So, you injured your knee, you’ve had the appropriate diagnostic work done and you see the physician. He says, “come back when you are ready for surgery.” end of conversation. The physician leaves the room and you are just now formulating your questions.

Many times, physicians and staff assume a patient knows what will be involved in a certain surgery or procedure. That is not the case. Saying you need to have surgery to repair an injury only starts the conversation.

So, when suggesting a surgery for a patient make sure you are giving them good information while they are considering whether they will go ahead with a surgery.

For instance:

Have patient info sheets made up for the most common surgeries and procedures your practice handles. That material should answer questions like:

Will they be an in patient or out patient?
Will they go to the hospital or a surgery center?
Will they have a general or local anesthetic?
What is the expected recovery time?
Will physical therapy be needed, if so, how long?
Will you be able to stay alone at home?
How long will I be out of commission?
What are the limitations on activity and sports?
What kind of pain will they encounter?
How should they limit activity until a procedure is done?

These are just some of the usual questions that need to be answered before a patient can make an “informed” decision about whether they want to go ahead with a surgery. Don’t short change them on time or info.

Consider having a designated nurse or nurses available to handle all of the questions, if the physician does not have the time during the office visit. The patient will certainly have a better impression of a practice, but it will save a lot of back tracking and phone calls after the patient goes home.

Never assume a patient knows what to expect.