At the Virginia Center For Plastic Surgery, we do something very unique for our patients. We offer pre-scheduled, FREE, 15-minute phone consultations, with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon!
We understand that if you've been thinking about whether or not plastic surgery is right for you, you no doubt have dozens of questions. Many offices want you to come into their office for a ?free? consultation. Often, you'll have to take time off of work, fight traffic, park and sit in the waiting area. Chances are you're going to be feeling a little uneasy and nervous about the whole process.
You may spend most of your time talking to a nurse or a patient coordinator. Then the doctor will see you.
We believe that one of the major factors to achieve the results you're looking for is that you feel good about the doctor doing the procedure. The best way to get to know a doctor is to actually talk to the doctor BEFORE you take the time out of your busy day to commit to an office consultation.
Then, and only then, should you take the next step and schedule an office appointment, where the specifics of your procedure can be discussed.
Questions to ask your plastic surgeon:
1. When did the American Board of Plastic Surgery certify you? When are you required to recertify? If you are not required to recertify, will you take the recertification exam as soon as it is available any way?
2. Do you have hospital privileges to perform this surgery? If so, at which hospitals?
3. How many procedures of this type have you performed?
4. Where and how will you perform my surgery?
5. Is the surgical facility accredited were in the process of being accredited by a national or state-recognized accrediting organization?
6. What are the risks involved with my procedure?
7. How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
8. Will I need to take time off of work? If so, how long?
9. How much will my procedure cost?
10. Are payment plans available?
To read more and get to know Dr. Eric Desman, click here to visit our Breast Implants USA site.
Beginning on the day you are admitted to the hospital, the medical staff is assessing when you will be ready to leave, and where you will be released. Based on your condition and the length of your recovery, you may be transferred to a rehabilitation hospital where intensive therapy is available. If the level of care you need is less, you may be released to a skilled nursing facility. It may be that you will be well enough to return to the home setting, either with or without extra help. Whatever decision is made for you will be decided at the hospital "discharge planning meeting."
1. What is a "discharge planner"?
There are staff designated as discharge planners at most hospitals. The job of the discharge planner is to plan what is best for you when you leave the hospital. This person coordinates ordering equipment, home health services, outpatient therapy, and many other services. He or she will make sure that the doctor has issued prescription orders for all services you will receive after you leave the hospital. Find out who the discharge planner is so you can direct your questions to the appropriate person.
2. What is a "discharge planning meeting"?
This is a meeting held at the hospital. It is usually attended by the nursing staff, any therapists involved in the patient's care, and sometime by the doctor and the patient's family. At the discharge planning meeting, with input from the medical staff, it is decided if the most appropriate placement will be to a rehabilitation hospital, a skilled nursing facility, home with help from hospice, or home perhaps with help from a caregiver, family member, or friend. This determination is based on the patient's expected rate of recovery, current strength level, and estimate of future nursing needs.
3. How does it get decided where the patient will go after the hospital?
The hospital staff is very skilled at watching the patient's recovery and estimating how much care the patient will need over the coming days and weeks. If the patient is too weak to go home and needs more time in therapy to regain strength, then the recommendation is to be discharged to a rehabilitation hospital. When a patient needs a level of care beyond that which can be provided in the home setting, the release from the hospital will most likely be to a skilled nursing facility. If the patient is going to be able to be safe at home, and is strong enough to get into and out of bed and on/off the toilet safely, then the recommendation is for the patient to return home.
4. Is the patient or family always included in this "discharge planning" process?
No, not always. Sometimes plans are made for you and your family without your knowing or being invited to the discharge planning meeting. Be sure to attend this meeting, or have someone attend as your representative, so that your concerns can be considered.
5. How would I get included in the "discharge planning" meeting? Begin by asking the hospital staff for the name and contact information for the discharge planner. Call that person (or have a family member call), introduce yourself, and ask if there has been a discharge meeting scheduled yet. Ask to be included. If the hospital does not have a full time staff member designated as the discharge planner, ask the nurse who will be coordinating your discharge plans, contact that person, and ask to be included in any discharge planning meetings.
By being aware of the process and knowing a bit of hospital jargon (e.g., "discharge planning meeting"), you will be able to get more information and be able to more fully participate in decisions about your continued care.
Both Breast Implants Usa & Sibyl Day are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Sibyl Day has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Plastic Surgeon and Family Concerns. SmallTown Duo, owned by Sibyl Day and Mary Benson, specializes in medical and legal books for consumers. They publish a popular book called "What Did the Doctor Say? A Guide for Before, During, and After Your Hospitalization." The book covers topics such. Sibyl Day's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.