Before you leave for the hospital, there are some important steps you can take to help ensure a smooth visit.

• Checklist: Preparing for your hospital visit
• Patients Bill of Rights: Department of Health

Pre-surgery questions to ask

• What is the name of the surgery that will be done?
• Where or what body part will you be operating on?
• Are there any alternatives to surgery?
• What are the risks of this surgery?
• What is likely to happen if I don’t have the surgery?
• Who is in charge of the surgical team?
• About how long will it take to recover after the surgery?

The doctor or other member of the surgical team will make a mark with a pen on the part of you body where the surgery will happen. This should be done BEFORE you go into the operating room. © Department of Veterans Affairs for Patient Safety

After your visit

• Checklist: Post-hospital visit