Key Takeaways
- Talking with former patients provides truthful, real-world information that you won’t see in marketing brochures or advertised in before-and-after pictures.
- Asking direct questions about the full surgical journey, from pre-op to recovery, helps you understand both the surgeon’s skills and the quality of care.
- Especially listen for patient concerns on communication and support. Further, pay attention to their post-op experiences to identify any common strengths or red flags.
- Be mindful of patient confidentiality and contact references discreetly, respectfully, and with good purpose on your surgeon’s behalf.
- Focus on being present and listening during these discussions. Use good, probing follow-up questions to push further, both on substance and delivery.
- Pair patient experiences with your own research. Trust your gut and make the best choice with confidence now that you’re in the United States!
Questions to ask previous patients if your surgeon offers them. This frequently allows individuals to come back and have a better understanding of what the surgery will be like.
Direct feedback from others who had the same surgeon can give useful details about recovery, results, and the care they received. Many patients in the United States find comfort in talking to someone who has gone through a similar process, from waiting times to bedside manner.
These discussions can include discussion of how issues were addressed or how satisfactory the surgeon’s responses were. Through authentic patient experiences written by real patients, you can provide a sense of realistic safety and level of trust.
To ensure these discussions are created with your time in mind, it’s best to get a sense of what questions are most pressing.
Why Talk to Past Patients?
Finding the best possible surgeon usually requires thinking beyond the information presented in commercials or on a surgeon’s practice website. All across the U.S., practices post before-and-after photos and patient testimonials that read like an Academy Award acceptance speech, but we know that’s not the whole story.
Connecting with others who have taken the same treatment can help provide context. Authentic firsthand stories are the best way to help you understand what’s out there—beyond the polished marketing. These conversations will help you understand what to expect, from your initial consultation through your complete recovery. They can illustrate what you’re doing well and where you can still be doing better.
Beyond Glossy Before & Afters
Promotional images can only take you so far, but authentic patient stories go a long way. When you can listen to how a past patient felt throughout their experience, you truly start to understand the full picture of what’s to come.
Perhaps the before and afters lived up to the hype, perhaps they fell short. You’ll get insight into how folks adapted to changes beyond appearance, but in their day-to-day experience. For instance, some could discuss having higher confidence, while others could discuss difficulties with their healing process.
Gaining Unfiltered, Real Insights
Sometimes the most direct questions lead to the most candid responses. For example, one person could describe how the surgeon addressed their inquiries.
Or they might share that nobody on the care team followed up, or that things seemed rushed. These individual accounts tend to be rich on advice—whether that’s on preparing for surgery, or what follow-up appointments were the most valuable. Things of this nature help to manage expectations, even when they are your own expectations.
Understanding the Full Experience
Past patients discuss the entire experience beyond the procedure. They’ll paint a vivid picture of their pre-op nerves, pain post-op, and how long it took them to feel like themselves again.
This information lets you anticipate what to expect. Hearing the positive and negative gives you a fuller understanding to make an informed decision. That clarity gives you the power to make decisions that are best for you.
Getting Access: A Respectful Ask
If your surgeon offers to put you in contact with former patients, jump at the chance! You’ll come away with a very clear, first-hand idea of what to expect. This process is most successful when done thoughtfully and with consideration for all parties’ privacy.
Surgeons in the U.S. Have developed response standards for requests. This is even more important in our multicultural cities such as Los Angeles, where protecting patient information and building trust remains vital. Being transparent about why you’re asking and using clear, simple language can go a long way towards making your ask feel reasonable and organic.
Everyone likes to feel like they’re being listened to, without all the technical mumbo jumbo or salesy vibe.
When to Ask Your Surgeon
Mention your eagerness at the right time during your consultation, ideally not during hurried windows of time. If you’re hoping to interview former patients, establish that upfront. Be it to ask about their recovery or long-term outcomes, this sincerity is an honest admission that you’re considerate and committed.
To avoid misunderstanding it in that way, try to frame your ask as part of your research before deciding. If there’s something specific that matters to you, like how the surgeon approaches communication with patients or post-operative care, say that upfront.
U.S. Clinicians are expected to listen, treat you as an equal, and speak in clear English, so it’s fine to ask for simple answers or even an interpreter if needed.
If Your Surgeon Declines
If your surgeon declines, do so with no ill will. Here’s how to access honest, professional opinions, among other things. Browse online reviews, peruse patient forums, or get involved in local support groups!
Keeping the relationship cordial, even in the face of a “no,” opens the door for more detailed questioning down the road.
Always Prioritize Patient Privacy
Always Respect Patient Privacy. Patient privacy is protected by law. Any dialogue in which a citation is provided should remain within the terms discussed. Always put former patient privacy first.
Always clear in your mind what you are allowed to ask and honor what the former patient is comfortable discussing. This ensures that we can maintain a high level of trust among all parties.
Essential Questions for Past Patients
When your surgeon gives you the opportunity to speak to past patients, take advantage of it! You can get unfiltered insight from those who have gone through the same surgical journey. This is where hearing from past patients can help fill in the blanks. They provide real insight on what’s advertised in a consultation compared to what occurs leading up to, during and after surgery.
Here are some essential questions you need to be asking past patients. Following this advice will provide you with a concrete and trustworthy idea of what to expect. These questions below address that entire process—from choosing a surgeon to dealing with the outcome. It’s no wonder when many patients seem completely lost on what to even ask, or where to even start.
A question prompt list (QPL) is a great resource to help frame your discussion. Some patients may feel unsure about using such lists, especially if they haven’t seen one before, but most find that prioritizing questions with a list helps clarify what matters most to them.
Here are some practical questions to consider:
- What made you choose this surgeon over others?
- Do you feel that the risks and benefits were explained to you in an understandable manner?
- What was the process of communication with the surgeon and medical staff leading up to surgery like?
- What was your experience during surgery and recovery?
- Was post-op care easy to access and helpful?
- What was your experience with pain control going into the procedure and coming out of the procedure?
- Was the surgeon responsive to your needs and address your concerns?
- How did the team manage complications or post-operative issues?
- Are you satisfied with your current appearance and level of activity, in terms of look and feel?
- What one piece of advice would you give someone who is thinking about having the same surgery as you?
These are very general; you can customize these questions for your specific procedure. Whether you’re considering bariatric surgery, cosmetic work, or a joint replacement in Los Angeles or across the globe, we can help! Next, let’s unpack each of these areas specifically.
1. Their Surgeon Choice Journey
Perhaps the best place to start is with the experiences of past patients and the factors that influenced their surgeon choice. The vast majority of patients rely on an amalgamation of online research, word-of-mouth, and physician referrals.
The majority of patients seem to either trust physician reviews or certain credentials, like board certification or hospital association. Some can be easily influenced by a surgeon’s charisma or their long tenure. Inquire about their research—did they search for published outcome results, or only search a few websites?
See if they received personal referrals from friends or other physicians. In a city like Los Angeles, the opportunities are limitless. Learn how they narrowed down their options. You can use these insights to create your own criteria for selection.
2. Procedure Clarity: Risks & Benefits
So in addition to understanding surgeon credentials, it’s important to understand if and how the surgeon explained risks and benefits in an understandable manner. You could inquire whether they believe they were adequately informed, or if they were surprised by anything after the fact.
Past patients report that surgeons often downplay side effects or present the outcome in the best light. Inquire about the complications the patient experienced, if any, and if they felt prepared for those outcomes. In elective cosmetic surgery, everyone gets to see the “ideal” results and very few of the complications.
They frequently ignore average complications, like edema or scarring. Learning to accept candid criticism lets you set reasonable expectations.
3. Pre-Op Communication & Support
Pre-operative communication will set the tone for your entire journey. Ask about how quickly the office got back to emails and phone calls. Did the hospital team communicate specific information and timelines?
Inquire whether the patient was given adequate information, or whether they were left out of the loop. Many report that they were unclear about what to pack or how to prepare, and this added stress to their nervousness. Staff were apparently very patient and took the time to explain what they were doing every step of the way.
Understanding what to expect here will better prepare you and make you feel more comfortable.
4. Navigating Surgery & Recovery
Question 4, Navigating Surgery & Recovery: How did other patients cope with surgery and recovery? What did they expect, and how did that compare to actuality? Did they receive understandable directions for taking care of their incision, how to move around, what their nutritional requirements are, etc.?
