Question:
My sister was just scheduled for surgery. Her surgeon has never seen her.

Her first and only consult with him will be one week prior to the surgery. Does this seem wierd? What are "normal" expectations/experiences regarding initial consults with your surgeon?    — Teresa M. (posted on October 12, 2000)

October 12, 2000
Hi Theresa. It may be unusual to have the surgery scheduled before the consult. I assume she has also gotten insurance approval? In any case, I met with my surgeon just once prior to surgery - 3 months beforehand. We met for about an hour. However, I did a lot of research on him through this site and was put to ease. Perhaps your sister's surgeon is on here too?
   — Allie B.

October 12, 2000
It does seem a bit strange that her first consult is one week prior to her surgery, but I am in nearly the same boat. I am scheduled for my surgical consult on Oct. 26th and my surgery is scheduled for Oct. 31st. I have never met my doctor, but I have insurance approval and they have my medical history. Dr. Scott from Wentzville, MO is doing my surgery. I have been waiting for this surgery date for several months now, I pray it will not be delayed or cancelled at the last minute!!!! I am sure your sister feels the same way.
   — Jo A.

October 12, 2000
I really think that is different. I had three appointments with his staff before I even got to meet the doctor, and had a consult and a second visit (physical) with him. This is a very serious, no turning back kind of surgery, that I think (my opinion only here) you should really hear the good and the bad from your doctors staff and himmself. He really made sure I wanted to do this and even made us pass a test before it! I am sure glad they put me through all those meetings because when I was 2 weeks post op and feeling crappy ,all I had to say was they did prepare me for what I was getting myself into, they told the truth and of course I regreted my surgery at 2 weeks post, but am LOVING it now. So after this whole story , I just wanted to say, If she jumps into it...not knowing everything, and I mean everything...and knowing your doctor....I dont think it's wise. Good Luck to your sister....may she make the right choice!
   — VIXYVIX

October 13, 2000
It's not weird from my perspective...I'm having my lap ryn from one of the top notch doctors. Im in Wash and He's in Georgia.my Consult, pre-op etc. is all on the day before my surgery...I've never met him..I spent the last several months on researching my surgery so it doesn't worry me.
   — Debora H.

October 13, 2000
Hello. I had my pre-op visit with my dr on Aug 17 and surgery on Aug 23- I too had never met my dr beforehand. I was approved by ins in 3 wks after my history was given in a letter to the ins company. I figured since I was approved by them, I shouldnt worry and haven't since. Every dr and patient is different!Tell your sister to count her blessings! This surgery is a miracle!
   — Lisa L.

October 13, 2000
Not unusual at all. Many people have to travel out of state to receive care at specialized treatment centers or trauma centers. Happens all the time and some people don't meet a surgeon til they are in the OR. Is it ideal, not really, but it is not a big deal either. The doctor is nothing more than a hired contractor doing his job. The local physician is the one who will have an ongoing relationship with the patient. I met my doctor the day before my surgery and frankly it didn't really make that much of a difference. I had the consult as a formality on Wednesday, surgery on Thursday, saw the surgeon on Friday (then he was off for the weekend!),and that was it til 3 weeks later (and if I had gone back home to Florida after discharge, I wouldn't have seen the surgeon again!!!) Just not a big deal, but it is nice to feel a conncectedness to the man who saved my life!!!
   — Fran B.