Patient Information
Practical guidance before, during and after a surgical consultation.
PATIENT FIRST
Come prepared for your consultation.
Bring previous prescriptions, investigation reports, imaging, operative notes and a list of current medications. A good clinical history often saves unnecessary repetition of tests.
01Carry previous reports
02List current medicines
03Bring relevant imaging
04Ask questions freely
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions worth asking your surgeon
What exactly is the diagnosis?
Ask what has been established clinically and what remains uncertain.
Do I definitely need surgery?
Understand whether observation or non-operative treatment is reasonable.
What are the alternatives?
Ask about expected benefits, limitations and relevant alternatives.