Written instructions were effective for some patients, but others benefited from more tactile instruction. Learn whether or not the team followed up after surgery and if the patient felt cared for in recovery. Sharing stories about both the smooth and bumpy recovery helps clarify what type of follow-up one should expect.
5. Post-Op Care: Helpful or Not?
Many patients would agree that the time period immediately following surgery is when they require the most support. Inquire whether the patient was able to easily contact the surgeon’s office or nursing staff with post-operative queries.
Were they able to receive prompt assistance when experiencing issues such as infection or pain? Some complain of having to dig for answers, while others commend their office’s responsiveness and follow-through. Understanding how much care is needed moving forward will set the tone for your expectations.
This is particularly important if you ever require help outside of business hours or on weekends!
6. Pain Management: Expectations Met?
Pain management is an ever-present concern. Inquire as to how their pain was addressed, both in the period right after the procedure and when they returned home. Pain management – Were pain management plans discussed and expectations set by the doctor?
When it came to taking medications, show and tell time was over. Some patients believe their pain was minimized, while others received accurate information about what to use and when. In an area like Los Angeles, where illegal opioid use is heavily monitored, pain management plans might consist of drug-free therapies and other alternatives.
Receiving this information in advance allows you to prepare for your time comfortably and safely.
7. Surgeon’s Communication & Empathy
You need a surgeon who will be attentive and considerate. Inquire whether patients felt listened to and comprehended, or if they were hurried. Did the surgeon respond to all of their inquiries and issues?
There are times I hear from patients about when a doctor was equally kind and patient—they really went out of their way to show compassion. Some may complain that the surgeon was short or difficult to contact. This kind of feedback will give you a good sense of the surgeon’s bedside manner.
8. Handling Post-Op Concerns
These complications and/or concerns may develop after the procedure. Inquire how other past patients have addressed these concerns. Was the office able to respond in a timely manner, or was it difficult to obtain assistance?
Was the clinical team reassuring and did they provide easy to understand next steps? It can leave some patients nervous in the interim, awaiting their reply. Clarifying how the surgeon thinks about and manages issues that arise post-op will give you peace of mind.
9. Satisfaction: Aesthetics & Function
What has led to this change? Results matter. Inquire whether the patient is satisfied with their aesthetics or function at this point. Did the end result align with what they were promised?
For some, they feel as though the end results take months to fully emerge, and others still require revision surgery. Long-term satisfaction is based on aesthetics but how well your body functions after surgery. So be sure to collect information on both sides!
10. Their Key Advice for You
Last, request personal advice. What are the biggest dangers, such as choosing a surgeon by price or skipping follow-up care? Get candid feedback from patients to guide you in making better decisions.
This kind of advice, shared because of that lived experience, can be far more beneficial than any pamphlet.
Listen Actively, Not Just Hear
Active listening isn’t just about hearing words—it’s about being fully engaged and opened up to what another person is trying to communicate. In healthcare, this skill brings out epiphanies that only come through when we take time to listen intently.
Next time you speak with former patients about their experience with a surgeon, listen closely to what they say. Instead, look beyond just the language they adopt. Look for changes in body language, eye contact, or stillness.
These subtle cues can often indicate the emotions left unvoiced. Creating an environment in which patients are comfortable to disclose increases their likelihood of discussing their true experiences—positive or negative.
Note Tone and Hesitations
Tone speaks volumes. When a patient reacts with kindness and calm phrases, they tend to have a better sense of peace with what’s been done. Conversely, a flat or noncommittal tone can signal ambivalence.
Pay attention if your interviewee hesitates or appears uncomfortable responding to specific queries. This can indicate topics they’re not prepared to discuss or where they were hesitant. Instead, use these moments to get them to say more—perhaps, “Can you elaborate on that?
It makes the conversation very real and transparent.
Ask Smart Follow-Up Questions
Smart follow-up questions go a long way towards addressing fluffy responses. For example, if a patient tells you, “The recovery was fine.” Don’t let that slide—ask them, “What made your recovery go well?
Then ask, “What was difficult?” This encourages them to provide additional context and allows you to understand what it was truly like going through the process from their perspective. Pushing for additional specificity tends to elicit the little things that truly count.
