If You Have Questions About Surgery, Ask
Even a seemingly minor surgical procedure poses some degree of risk. Before you have a surgical procedure, make sure you have a good understanding of what will happen. At the Patton Law Practice, our attorneys know that asking questions can reveal the information you need to make informed decisions.
It's your life. Be an informed and empowered patient.
Ask questions about your surgery.
The more you know about the surgical procedure you are facing, the better decisions you can make about that procedure. Talk to your doctor and ask questions.
- Ask the doctor to describe the procedure. How will it be done? Will you have local or general anesthesia? What is the doctor's experience with this procedure?
- What problems has the doctor seen with this procedure in the past? What are the possible complications? Ask about the recovery period. How long will it be and what will you need to do?
- Are there other alternatives? In some cases, there may be a nonsurgical (noninvasive) option. Should that option be tried first?
- Do you need a second opinion? Or a third opinion? Surgery always carries some level of risk. You should be comfortable with the decision to have surgery.
- Mark the body part. Most hospitals have changed their process and are now marking the body part that is to be operated on. Some ask the patient to sign the mark to assure the right part has been identified.
The lawyers at the Patton Law Practice welcome questions from concerned patients and families in Arizona and throughout the United States. Call the Patton Law Practice at 1-888-905-9208.
