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Tips on Scheduling Surgery

Photo of patient on the operating table with surgeons in the backgroundTo help you decide about having surgery, call 336-721-2029 or 1-800-344-5677 or e-mail us at info@benefitadvocates.net to request the free booklet, "Be Informed: Questions to Ask your Doctor Before You Have Surgery."

Three Tips for Scheduling Surgery

  1. Don’t schedule inpatient (overnight) surgery on Fridays. There is usually less hospital staff available on weekends.

  2. Don’t schedule surgery at a teaching hospital in July. This is when the new residents arrive, right out of medical school.

  3. Schedule surgery when you have help and allow more time for recovery than suggested. It often takes longer than surgeons think for you to feel well again.

Ten Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Your Surgery

OK, you’ve decided to have the recommended surgery. Now it’s time to ask some important questions of the surgeon who will be performing the operation.

  1. How may times have you done this procedure?

    The more the better.

  2. What were the outcomes of the procedure in terms of mortality and complication rates?

  3. How frequent are complications?

  4. Why do you want to use this particular procedure?


    5. Surgical techniques evolve. Make sure your surgeon can explain why this particular procedure is the best one for your condition.

  5. Are you doing the procedure or will it be a student?

    Watching or assisting is not "doing" the procedure. If you only want the surgeon to do the procedure, say so.

  6. What should I expect after I wake up from the anesthesia?

    7. This lets you know "what is normal" after the operation. This information can reduce anxiety and fears.

  7. What problems could arise?

    8. This is important especially if you have other medical conditions that could affect your recovery. Make sure you notify the surgeon of ANY other medical conditions you have or any medications you are taking, including those sold "over the counter."

  8. What is your attitude about pain control?

    9. Doctors vary widely on pain control theories. Make sure you and your doctor’s attitudes match. Studies show that recovery is quicker when patients are pain-free.

  9. How long is recovery?

    You will need to plan for work, family and life in general. Will you be able to walk after surgery, will you need help at home, when can you drive and return to work? These days, patients are not hospitalized for long. Get this information before the surgery so you will be properly prepared when it’s time to go home.

  10. How much will the operation cost?

    This is probably the least asked question of any surgeon. Health insurance coverage can vary and these may be some costs you will have to pay. Before you have the operation, call your insurance company to find out how much of these costs the medical plan will pay and how much you will have to pay yourself. Be aware that you will have inpatient or outpatient expenses plus bills from the anesthesiologist and often a radiologist in addition to the surgeon’s bill. 

Includes information adapted from, "Be Informed; Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before You Have Surgery," AHRQ-Department of HHS and Men’s Health, July/August 1997

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