PATIENT GUIDE
What to Expect at Your First Surgical Consultation
Seeing a surgeon for the first time can feel intimidating. Here is exactly what happens at your consultation with Dr. Kakarla — so you know what to expect before you walk in.
Your first visit typically takes 30–45 minutes. Dr. Kakarla examines you, confirms the diagnosis, explains your options, and answers your questions. Most patients leave knowing whether surgery is needed, where it will happen, and what to expect. No referral is needed unless your insurance requires one.
Before Your Visit
No preparation needed. You do not need to fast, stop medications, or get testing done before your consultation. If you have imaging (CT, ultrasound, MRI), bring the CD or have it available through a patient portal — but it is not required. If you are coming for a second opinion, bring any imaging, reports, and surgical recommendations you have received.
What to Bring
- Photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- Insurance card
- List of current medications (or bring the bottles)
- Any imaging on CD or through a patient portal
- Any referral form if your insurance requires one
- A family member or friend is welcome
What Happens at the Visit
Step 1: Check-in and vitals. Our front desk verifies your insurance and collects basic information. A medical assistant takes your vitals and reviews your medications and medical history.
Step 2: Examination. Dr. Kakarla examines the area of concern. For hernias, this involves a brief standing exam — you may be asked to cough or bear down. The exam is quick and well tolerated.
Step 3: Discussion. Dr. Kakarla explains the diagnosis, discusses whether surgery is needed, describes the surgical approach he recommends and why, outlines the recovery timeline, and answers all your questions. He uses shared decision-making — the plan is decided together with you.
Step 4: Next steps. If surgery is recommended and you decide to proceed, our team verifies your insurance benefits the same day and coordinates scheduling. Most surgeries are scheduled within 1–2 weeks.
Questions to Bring
- What is my diagnosis, and does it need surgery?
- Which surgical approach do you recommend, and why?
- What are the risks and how do you minimize them?
- What is the recovery timeline for my situation?
- When can I return to work and my normal activities?
- What is my expected out-of-pocket cost?
Interpretation Services
Interpretation services are available for all languages at our office and at the hospital. If you need language assistance, please let us know when scheduling your appointment. Everyone receives the same level of care and communication regardless of language.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Venkata Kakarla, MD, FACS
Fellowship-trained robotic surgeon · Board Certified, American Board of Surgery
Last reviewed: March 2026