Know Your Doctor, Check the Instructions and Read Your Records

Be sure you are comfortable with the doctor you have chosen.  Read some reviews on the doctor to see if other patients like you have had successful outcomes.  Have a good idea of what to expect after the procedure.  It is usually much easier to prepare for post-procedure instructions before you actually have the procedure.  It is very important to make sure you read and understand all aspects of any procedure you are about to go through. Be sure you understand the risks and potential outcomes.  Be sure that the procedure listed on the day of your treatment is the one you planned on having — the procedure should be on the appropriate side and area of the body explained to you by the doctor when scheduling.  It is also a good idea to read over your medical records as soon as possible to be sure that they are correct and accurately reflect your visit.  It can be much harder to correct medical records as time goes on.

You may want to ask your doctor if they will complete disability paperwork as soon as possible after completing or recommending a procedure.