Copyright 2002 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Getting the Most Out of a Visit with Your Doctor
Your visit with an orthopaedic surgeon is an important meeting that can be most effective if you plan ahead. It is important that you give your doctor the information he or she needs and that you understand what your doctor is recommending.
Research shows that patients who are more involved with their care get better results. Lack of communication is a primary reason for medical errors.
The following checklist will help you and your doctor discuss the issues most important for getting the most out of the visit.
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Find out the basics about the office.
Where is it? What time should you arrive? If you're going to drive, where can you park? Do you need to bring your insurance care or a managed care medical referral?
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Schedule your appointment.
The receptionist may ask why you want to see the doctor. Based on the problem, for example, a sore back, a trick knee, or painful finger, an amount of time will be set aside for you. When you see the doctor try not to discuss other problems, such as those darned bunions, or the achy elbow. There will not be enough time to do both, and your doctor may lose sight of the main reason you came. If you have more than one problem, tell the receptionist.
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Assemble your records.
Compile documents, such as relevant medical records from other physicians; results and copies of X-rays; and other imaging studies and lab tests and personally take the records to the doctor's office.
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Make written lists
- Medications, herbs, vitamin supplements and over-the-counter medications you are taking
- Your medical history, such as prior treatments for heart or thyroid problems or operations, even those not related to your current problem.
- Your concerns about your condition (pains, loss of mobility or function).
- All questions you may have
- Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you. If you need a translator, ask another adult to come with you; don't rely on a child to translate.
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Dress appropriately.
For spine and many problems involving the arms and legs, you may be asked to disrobe. Wear loose clothing that's easy to take off and put on.
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Arrive early so you can complete any required forms or tests before meeting with your doctor.
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Be honest and complete in talking with your doctor
Share your point of view and don't hold back information about issues such as incontinence, memory loss, sex, or other issues that you might consider embarrassing.
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Stick to the point
It might be fun to share news about the children, but keep it short to get the most out of your time with the doctor.
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Take notes and ask questions
Take notes on what the doctor tells you and ask questions if you don't understand a medical term, the reason for the doctor's recommendations, or the instructions for taking medication.
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Ask what to expect from your treatment, what effect it will have on your daily activities, and what you can do to prevent further disability.
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Ask for more information to take with you
Ask your doctor for handouts or brochures that you and your family members can review at home. Your doctor may refer you to an Internet web site for more information.
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Talk to the other members of the health care team, too, such as physician assistants, nurses or therapists (speech, physical or occupational) to address any questions or concerns.
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Review the materials the doctor gave you
If you can't remember something, or if you don't understand your notes, call the office and speak to a member of your health care team.
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Follow the doctor's instructions
Take the full course of medication and make sure you follow the prescribed diet or exercise routine. Remember, you're a part of your health care team too.
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Keep your doctor informed of any changes in your condition.
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Follow up with your doctor on test results, adverse reactions to medication, or any complications or worsening of your condition.
- Why is this procedure being recommended? Are there alternatives?
- What are the benefits of this procedure in terms of pain relief, functioning/mobility? How long will the benefit last?
- What are the risks involved?
- What is the success rate for this procedure?
- What is the procedure called? How is it done?
- Will the surgery need to be repeated after a certain amount of time?
- How many of these procedures are annually performed at this hospital?
- What percentage of patients improve following the procedure?
- What will happen if I don't have the surgery now?
- If I want a second opinion, whom can I consult?
- Will my doctor perform the operation or someone else? If someone else, when can I meet him or her? Is the doctor board-certified?
- How many similar procedures have been done by my doctor (or whoever will perform the procedure?) What are the outcomes?
- Will I need any tests or medical evaluations prior to the surgery?
- What kind of anesthesia will be used? Are there possible after effects or risks? Will I meet with the anesthesiologist in advance? Will her or she know my needs/allergies?
- What kind of implant or prosthesis will be used? What are the outcomes using this device? How long will it last?
- Will I have pain following the procedure? What pain relief or pain control measures will I be given?
- How long will the recovery take? What are my limitations during recovery? Will I need assistance at home afterwards? For how long? What will discharge instructions be?
- Will I have any disability following surgery? Will I need physical therapy?
- When can I return to work? When can I drive my car? When can I have sexual activity?
- Are there any written materials or videotapes about this surgery that I can review?
As the patient, you should request and/or confirm that the surgeon will preoperatively confirm and mark the surgical site.
