Millions of people in the United States have surgery each year. It's important to learn all you can about the surgery you are advised to have. This is even more important if it's a procedure you choose to have (elective) rather than an emergency surgery. All surgeries have risks and benefits. You need to understand them before deciding if surgery is right for you.

Asking questions will help you be well-informed about the surgery and your choices. Ask doctors to explain their answers clearly. Ask for more description if any details or medical terms are unclear. You may find it helpful to write your questions down ahead of time. Then write down the answers as they tell you. Or bring a trusted family member or friend to take notes for you.

Below are important questions to review with your doctors:

• What is the surgery and how is it done?
• Why do I need the surgery?
• What are my alternatives? Are there other treatment choices for me?
• What are the benefits of the surgery, and how long will they last?
• What are the risks and possible complications of the surgery?
• What may happen if I don't have the surgery?
• Should I get a second opinion?
• What is your experience in doing this surgery?
• Where will the surgery be done?
• What type of anesthesia will be used?
• What can I expect during recovery?
• What are the costs of this surgery?

It's important to communicate your feelings, questions, and concerns with your doctor before having surgery. These suggestions may help:

• If you don't understand your doctor's responses, ask questions until you do.
• Take notes or ask a family member or friend to come with you and take notes for you.
• Ask your doctor to write down instructions, if needed.
• Ask them where you can find printed material about your condition. Ask for trusted online websites.
• If you still have questions, ask them where you can go for more information.

It's important to have confidence in the doctor who will be doing your surgery. Make sure that this doctor is qualified. To do this:

• Ask your primary doctor, your local medical society, or health insurance company for information about the doctor or surgeon's experience with the procedure.
• Ask about the doctor or surgeon's credentials. Ask if they have any additional certifications or experience in the surgery.
• Make sure the doctor or surgeon is affiliated with an accredited health care facility. When considering surgery, where it's done is often as important as who does it.
• Ask if your surgeon is board-certified in their specialty area.

Before you have surgery, discuss the costs with someone from the finance department at your doctor's office. These costs may include:

• The surgeon's fee for surgery
• Hospital fees (if you need time in the hospital) or ambulatory surgical center fees (for outpatient services). Check with the hospital's business office about these rates. Your doctor or surgeon should be able to tell you how long you may be in the hospital.
• Separate billing for other services. You will also be billed separately for the professional services of others who might be involved in your care. This includes the assisting surgeon, anesthesiologist, and other medical consultants.

Contact your health insurance company to see what's covered before scheduling any surgery. It's vital that you understand your full financial duty for your procedure. If the costs are a problem, talk with your doctor's office about financial solutions before the surgery.

Asking another doctor or surgeon for a second opinion may be an important step in making sure that a procedure is the best choice for you. A second opinion can help you make an informed decision about the best treatment for your condition. It can help you weigh the risks and benefits against alternatives to the surgery.

Emergency surgery should be done as quickly as possible. Most likely, there will not be time to get a second opinion. The necessity of a second opinion should always be weighed against the urgency of the medical condition.

Several health plans now require and will pay for people to get a second opinion for some nonemergency procedures. Medicare may also pay for people to get a second opinion. Even if your plan doesn't require it, you still can ask for a second opinion.

If you decide to get a second opinion, check with your health plan to see if it's covered. Your primary doctor or hospital can provide you with names of qualified doctors. Make sure to get your medical records from your first doctor so that the second one doesn't need to repeat tests and procedures.