Preparing to have surgery can be a frightening experience, especially if you have never gone under the knife before. Maybe you’ve heard stories about surgeries gone wrong, or you are simply overwhelmed by the prospect of being under anesthesia. You may be nervous about many aspects of your surgery, but you can take certain actions to protect your interests and even give yourself a little peace of mind during this time.
You’ve probably talked to your Georgia doctor about your need for this procedure, and maybe you’ve even had the chance to discuss the surgery with person who will be operating on you. Still, you may want to ask a few questions that will help you feel better about what’s ahead. These questions may also help you avoid potential problems.
The right questions
Whether you are apprehensive about your surgery or you are looking forward to having a procedure so that you can see improvement in a certain area, it’s always beneficial to be cautious and know exactly what you can expect from the procedure and recovery. Some of the questions you may want to ask include:
- What are the potential risks of this procedure? You will find it beneficial to learn about what you can expect once the procedure is complete. This includes recovery time, pain levels, risk of infection and more.
- What is the procedure, exactly? You will need to know exactly what type of procedure you will be getting, where the incisions will be and how long the operation will last.
- How much will the surgery cost you? The cost of your surgery is important to know. Surprise medical bills can be costly and quickly overwhelm a person’s ability to pay.
It can be intimidating to ask these questions if you do not have a medical background, but you have the right to know what to expect. Advocating for yourself is appropriate, and when you have this information, you will be able to recognize if there was a problem with your procedure.
What if there was a problem?
What can you do if there was a problem with your medical procedure? What happens if you believe your doctor made a mistake? You could be the victim of medical malpractice, and you do not have to suffer through the aftermath alone. An assessment of your case can help you understand what options may be available to you. Through certain types of legal recourse, you may be able to hold liable parties accountable for a surgical mistake or another medical error.