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Radiocast: What You Should Know Before Surgery
Debra: This is Healthcare 411: Information for your health. Every year,
more than 15 million Americans have surgery. AHRQ Director Dr. Carolyn Clancy is
here to talk about what to ask your doctor before you undergo surgery.
Dr. Clancy: The types of questions someone should ask about a procedure
before having it include: the exact name of the procedure; why it’s being
recommended; what are the risk and benefits of having this done; the
alternatives - what happens if I just wait and see or take medicines; how many
times the surgeon or other physician has done that procedure, and what kinds of
outcomes that person has had.
Debra: Any other advice, doctor?
Dr. Clancy: Getting a second opinion can be very helpful, so if you have
any doubts, a second opinion is a great idea.
Debra: To learn more about this and dozens of other health topics, go to
healthcare411.ahrq.gov. Healthcare 411 is produced by AHRQ, the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services. I’m Debra James for Healthcare 411.
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