Learn the 8 essential questions to ask your surgeon before surgery. Get insights on risks, alternatives, recovery time, and finding a top-rated surgeon.
You’ve been told you need surgery and have a few surgeons you would like to meet with.
Now what?
What do you ask them?
There is a different set of technical and outcome-based questions to ask your surgeon for every procedure. The problem is that even if you had a list of the important metrics that make a surgeon a high performer in the procedure you need, they likely do not have all the data to provide to you, and if on the off chance they do, you won’t know how to interpret that data.
That is why it is important to first get a list of recommended surgeons from a site like SurgeonCheck — a place where you can get unbiased recommendations based on real outcomes and historical data, not relationships and perception. They do the hard work for you.
Once you have the list and have chosen a few surgeons to talk to, this is what we recommend you ask them…
- Why do I need surgery?
Make sure the doctor explains to you why he/she thinks you need surgery and the expected benefits to your lifestyle following a successful surgery. - What are the most frequent complications and side effects from the surgery?
Understanding potential risks is essential. Ask the surgeon about common complications and side effects so you can weigh the risks and prepare for any possible issues. - Are there alternative therapies to surgery?
Some conditions may be managed with non-surgical options like physical therapy or lifestyle changes. Ask why these alternatives may not be suitable in your case, and discuss if adjustments could potentially eliminate the need for surgery. For example: If I lose 50 lbs, will I still need the knee replacement? When patients are properly educated about the risks and benefits of surgery, 30% of them decide against surgery. - How is the surgery performed?
The method matters and directly impacts your short- and long-term outcomes, length of hospital stay, frequency of complications, cosmetic result, and return to work. If your surgeon is on the SurgeonCheck recommended list, they will most likely be performing the surgery in the most minimally invasive way possible. - How much downtime will there be?
Recovery time varies widely depending on the procedure and approach. Ask about expected downtime and whether a minimally invasive technique could reduce your recovery period, enabling you to return to normal activities sooner. - If I have a problem following surgery, who will I contact? Who do you share post-operative coverage with?
It’s important to know whom to reach out to with questions or concerns after surgery. Clarify if the surgeon will be available or if you’ll be directed to another specialist for post-operative care. - Can I get a second opinion?
Good surgeons welcome second opinions. It’s a red flag if they don’t want you speaking to another surgeon. If a surgeon advises you against a second opinion, RUN! The only time that rule can be questioned is if the doctor advises you NOT to have surgery. He or she might advise you not to seek a second opinion to protect you. If you look hard enough, you can always find a surgeon who will operate whether you need it or not. - How soon can we schedule the procedure?
Availability can be a factor, especially if the surgery is time-sensitive or if you have specific scheduling needs. Ask about the earliest possible date, so you can plan accordingly and avoid any unnecessary delays.
Want to Find the Best Surgeon for Your Needs?
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SurgeonCheck is your independent, unbiased surgeon scorecard. We shine an objective light on variation in surgical quality at the individual surgeon level to profoundly improve the lives of patients and reduce healthcare costs.
Head over to SurgeonCheck.com to access independent, data-driven recommendations and choose the best surgeon for your needs.
