How many questions can you ask your surgeon before a procedure? Can I ask for more than one meeting?

Question

I paid for a consultation, booked surgery and paid a deposit. I thought of additional questions and asked for another meeting. During the second session, the MD seemed irritated by my questions. I explained that I have anxiety and that it helps me to understand what to expect. I think I asked for more detail than their typical clients. Now I've thought of some more questions I'd like to know before surgery. Is it okay to ask for another meeting? It's my body, right?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Of course you can ask as many questions as you want. I don’t feel sorry for your surgeon at all. As a plastic surgeon it is our responsibility to adequately answer your questions. Don’t feel guilty about it

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Yes!! it is important that you have a full and clear understanding of what will entail with your procedure before you proceed. Even if this means scheduling another appointment after your consultation to ask more questions! You don't ever have to feel like your wasting anyone's time because if you choose the right surgeon they would be more than happy to revisit your questions and concerns before the surgery. 
Hope this helps!

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. It is totally NORMAL for someone in your shoes to have questions and be curious about what to expect. As surgeons, we perform these procedures all the time. But as a patient, this might be your first time undergoing surgery or undergoing this particular type of procedure. You should feel comfortable having an open conversation with your surgeon and asking as many questions as you need to in order to fully understand what is going to happen and what to expect. Some surgeons are more receptive than others to this concept. Remember though, if you feel as if you are being rushed before you have even had the surgery, this can often be an indicator of how things might be after the surgery, when you'll have even more questions ("is this healing normally?" etc). 
Every surgeon is different- in my practice, I always give my patients my personal cell phone number so they can text or call me with any updates, issues, or additional questions. I also personally check in with them frequently after surgery to make sure they are doing ok and do not have any concerns. I feel this is beneficial so we can both be on the same page before and after surgery and everyone can feel comfortable and happy about the entire process. I hope this helps!
Best,
Dr. Donald Groves
Plastic Surgeon

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

While there are many things to consider in choosing a particular surgery or a particular surgeon, one of the most important is your comfort and familiarity with both. Your surgeon should be responsive to your questions, even if there are more than normal. However, please be aware that there are some answers that we do not know for sure. Some of these are the risks of a particular complication in a particular patients, the exact nature of some outcomes, scarring, etc. It is typical to have many questions prior to a procedure, and the surgeon and their office staff should be able to answer all of your questions to ensure you are comfortable prior to moving forward.

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Dear swdc,

As you have described, it is understood that surgery is a big step for an individual. Hence, all question marks should be addressed before you go "under the knife". An expert doctor will definitely take his time to address all your further questions and if you still have more questions and youre hesitating to ask your doctor then in that case you can always ask the assistant doctor or patient-coordinator for further answers.

Best Regards,
TAST TEAM

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

In my opinion, it would be completely fine to ask your surgeon questions before surgery, no matter how many times this takes.  It is best for you to have all of your questions answered before the procedure.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

It's not unreasonable to meet twice and sometimes three times with your Surgeon before surgery.  Although I can't comment on your Surgeon's specific interactions, I will tell you that anxiety prior to surgery is more the rule than the exception.  I generally have my staff address these concerns and encourage the patient to discuss their apprehensions with patients that I have previously operated on.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

With regard to questions, I encourage as many as needed. After the first consult, I have a pre op visit where the nurse answers as many questions as possible, then I answer more questions for my part. For any further routine questions like arrival time, financial questions, post op care, we encourage our nurses, consultant, front desk staff to answer as many questions as possible. For questions about the surgical technique and results, questions to the doctor are appropriate, your doctor should be willing to meet but depending on how busy his schedule is, he may be working you in between surgeries in a tight schedule and may be showing some emotion. This will hopefully explain but not condone his behavior. But you should be able to ask as many questions as you need.

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

There is no limit to the number of questions that you can and should ask before surgery - elective or not. It's your body and your choice. Part of any doctor-patient relationship is establishing goals of treatment and coming to a common language and understanding.
I'd recommend a couple things. Have your surgeon provide you with information about your surgery, pre- and post-operative care. This should answer a great many questions and be a great reference for you. Additionally, write you questions down as well as the surgeon's responses. Patients can get overwhelmed with the amount of information provided and understandably can't recall everything that was discussed.
Never move forward with elective surgery until you feel comfortable doing so. Doing so will only worsen your anxiety and fears. It's impossible to know everything single thing that goes on, or could go on, but a strong foundation should be present to move forward comfortably.

Hakan Demir, MD · Answer

Now I've thought of some more questions I'd like to know before surgery. Is it okay to ask for another meeting? It's my body, right?that s true ,you can ask all things that bother you until you feel comfortable

How many questions can you ask your surgeon before a procedure? Can I ask for more than one meeting?

Answers (10)

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