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Surgical Care

Preoperative Management

Obtaining a second opinion:

To ensure the best treatment possible, you may want to consider getting a second opinion. A second opinion by another reputable physician can either confirm the diagnosis and need for surgery or offer other alternatives. Check with your insurance company on whether they cover second opinions. Many insurance companies will cover the cost of second opinions for certain non-emergency operations.

What is an informed consent form?

Prior to surgery, you may receive a careful explanation of what will be done and the risks involved. You may also be asked to sign an "informed consent" form, which states in detail that you understand everything involved with your surgery.

What are advance directives?

In certain surgeries, where significant risks are involved, hospital staff may encourage you to prepare "advance directives." Advance directives are legal documents that state a patient's preference in treatment and resuscitation -- if the patient is unable to speak for him- or herself. There are two types of advance directives:

What about minors consent to medical care?

Parental consent is required for any diagnostic procedure or surgery on a preadolescent child. However, "emancipated" adolescents may consent to their own medical care. An emancipated adolescent is someone who meets any of the following criteria:

What happens when the adult patient cannot consent?

Sometimes an adult patient cannot make decisions (temporarily or permanently) about medical care, either because of accidental unconsciousness, confusion due to old age, or severe illness. In those instances, a family member will be asked to make any necessary medical decisions.

Insurance information:

After a patient is diagnosed and surgery is recommended, most insurance companies require "precertification" from the physician's office before allowing a patient to undergo the procedure. Please check with your insurance carrier on the appropriate steps to take. Some insurance companies also require patients to pay a co-payment for the hospital stay.


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