If you decide to go ahead with the surgery, below are some steps we ask you to take and questions you are encouraged to ask.

• Check with your insurance to see if your coverage requires you to obtain a managed care medical evaluation or clearance before the surgery.
• Ask about the specific surgery being recommended and why it is being recommended.
• Ask about any alternatives to this surgery.
• Ask about the benefits and risks of the procedure.
• Ask what will happen if the procedure is not performed.
• Ask who you can contact to receive a second opinion.
• Ask about any tests or medical evaluations that may be necessary before the surgery.
• Ask what type of anesthesia is to be used.
• Ask about any pain that may be present after surgery and what you can do to manage it.
• Prepare for your recovery period and make any accommodations for in-home assistance should it be necessary.
• Ask about any limitations that you may have after surgery and how long the limitations will last.
• Ask if physical therapy will be necessary.
• Ask when you will be able to return to work.
• Obtain information about your procedure

If you are receiving shoulder replacement surgery, we have a booklet available to help you understand the steps of the process. It is available here.

Print this page.