HHS HealthBeat (August 12, 2010)

Planning on recovery

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

You want your surgeon to plan ahead. It makes for a more successful surgery. And, for the same reason, you should plan ahead – especially if you’re getting same-day surgery, because more of the recovery will be at home instead of in the hospital. 

The director of HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, or AHRQ, Dr. Carolyn Clancy, says planning increases your chances of a good and steady recovery:

"One of the best things to do is make sure you ask questions beforehand and know what your instructions will be when you go home after surgery." (9 seconds)

AHRQ has a guide, called ``Having Surgery? What You Need to Know.’’ It reminds you to find out about benefits, risks and alternatives to surgery, and how long it could take to recover.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: November 21, 2011