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Operating Rooms, Assistant Surgeons, and Patient Safety

On Behalf of | May 29, 2015 | News

Posted By Steven Langer

Why It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask a Few Questions

Obviously, unless you work in a hospital operating room, surgery—and the high anxiety that comes with it—is not something you do every day. Understandably, if you or someone you care about is facing surgery, you might be at a loss about what kinds of questions to ask when your doctor sits down with you to discuss the procedure. For that matter, it probably never crosses your mind that your doctor isn’t the only one in whom you’re placing your trust and care.

Who Will Be Assisting Your Surgeon?

It’s important to know you have a right to inquire about the other medical professionals in the O/R, how they are chosen, and what are their qualifications. In fact, patient safety requires that your doctor explain to you if an assistant surgeon will be on hand, as well as the roles each individual will play in your care. Further, the doctor should tell you whether any representatives from drug companies or prosthetic companies will be in the operating room and, specifically, who is in charge of your care during the procedure.

Knowledge Is Power

Again, conducting such a thorough review is probably not foremost in your mind leading up to a surgery—especially if the procedure is of a higher risk, which may be accompanied with mind-clouding stress. Yet, knowing the kind of information to which you’re entitled and arming yourself with the right questions to ask ahead of the surgery can make a big difference in your peace of mind and your health outcome. With that, if you have any other questions, please don’t ever hesitate to contact our offices at Langer & Langer.