Can Someone else Perform Your Surgery Other Than the Doctor You Paid For?

Question

I was told that sometimes Certified Plastic Surgeons allow students or trainee to perform the surgery. Is this true and if so isn't the patient supposed to ok it. I know in teaching hospitals this does happen but the patients knows. Can it also happen in private practice without the patients concent? If yes, How can I protect myself from that? Also, If the papers you sign the morning of surgery says other personel may be used during your surgery what does that mean. Haven't had sugery yet.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Very simply, since you are paying for an elective procedure, directly specify to your surgeon that you want only he or she to perform the operation.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

The sentiments expressed are quite true and you should discuss your concerns with your doctor. You are also allowed to line out any statements you do not like on your consent, including the part about having observers or residents in the room. Private practice doctors have their reputations to protect and unless they have an employee trained for certain procedures, they do not delegate the surgery to others.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

I always get my consents and have a discussion with the patient 2 weeks pre op. If my patients have fears or questions regarding who is doing the surgery, it is cleared up well in advance of the surgery. I don't like last minute consents. In my AAAASF approved surgery center, there is no chance of anyone other than me doing the surgery.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have a procedure in a teaching hospital, the residents do participate in the surgery.  I perform all my cosmetic procedures either in my own accredited OR or in ambulatory surgery centers which do not have surgical residents---hence, my patients are guaranteed that I will perform the entire operation myself.  The consent to other personnel typically refers to the involvement of the scrub nurse, surgical tech, etc.

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

Tell your plastic surgeon you want them and ONLY them to operate on you.  That's the best way to guarantee that no trainee will operate on you.  If you don't want any trainees in the room during your operation, then specify this too.  If you're paying for elective surgery, you have the right to make these demands.

	 

	Warmest Regards,

	Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C)

Can Someone else Perform Your Surgery Other Than the Doctor You Paid For?

Answers (8)