Concerns About Pre-Operative Consultation With a Physician Assistant for Major Surgery
Age: 31, Gender: Female I had been preparing for a significant orthopedic procedure that is not frequently performed. This operation was scheduled at a renowned academic medical institution, with one of the leading specialists in the field. Unfortunately, it had been more than a year since my last visit with my primary surgeon. After initially deciding against proceeding during the winter, I contacted the office to reschedule my appointment and requested to meet with the surgeon again to discuss my case, a suggestion he had previously welcomed. When I reached out to book the surgery more than six months later and also to arrange a follow-up consultation to refresh my memory, the administrative staff informed me that I could not have a follow-up meeting. Instead, I would meet the surgeon during a pre-operative appointment roughly a week before the surgery. Though not the ideal scenario, I accepted this arrangement, relieved that I would at least have an opportunity to consult with the surgeon prior to the operation. A few months later, the office reached out to inform me that Dr. XYZ would need to reschedule the pre-operative appointment. I accepted the new date offered to me without much thought. However, upon logging into the patient portal to check the details, I discovered that my pre-op meeting was scheduled with a Physician Assistant I had never met before. In my previous visits, I had seen the doctor’s fellow and then the surgeon himself. I've since canceled that surgery date for personal reasons and have yet to set a new one. My concern now revolves around whether it is common or considered appropriate for a PA to conduct a pre-operative consultation for major surgery, particularly when the patient hasn’t had any direct interaction with the attending surgeon in over a year and a half.
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 11:30:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to have concerns about the pre-operative process, especially for a significant surgical procedure. Let’s break this down to address your questions about the role of a Physician Assistant (PA) in your pre-operative consultation.
Main Points:
- It is common for PAs to conduct pre-operative evaluations.
- PAs are trained professionals who can provide valuable assessments and information.
- Direct communication with your surgeon is vital; you should prioritize any necessary follow-ups.
Explanation:
Physician Assistants are highly trained healthcare professionals who work closely with surgeons and specialists. They can evaluate patients, discuss medical histories, perform exams, and help prepare patients for surgery. In many surgical settings, especially in academic institutions, it's standard for PAs to handle pre-operative consultations to ensure that all necessary information is gathered and that the surgeon can focus on surgical planning.
While your concerns about not having a direct consultation with the surgeon are valid—especially considering the time since your last visit—it’s important to know that a PA can still provide you with relevant information and answer many of your questions. However, if you feel uneasy or have specific concerns that you'd prefer to discuss with the surgeon, this requires addressing before moving forward.
Next Steps:
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Contact the Office Again: Reach out to the office of your surgeon to express your concerns. Ask if it’s possible to have a brief consultation with the surgeon directly, even if it's a virtual meeting.
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Prepare Questions: While communicating with the office or during any meeting with the PA, prepare a list of questions you want answered. Focus on anything regarding the surgery, recovery, and post-operative care.
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Assess Your Comfort Level: Consider whether you feel comfortable proceeding with the PA conducting your pre-op appointment. If not, don’t hesitate to communicate that.
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Consider Rescheduling: If you feel like you need a better connection with your surgeon before proceeding with surgery, it may be worth delaying the procedure until you are fully comfortable.
It's great that you’re advocating for your health and ensuring you have the necessary support leading into such a serious procedure. Take your time to obtain the information and reassurance you need.
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