Checklist For Choosing A Physician To Perform A Cosmetic Procedure
1.) Obtain a list of names of possible physicians from your primary care physician, your family, friends and colleagues.
2.) Research the physicians.
- Examine each physician’s profile on the local Medical Board to see if there are any problems.
- Internet
- Primary care physician
- Other
3.) Research the physician’s training
- Where did he/she receive training?
- What type of formal training did the physician receive?
- Residency? In?
- Fellowship? In?
- What type of informal training did the physician receive in the procedure?
- Organization:
- Length of training:
- Certified by a Local Medical Board?
- Certified by a non-local Medical Board?
- Does the physician have hospital privileges to perform the procedure?
- At which hospital(s)?
4.) Upon seeing a physician, assess the MD while the MD assesses you.
- Did the physician answer all your questions?
- Did the physician spend appropriate time with you?
- Did the physician push or try to sell other procedures?
- How many times has the physician performed the procedure?
- How long has the physician performed the procedure?
- What other procedures does he/she perform?
- Who will assist in the procedure?
- Name(s):
- Their qualifications:
- How were they trained?
- Are all involved licensed in good standing? (Check w/appropriate Board)
5.) Discuss the procedure with the physician.
- What is involved in the procedure – how is it performed?
- Will the physician use sedation?
- If yes, what level of sedation will the physician use?
- General: Deep: Moderate: Minimal
- Who will administer and monitor the sedation?
- Physician: Other: Who?
- How long will the procedure last?
- How long will the sedation effects last?
- How long will it take to recover in the facility before discharge?
- Where will the surgery take place?
- Office: Hospital: Surgical Center:
- What are the emergency plans?
- To which hospital would you be taken?
- Will post-operative medicine be necessary? Kind:
- Will there be noticeable scarring?
- What realistic results can I expect?
- Will the physician perform the procedure from first cut to last stitch?
- What are the risks associated with this procedure?
- What are the warning signs or concerns to watch for?
6.) The physician must have your “Informed Consent” to perform the procedure.
- Did the physician provide you with enough information to consent to the physician as the person to perform the procedure?
- Did the physician provide you with enough information to consent to the procedure?
- Did the physician provide you with enough information to consent to the sedation?
- Did the physician provide you with enough information to consent to the location?
- Did the physician provide you with enough information to consent to the other persons involved with your care?
- Is the physician willing to agree to any limitations you place upon your consent?
Notes:
* Adapted from Arizona Medical Board Checklist
