prefers and why. 

10.  What type of anesthesia will I have? 

Anesthesia can be administered as a local, regional, or general. This is done so your surgery can be done without unnecessary pain. Local anesthesia numbs a smaller area of your body. Regional anesthesia numbs a larger part of your body, such a leg or arm. General anesthesia numbs your entire body and produces loss of conscious. Ask your surgeon what type of anesthesia you will be having and why. Ask what side effects to expect. It is important to tell your doctor of any allergies you have! 

11.  How long will my recovery last, and what can I expect? 

Ask your surgeon to describe what to expect in the first few days, weeks, and months after surgery. Ask how long to expect your hospital stay to be. Ask your surgeon if you will need any specialized medical equipment, treatments, or home health once home. Ask your surgeon about your return to work or return to usual activities. 

12.  How much will my surgery cost? 

Healthcare Plans vary for surgery, and you might be responsible for some of the cost. Ask your surgeon to discuss his fees and what it covers. At times, the surgical fee might include several office visits after the surgery. You can expect billing for the inpatient or outpatient facility, the anesthesiologist, and surgeon. Call your healthplan’s member services to discuss your benefit plan. 

Back to the Pre-Admission Tool Kit  

We recommend you print this page before Surgery.
For more information, go to www.ahrq.gov/questionsaretheanswer