I remember wanting to know what kinds of questions to ask. with research and living in the message boards I finally came up with mine.

1. What is your mortality rate?
   .04% which translates to 6 patients the main cause of death was pulmonary embolism.
   
2. How long have you been performing surgery?
   More than 8 years for Bariatric surgery. Has been performing thoracic surgery for more than 25 years
   
3. How Many surgeries have you performed?
   As of April 05 around 1250
   
4. What are your most common complications from surgery?
   85% Leaks, 4.2% Obstruction, .5% Bleeding, .19% Revision, 1.5% ulcer
   
5. What kinds of surgical techniques to you utilize to prevent certain complications? (i.e. leg filters and blood thinners to prevent pulmonary embolisms)
   * A drain is in place for a week to check for leaks.
   * Patient is required to begin a walking habbit for mobility prior to surgery and after surgery as soon as the patient wakes up they are required to walk.
   * These tests are performed prior to surgery:
   - Thrombi elastogram
   - Teg Study
   - Coagrobility
   - Blood thinner
   - Pumps placed on legs during surgery
   
6. Is it standard for you to do Proximal or Distal. What determines which one you do?
   The most common is proximal. The difference between the too is Proximal is less than 100cm of bypass and distal is more than 100cm bypassed. The weight of the patient is the biggest determination of which of the two will be performed.
   
   For me it will be proximal as my BMI is 47
   
7. In case of the need for a blood transfusion can I donate my own blood prior to surgery?
   Yes you can however, it is not recommended as more often then not the paperwork and red tape of doing this will get in the way of accuracy.
   
8. Do you require tests to determine risk factor before you will commit to a patient to perform their surgery?
   See Question 5: each patient is evaluated extensively to ensure the safest surgery possible.
   
9. Are you a patient Advocate? Will you/your office work with my insurance to ensure coverage?
   Yes, we work with insurance companies on your behalf as well as work with you to ensure the highest possible success with the approval process.
   
10. Notes taken from Seminar
    (Questions asked by other participants):
    
    * Can the medical procedure of intubation cause problems? What do we do about it?
    - Yes, Raptures can occur if the intubation is more than 40 cm.
    - It is suggested that you get a medic alert bracelet and note the previous on it.
    * Will it be possible to elevate your legs during surgery? When I lay flat on my back for long periods of time my back begins to hurt emencly.
    - Not really
    * Do you have a payment plan? When is the money that we pay due?
    - Payment of your out of pocket moneys are due 1week prior to surgery,
    - There financing options through third party companies and you can call our office
    for information.
    * When are your support group meetings?
    - 2nd Sunday of every month – informational support
    - 4th Thursday of every month – emotional support
    
    
    Point given by Amber at the end:
    
    Call your Insurance Company and verify they have NO RESTRICTIONS FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY. When you call record the date and time as well as the name/badge number of the person you spoke to.

Posted by The Catapillar :: 12:30 PM :: 0 Comments:

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