Gauge Their Genuine Enthusiasm
Whether in an interview or in general conversation, genuine enthusiasm is hard to hide and easier to see. Some patients will shine when remembering their care journey and others will be more reserved.
If they look genuinely excited, that’s a good sign. If what they’re saying sounds guarded, or the enthusiasm is tempered, that could be a bad sign. Use these emotional cues to guide the feedback you receive.
Read Between the Lines
Patients do not often come out and say it all. Look for clues—perhaps a few repeatedly complain about excessive wait times or commend the team for their helpfulness. Patterns such as these can speak louder than any individual narrative.
Always pay attention to the context! Consider how long ago the surgery occurred, and if the patient had special needs. That provides you with a more complete, richer picture.
Decode Patient Feedback Smartly
When your potential surgeon gives you patient references, you get an all-access pass to the actual experiences of others. Patient feedback is most effective when you decode it to find themes and patterns. By using a 1 to 10 rating scale, you can quickly filter for satisfied vs. Unsatisfied.
An open-ended question is critical for uncovering candid information. Patients are less shy if you lead initially with the request for ratings. Detailed follow-up comments then provide the rest of the story behind those numbers.
Key themes to look for in patient feedback include:
- Wait times and scheduling ease
- Staff friendliness and courtesy
- Surgeon’s communication style
- Recovery support and outcomes
- Facility cleanliness
- Billing and insurance handling
Spot Consistent Themes & Patterns
Identify consistent themes & patterns. Spot trends that are mentioned over and over again such as lack of communication or long wait times. When dozens of patients report speedy recovery times or rave about the surgeon’s bedside manner, you know it’s a consistent strength.
If a number mention the same concern, such as feeling rushed in appointments, that is something to pay attention to. These themes allow for more direct comparisons between surgeons or procedures to be made side by side.
One Negative Voice vs. Chorus
Not every bad review means trouble. One person’s negative story might stand alone, while a trend of similar complaints from many patients is a red flag. Check if feedback fits with the whole group’s experience to judge its weight.
Align Feedback with Your Goals
Align feedback to your goals. For example, if speedy recovery is your primary objective, seek feedback from patients on their speed of recovery. This allows you to calibrate your expectations and set yourself up to make the best possible decisions.
Consider Their Personality Match
Other times, it’s just a matter of fit. If you’re someone who appreciates warm, approachable care, look for the feedback from patients that sound like you. It’s just a tiny consideration, but it’s one way to ensure that you choose the best possible surgeon for your needs.
Spotting Red Flags in Conversations
Once in conversation with former patients, the red flags can lead to more serious concerns lurking underneath the surface. Understanding what red flags to look out for will help you avoid getting a false impression of the surgeon’s trustworthiness and level of care.
Below is a list of key red flags to keep an eye out for:
- A patient who misses < 75% of their follow-up appointments over a year demonstrates expertise in missed/cancelled visits. This withdrawal can be a sign that they need intervention or support.
- Any history of significant weight changes (≥10 pounds) after starting treatment.
- Patients who mention feeling rushed or pressured during visits.
- Past patients who claim their complaints were dismissed or not adequately addressed.
- Supporting the narrative Sudden life changes, such as losing a job or having decreased support at home, as indicated anecdotally.
- Unspecific or non-existent responses from the surgeon/clinic regarding risks, cost, or post-operative care.
- Unanticipated costs or complications that were not explained upfront.
- Stories about unmanaged chronic conditions despite regular care.
Consistent Communication Breakdowns
When you see red flags for communication breakdowns, it’s usually a sign of much bigger issues. If a patient answers that they were never clear on what to do next, that’s a red flag.
They may experience confusion post-appointment, indicating a failure to communicate consistently. Missing important information or failing to provide clear follow-up can make patients feel nervous or ill-prepared, and it’s a direct reflection on the professionalism of the surgeon.
Dismissed Concerns: A Pattern?
Many of those patients go on to report that their concerns—such as persistent pain or difficulty controlling blood pressure—were dismissed. When multiple patients tell you that they were dismissed, it’s a big red flag.
It is dismissive and egregiously unkind to have them come back and say they “looked fine” even after exhibiting overt symptoms.