At the Hospital
When we go for surgery we turn over our care to highly trained doctors, nurses, and hospital staff. However, we also know that patients who understand their treatment are going to get the most out of their hospital visit. Nothing in life is guaranteed to be free from risk, and that is true of hospitals as well.
Talk to your care givers, understand what is happening to you, and never be afraid to ask questions. Bring a friend or family member as your Health Care Advocate, when possible. Ask new and unfamiliar caregivers to identify themselves and explain their role in your treatment. Be involved, and help to make your care go well.
Before Surgery
- Bring to the hospital
- A list of your medications, over-the counter drugs, herbs and vitamins, and allergies
- Your insurance card
- Any advanced directives
- A small amount of cash, but no valuables or jewelry
- Little else. Most hospitals provide everything you need, even tooth brushes, bed clothes, and slippers. Men may prefer their own razor, women some cosmetics, but not perfume.
- An I.D. band will be given to you. Hospitals may have two patients with the same name, but your number is unique to you. If the band comes off, be sure to have it replaced.
- Ask the surgeon to confirm the surgery site and mark it with ink just before the operation. You can even do that in advance.
- Many O.R.s will let you keep glasses or a hearing aid. If you need them, tell the nurse.
After Surgery
- Help to avoid medication errors
- Know what medicines you are getting.
- Be able to identify the pills before swallowing. Your regular medications may have a different color or shape in the hospital.
- Do not take pills from home. They may duplicate the medications you are getting, or conflict with them. Tell your physician if you are not getting your regular pills.
- Prevent falls
- Surgery and postoperative medicines can make the best athlete weak and unsteady.
- Some medicines and extra intravenous fluids may cause a need to empty your bladder frequently. Do not be embarrassed to ask for help. Do it early, before it is urgent. Allow time for busy staff to get there.
- Serious falls occur when patients try to be independent against instructions.
- At night many people need help more than during the day. Turn on lights, wear glasses, and use non-skid shoes if getting up.
- Wheel chairs should be securely locked before getting in and out.
- Hot water in a shower can lower your blood pressure and cause fainting.
- Know your treatment plans.
- It may help to arrange pain medication prior to physical therapy.
- Encourage visitors to hand wash before and after visits.
- Discourage visits from folks with the flu. Children are frequent cold carriers.
- If staff moves your bedside table or rolling stand, ask them to put it back before leaving. Otherwise your water, personal articles, phone, or even call button may be out of reach.
- Food servers should not just leave the tray, but help set it up to be reachable.
If equipment in your room starts to ding or buzz this should not alarm you. It is usually something simple like your IV indicating to the nurse that it is time for a refill.
At Discharge
You usually receive a lot of instructions just prior to leaving. The nurse will give you the highlights in writing, but it is hard to remember everything. Ask questions if you don't understand the instructions.
- Have a family member present to help recall what was said.
- Take notes, and specifically find out:
- When to see the doctor again
- Dates and times if home nurses or therapists are coming to you
- What to do about bandages
- When is bathing permitted
- When it is ok to be alone in the house
- When you can drive
- Advice about elevation of an operated extremity, and weight bearing on a leg after surgery
- Understand about all medicines you need. Someone will have to get prescriptions filled to you.
- As in the hospital, night time bathroom trips can be dangerous. Sleeping pills and pain medications cause unexpected balance problems. Blood loss from surgery can make you woozy when first standing up.
- Stand still at the bedside for a moment before walking
- Use eye glasses and turn on a light
- Be sure slippery scatter rugs have been removed
- Be aware that emptying your bladder can drop blood pressure and cause fainting. Men are much safer sitting down.
- If something is confusing or does not seem right, call the doctor's office for advice. His staff often knows the answer.
If you participate in your own care, things always go better. Ask questions, understand treatment, follow instructions, and you will be on the road to recovery.
If you decide to go ahead with the surgery, check with your insurance company to see if your coverage requires you to obtain a managed care medical evaluation or clearance before the surgery. You should also verify that the surgery is covered by your policy and find out how your claim will be handled and paid.
Your orthopaedist is a medical doctor with extensive training in the diagnosis and nonsurgical and surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.
Last reviewed and updated: March 2002
AAOS does not review or endorse accuracy or effectiveness of materials, treatments or physicians.
Copyright 2002 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Your Orthopaedic Connection
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
6300 N. River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: 847.823.7186
Email: orthoinfo@aaos.org
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