Can You Skip The Surgery?
Your doctor has recommended surgery, and opened up a whole
world of questions for you. But unless it’s an emergency,
you can take your time to find answers and possibly the alternatives
to having an operation.
Understand the Risks and Benefits
The choice to have surgery
often comes down to the balance of benefits to risk. For
example, if surgery could potentially correct your problem
for the rest of your life, it might be worth risking a complication.
However, if the surgery would only be a temporary fix, you
might not want to chance it. Get a full explanation of the
procedure, why your doctor thinks it’s right for you
to have it, why you should have it now and what could happen
if you don’t.
Get a Price
The cost of having surgery can really add up.
There are separate fees for the hospital and every doctor
and professional who treats you. If money’s a concern,
you need to know exactly what you could be charged if you
elect to go through with a procedure.
When you’re discussing your options with your doctor,
ask if certain methods are more expensive than others, and
why. Next, call up your insurance company and ask them what
would be covered and what would be coming straight out of
your pocket. They can also tell you whether or not you have
a choice of surgeon and hospital, which could also make a
difference in the final price.
Explore All Alternatives
While your doctor has a reason
why they think a certain procedure is right for you, having
an operation might not be the only solution to your medical
problem. Sometimes certain medicines or even just making
lifestyle changes can be effective treatments.
Talk to your doctor about “watchful waiting.” With
this option, you and your physician wait to see if your condition
clears up or gets worse over a certain time period. The benefit
to this is the possibility that you can avoid surgery altogether,
but you risk needing your operation urgently if your condition
gets worse.
When it comes to alternative treatment, make sure you carefully
go over the risks and benefits of the decision with your
doctor.
Get Another Opinion
If you are still unsure of what to do
after talking with your doctor, you can always seek out a
second opinion. Speaking with another doctor may make your
final decision easier. Often your insurance company will
even require you to get one before they will pay for your
surgery. Ask your insurance company if they cover the cost
of getting the second opinion.
If you do decide to get surgery, make sure you find out
from your doctor:
- How much experience your surgeon has performing your
type of operation
- How long you will be in the hospital
- What type of
anesthesia will be used
- How long it will take before
you fully recover
Remember: No one can make the final decision about your
surgery except you. And no matter which route you take, by
playing a bigger role in that decision, you are more likely
to be happy with your treatment.
*This article is provided
for educational and informational purposes only. We are not
licensed medical professionals and this information should
not be substituted for professional medical advice. Please
seek the advice of a healthcare professional regarding your
own personal situation. |