Unexpected Hurdles or Costs
Patients often receive surprise bills or hidden fees that were never mentioned in advance. If several people complain about unexpected charges or complications that were not disclosed, it calls into the surgeon’s credibility and integrity into question.
Vague Answers Raise Questions
Patients may still have vague or unclear responses to their questions fresh in their minds. This often indicates that the surgeon is not sure or is unclear.
Specific, detailed answers reflect knowledge and preparation.
Pressure or Rushed Feelings
Past patients frequently report a sense of being rushed during appointments. This urgency to come to a decision in short order may greatly affect their level of comfort and trust.
However, taken together, these stories paint a picture in which the surgeon is prioritizing speed over patient care.
Trust Your Gut: Final Call
Personal choice matters when selecting a surgeon. Even the most rigorous research, at times, facts aren’t enough to bridge the divide. In Los Angeles and other urban centers, patients are always trading on information and emotion. They face all of these considerations as they make difficult decisions about their healthcare.
This final section provides you with the tools to trust your gut. It guides you in using the qualitative and quantitative information you’ve collected from early patient interviews to inform your final decision.
Combine Facts with Intuition
When you’re having conversations with past patients, that’s when you start to hear stories and feedback that puts things into perspective. In fact, studies find that intuition—the so-called “gut feeling”—is frequently what allows individuals to identify patterns or threats that rational thought would be unable to discern.
You can have all the correct information on a surgeon’s success rate. If you just sense that there is something wrong with the team or office culture, listen up! Merging these gut feelings with real, specific information is key.
Patient outcomes and bedside manner are what bring those decisions back to reality. That combination helps provide you with a deeper feeling of trust and confidence.
Weigh All Your Information
After speaking with references and conducting your own research, set forth all that you have discovered. Create an inventory of your robust areas and deficiencies.
Another patient remarked on the surgeon’s artistry. They recognized that the office was difficult to access, particularly given LA traffic. Understanding the complete picture—what is true and what you care about—helps you focus on what’s most important to you.
Making Your Confident Decision
Consider the big picture. It meets your needs and matches your values. Have faith in both your research and your gut, understanding that faith in the two combined is usually the formula for success.
Conclusion
Having a conversation with former patients provides authentic information that you cannot find in clinic pamphlets or online comment boards. People who have gone through the very same process can tell you what surprised them. They can further illuminate what went well, and what they wish they’d known. Their experiences answer questions and concerns and make the entire process less intimidating. In a city like Los Angeles where choices for surgery are limitless, candid reviews help to separate the hype from what’s real. A brief conversation regarding some aspect of their recovery, pain management or even how the staff addressed their needs can swing the vote. So do your homework, ask tough questions and pay attention. Having the right information allows you to make the best possible decisions about your health. Have questions or want to tell your own story. Get the word out and continue the #SurgReal conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I talk to previous patients before choosing a surgeon?
Talking to former patients provides direct perspective on the surgeon’s technique, approach, demeanor, and outcomes. Their candid appraisal will allow you to manage your expectations accordingly and identify any issues as soon as possible.
What is the best way to approach a past patient for information?
Remember, you’re asking a favor of them, so be courteous and considerate. Just be yourself, and tell them who you are and what you’re looking for. Be sure to express your gratitude for their assistance.
What key questions should I ask previous patients?
Find out about their healing process, end results, contentment with the procedure, and if they faced any troubles. Further, ask how well the surgeon communicated with them, whether their staff supported them, and how they managed any complications.
How do I know if a patient’s review is trustworthy?
Ask detailed questions and be mindful if their stories change. Truthful reviews will be balanced, mentioning both favorable and unfavorable aspects. Be careful of answers that are vague or sound too good to be true.
What are common red flags to listen for?
Watch out if you hear about bad communication, lingering complications, or rude staff. Similar complaints from multiple patients is a big red flag.
How should I use patient feedback in my decision?
Better to use patient feedback alongside your own research and gut feeling. Though feedback can be helpful, you should always discuss the decision with your surgeon and weigh professional credentials as well.
Is it normal for surgeons in Los Angeles to provide patient references?
Yes, it is standard practice for surgeons in Los Angeles to provide references when asked. It’s a normal practice in many industries for transparency and makes surgeons look more trustworthy in the eyes of new patients.