Houston Cardiovascular Associates Houston Cardiovascular Associates

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Surgery: Questions to Ask the Doctor

Overview

Print this and fill in the information if your doctor recommends that you have a surgical procedure.

General questions

  • What is the name of the surgical procedure?
  • Why do I need surgery?
  • How soon should surgery take place?
  • What might happen if I delay or avoid the surgery?
  • What results should I expect from the surgery?
  • Are there any nonsurgical options?
    • Yes ___ No___If yes, describe:
  • Are there any less invasive surgery options?
  • What is the next step if this surgery doesn't work?
  • How much does the surgery cost? How can I find out?
  • Can it be done on an outpatient basis, and is that less expensive?

Questions to ask about the procedure

  • Where will surgery be done?
    • Outpatient location:
    • Hospital:
  • How is the surgery done (laparoscopy or open surgery)?
  • What kind of anesthesia will be used (general, local, or regional)?
  • How long will the procedure take?
  • How successful is this procedure?
  • What are the risks associated with this surgery?
  • How much experience does the surgeon have with this procedure?
  • Has the procedure been done often in this hospital or surgery center?
    • Yes ___ No___
  • What complications might develop (both immediate and long-term)?
  • If a biopsy is being done, when can I expect to hear the results, and will my doctor call me?
  • Other questions:

Questions to ask about what to expect after surgery

  • How long will I have to stay after surgery?
  • How will I feel after surgery?
  • How much pain is there after this type of surgery? How is it treated?
  • How long will it take to recover from surgery?
  • Other questions:

Questions to ask about what to expect when you get home

  • What kind of care will I need at home? Are there any activity limitations?
  • How soon can I eat a regular meal?
  • How soon can I resume regular activities?
  • What symptoms should I watch for and report?
  • Other questions:

Reminders

  • Ask for other information about the surgery.
  • Ask about a second opinion.
  • Ask how much the surgery will cost and if there are ways to reduce the costs.
  • State any concerns you have about having the surgery.

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Dear patient

I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

5115 Fannin, Suite 801
Houston, TX 77004

Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
Fax: 713-790-2643
Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

Sincerely,
Gopi A. Shah, MD

Dear patient

Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Interventional Cardiology Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded ICA:

Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

Our new address and contact information are:

Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Albert Raizner,
Dr. Michael Raizner,
Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary