Key Questions Physicians Should Ask Patients before Surgery

2. Physicians rely on U.S. based medical transcription companiesfor complete and accurate patient record documentation. Asking the right questions at the preoperative evaluation is important for successful surgery and smooth recovery. Each year millions of Americans undergo some kind of surgical treatment.

3. Pre-op Questions to Ask Patients Past Medical History Evaluate the patient’s past and present diseases/illnesses, surgery, including complications Ask if the patient had a bad reaction to anesthesia and take steps to prevent this from recurring Medications and Supplements Ask questions about medication intake and consider alternative strategies if needed Enquire about supplements taken, as these can react with anesthesia and affect pain control Immunization Status Check immunization history of pediatric patients before surgery Anesthesia or surgery may affect the immune response of the vaccine

4. Pre-op Questions to Ask Patients Smoking • Understand the patient’s smoking habits • People who smoke have a higher risk of serious complications after surgery Marijuana • Ask about marijuana use as the drug can negatively impact anesthesia • Instruct the patient to avoid all types of marijuana Sleep Apnea • Anesthesiologists should evaluate patients for sleep apnea • As anesthesia slows down breathing, sleep apnea increases risk of side effects Stroke • Ask patients if they or a family member has ever had a stroke or experienced heat stroke • Stroke increases the risk of malignant hyperthermia