24 Seven November 2020

What is important to know before you agree to
surgery? First and foremost, you should understand
the details of the surgery, why it is being recommended,
and what would happen if you did not do the surgery.
As a nurse-patient advocate, I always recommend a
second and sometimes a third medical opinion so you
can be sure you have enough information to make
your best decision. Many health insurance companies
are requiring these second opinions. The importance
of getting second and third opinions can’t be stressed
enough.
Equally important is knowing what the benefits of
the surgery will be and how long those benefits will
last. Discuss with your doctor if there are different
techniques for the surgery and why your surgeon
does it one way over another. Ask
if there are any alternatives to
surgery such as medical or nonsurgical
alternatives, or could
“watchful waiting” be an option.
Selecting a Surgeon
Isn’t it ideal to get a surgeon
with the most experience? That
is why it is crucial to find out
how many surgeries a year a
surgeon conducts. By seeing a
second opinion surgeon you can
compare this statistic. A review
of the surgeon’s outcomes,
complications, such as infection
rate and side effects, is important.
You can get a surgeon scorecard
at Propublica.org to assist you.
Not only can it matter greatly the surgeon you
choose to do your surgery, but the hospital you
select is important, too. Make sure to review the
hospital and what its safety score is by checking the
LeapFroggroup.org website.
Ask your surgeon who the anesthesiologist is and
what his or her credentials are. Ask to meet the
anesthesiologist before surgery.
Special Considerations for COVID-19
Here is a list of questions and answers that
should be considered when you are planning to have
elective surgery based on the recommended Re-Open
protocols for elective surgery:
• When and where should I be tested for Covid-19?
Most of the time the surgeon’s office will provide
you with directions on where to get tested. Your test
results will be sent directly to your physician. In most
cases, patients should be tested 72-96 hours before
their scheduled surgery. This result should be known
prior to surgery to safeguard the healthcare workers
“The
importance
of getting
second
and third
opinions can’t
be stressed
enough. ”
and other patients.
• Should I be self-isolating once I have my
pre-surgical Covid-19 test? Yes. Once you have
your pre-surgical Covid-19 test, you should be
self-isolating at home and avoid going out, if
possible.
• Should I report if I have been in contact
or exposed to anyone with Covid-19? Yes. If
you were exposed to someone with known
Covid-19 or suspected Covid-19, with signs and
symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, fever,
or shortness of breath, report this to your
surgeon’s staff. This may delay or postpone
your surgical procedure.
• Can my family come into the hospital with
me? This depends on hospital policy. Some
hospitals may allow one family member or no
family members, depending on its Covid-19
policy and the current CDC Guidelines. If a
family member is permitted, their temperature
will be taken prior to coming into the facility.
Your temperature will also be taken and you
both will be checked for signs and symptoms
of Covid-19.
• What can I bring with me to the hospital?
Hospitals are advising that you limit personal
items and clothing, especially for “same day”
surgical procedures. In most cases, you are
advised to wear comfortable loose clothing
and will change into a hospital gown at the
facility. You should also bring identification,
your insurance card, your cell phone, and a
charger.
• Is the staff at the hospital being screened for
Covid-19 on a regular basis? Yes. The hospital
or ambulatory surgery center is required to
screen staff daily by taking their temperature
and screening them for signs and symptoms of
Covid-19. They are also asked about any known
contact with a person who has Covid-19.
• Are hospitals cleaning and disinfecting
patient equipment and rooms regularly? Yes,
hospitals or surgery centers must follow the
cleaning protocols set by the CDC and use
approved disinfectants.
• Has the staff been educated on the protocols
to prevent the spread of Covid-19? Yes. The
hospital or surgery center must educate its
staff on the CDC infection prevention protocols
that prevent the spread of Covid-19, such as
meticulous handwashing for 20 seconds, using
personal protective equipment for contact
with patients, universal masking, social
distancing, and cleaning and disinfecting
patient care equipment between use.