Issue 39.12
Part 2
Hospitals will always be necessary to provide care for those who need major surgery requiring blood transfusion, more than 24-hour care, or an intensive care unit of any kind. Some patients are simply too frail, too sick or too complicated to be cared for safely in an ASC. Your doctor can tell you how long you should expect to be in the hospital, as this will have a significant impact on your costs. Rehabilitation centers and home health care are also subjects you should discuss.
Second, be prepared with your medications, and prepare not to bleed or “ooze”. If you ooze, you will bruise, ache and scar more than you would have otherwise. Also, your surgery may take longer, and in a hospital, time is money. Speak to your doctor about ALL the medications and supplements you take, both prescription and over the counter. Bring the bottles to your doctor’s office so that they can get an accurate list. Bleeding is a major component of most surgery, and preparation can save you a lot of trouble. If you take Coumadin (warfarin is the generic of Coumadin), Plavix, Lovenox, aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories by prescription, you must follow the doctors instructions about exactly when to stop and restart, and exactly how much to take. If you take aspirin on your own for joint pain or headaches, the general rule is stop at least two weeks (14 days) before the date of surgery. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen also causes bleeding, and so do Omega-3 supplements like fish oil, krill and flaxseed oil. Again, discuss both prescription and over-the-counter products with your doctor. If you ooze, you will bruise, ache and scar more than you would have otherwise.
Third, get your new prescriptions in advance, and shop around. Ask your doctor if there are generic versions that are OK and if so use them. (If your doctor says the brand-name drug is worth it, trust them, but don’t hesitate to ask.) Make sure you use your drugs exactly as directed and if you have questions or run out early, call the doctors’ office, let them know and get specific new instructions. Even if you are, or were, a physician, nurse or pharmacist, never assume you know your surgeon’s specialty better than they do; just ask for instructions.
These three simple steps can save each individual patient, and the community, an awful lot of money, time and trouble. Hope they’re helpful.
For more information you can visit www.richenseyecenter.com or if it is time for your eye exam please call Richens Eye Center at 1-435-986-2020.