[quote=delta1]I reviewed the doctor's notes about our discussions during the visit. I remember her mostly positive discussion about the surgery and the potential for a favorable outcome of improved function and reduction of pain. Then I read this, from her "After Visit Notes":
"Consent: left thumb trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction tendon interpostion and fcr
Surgical risks were reviewed with patient. Patient advised specifically that with or without treatment, there is no guarantee of being able to return to heavy work. Surgical risks to include but not limited to bleeding, infection, injury to nerves vessels or tendons, persistent pain despite surgical intervention, destabilization of the left thumb and wrist, requiring additional surgical intervention, failure to achieve desired pain relief or functional improvement, failure to return to previous level of function, anesthetic risks to include but not limited to death were discussed. Patient wishes to proceed with surgical intervention"
Pretty sure we didn't go into the risks as described, but those are applicable to most types of surgery...just a little caution to go with the hope...[/quote]
Consider asking about those things. I noticed something similar (albeit a list not as long).
One thing I learned was these health systems live off of survey results. If they paint a rosy enough picture, the patient is more likely to speak positively.
Part and parcel of why 40% of the country is obese. Instead of saying you are fat, you need to lose weight, they instead mention you could lose some weight and then write in the medical record Advised patient for need of weight loss.
Slippery bastids.
