Questions to Ask Your Orthopedic Physician:
Start a list of things you want to ask at your next appointment. That way you and your doctor can make the best use of your time together.
- What are my treatment options?
- What are the pros and cons of each option?
- How long will the treatment take?
- How will it affect my daily activities?
- What will my recovery involve?
- How long will recovery take?
- Are there any brochures I can read or web sites I can visit for more information?
If your Orthopedist recommends surgery:
The following list of questions, compiled and adapted from the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, offers some very good suggestions:
- Do you have written materials or videotapes about this surgery that I can review?
- How much improvement can I expect from this surgery?
- What is your experience doing this type of surgery, and how many have you done?
- Are you Board Certified?
- Approximately how many of these surgeries are done each year at this hospital? Is there outcomes data available?
- What are the risks involved? How likely are they?
- What type of anesthesia will be used? What are the risks?
- What type of implant will be used? What is the track record for this type of prosthesis?
- Will I have to stop taking any of my medications before surgery?
- What options are available to avoid a blood transfusion?
- How long will I have to stay in the hospital?
- How much pain is normal to expect and how long will it last? Will I receive medication for the pain?
- When will I start physical therapy? Will I need home or outpatient therapy?
- Will I need to arrange for some assistance at home? If so, for how long?
- What limits will there be on activities - such as driving, bathing, climbing stairs, eating, sex?
- How long will I need to be out of work?
- How often will I need to return for follow-up visits?
- What complications can arise after surgery? What are the signs of complications?
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