Who can receive copies of my medical information?
Due to patient confidentiality and legal requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, we only release personal medical information to the patient, him or herself and any individuals or entities for which we have written authorization from the patient.
I have questions about my surgery. How can I get answers before and after surgery?
Please call our office at 949-276-8050 and your question will be addressed. For calls after-hours, Dr. Klause uses an answering service that is usually able to allow the patient to talk directly to her. If this is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately and/or go to the Emergency Room.
Will I have dressings to change?
For most surgical procedures, you will have dressings that are covered by a waterproof transparent dressing which allows you to shower. If a traditional gauze dressing is used, please remove it after 48 hours. Some procedures may require you to care for your wound and we will instruct you in this. If you are unable to perform care, we will be happy to help arrange home care or perform wound care here in our office.
After my surgery, how long will I be off of work? When can I return to School or gym?
This depends on many factors including the type of surgery, type of work you do and the duties required. This will be discussed at your consultation. For healing of hernias and major abdominal wounds, our bodies generally require at least two weeks until they are strong enough for heavy lifting and abdominal exercises. We are more than happy to work with you and assist you with all necessary disability forms and we can also send a letter to your employer, school, etc. if needed.
What if I need a refill or medication ordered for me?
You will be given a prescription for medications before you are discharged from the hospital or surgery center. Please note that not all prescriptions can be ordered over the phone for you.
How can I obtain the results of my tests or pathology results?
In most cases, Dr. Klause will want to discuss this with you preferably in person or by phone.
What is the difference between laparoscopic and open procedures?
Laparoscopic procedures are "minimally invasive", in that they are done using a laparoscope and specialized instrumentation using keyhole incision(s) about 5-10 mm in size.
Open procedures are done with the surgical site incision size appropriate for the surgeon to actually handle tissues directly.
There are many factors that determine which procedure is appropriate for each patient and Dr. Klause will discuss this with you during your initial consult.
Will I need to be on a special diet after surgery?
After most surgical procedures, you will gradually be able to return to your regular diet. If a special diet is recommended for recovery, you will be instructed before you are discharged. At any time, if you are not sure about your special diet, please call our office at 949-276-8050 for help.
I am scheduled for surgery, but I think I may have a cold. What do I do?
Please call our office as soon as possible for any illness within one week of your scheduled operation. Even minor upper respiratory infections can develop into bronchitis or pneumonia after a general anesthesia. If your symptoms are present close to the surgery date, we might need to reschedule. It is better to reschedule early than to have your surgery canceled once you have shown up to the facility.
I have questions about insurance coverage and billing.
As long as we have current insurance information on file, we will be able to assist you with your insurance questions and questions regarding pre-authorizations. Our staff will submit to your insurance company all medical services that are performed. Any expenses not covered by your insurance company will be your financial responsibility. All deductible payments not yet met must be collected prior to your surgery date. I understand that I am ultimately responsible for the charges, regardless of available insurance benefits.
It is the patient’s responsibility to provide Dr. Klause and/or staff with proof of insurance and an authorization number or referral when applicable. If these items are not provided, we ask that you pay in full at the time of service.
Dr. Klause and/or staff will submit charges for all medical services rendered to your insurance company. We will attempt to verify eligibility and benefits with your insurance company; however, this verification is not a guarantee of payment. Any expenses deemed not covered by your insurance company will be the patient’s financial responsibility. Any yearly deductible amount not met will be collected prior to your surgery date.
Patients who carry medical insurance should remember that the professional services are rendered and charged to the patient, not the insurance company. To avoid any misunderstanding, it is best to learn beforehand exactly what your policy will cover. In most cases, your insurance card shows a customer service number that you can use to obtain answers to your questions. We encourage you to discuss fees with us prior to any medical or surgical procedure. We do not render services on the assumption that all charges will be paid by the insurance company. Furthermore, authorization of treatment by your insurance company does not guarantee payment by the insurance company for services rendered.
What does the title "FACS" mean?
The letters “FACS” after a surgeon's name indicates that he or she is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Fellows of the College are board-certified surgeons whose education, training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct have been reviewed and evaluated prior to admittance and have been found to be consistent with the high standards of the American College of Surgeons. Not all surgeons are accepted into Fellowship in the College and there are some surgeons who may choose not to become Fellows. The letters “FACS” after a surgeon's name indicates that the surgeon has submitted to a process to obtain voluntary credential and performance evaluation by their peers. Dr. Klause is proud to be a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
