Looking for an Orthopedic Surgeon? Follow These Steps

Whether you have a musculoskeletal condition, an injury, or a disease, the right orthopedic surgeon can make a world of difference. But with so many options and a load of information available on the Internet, how are you supposed to find the right surgeon for your case? This guide will provide clarity.

Follow these steps to find an orthopedic surgeon who understands your case and can ensure a quick recovery: 

Consult Your Primary Care Physician

First things first, ask your primary care physician (PCP) to assess your condition and determine what kind of orthopedic surgeon you need. For complex cases, more experienced orthopedic surgeons might be more suitable. 

Primary care physicians also know specialists and can recommend someone they trust or have previously worked with. They can also prepare you for your initial consultation. This can include giving advice on asking questions or compiling medical data. 

Ask Friends and Family

If your primary care physician isn’t of much help, ask friends or family for recommendations. They will give you in-depth insights into their experience with a specific orthopedic hospital or surgeon. Moreover, they will also explain the behavior of staff and support personnel. 

Do Your Own Research

Finding the right orthopedic surgeon involves research. You will be surprised by how much information you can find with just a few minutes of online research. Look into directories and area-specific websites to get insights into both surgeons and medical centers.

Once you’ve shortlisted a couple of orthopedic surgeons, read patient reviews. 

Research Experience and Expertise

Every orthopedic case is unique. Rightfully so, some surgeons are well-skilled in a number of areas of expertise (like knee, shoulder, spine, sports injuries). While others are more experienced in certain types of procedures.

For instance, if you’re going for shoulder replacement, look for a surgeon who has performed a good number of successful shoulder replacement surgeries. Or look for an orthopedic surgeon known for the procedure you’re having. 

Verify Credentials

Next, make sure your orthopedic surgeon is certified by relevant boards and institutions. This could be the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) and other similar bodies.

Moreover, consider the hospital the surgeon is affiliated with. This is important because the hospital is where your procedure is likely to be performed.

Check With Your Health Insurance Provider

Not every orthopedic surgeon and clinic would be covered by your health insurance provider. This is why it’s important to check with your insurance provider beforehand. 

Look at it this way: If you choose an in-network orthopedic surgeon, they will have already established rates with your insurance provider. This will impact how much your insurance will cover.

Go for a Consultation

Always, always schedule a consultation to discuss your case and possible outcomes of the surgery. You will learn a great deal about the surgeon’s expertise, technique, preferences, and mannerisms. Try to determine how confident you are with the surgeon’s expertise. 

Moreover, ask questions about your condition, treatment options, risks, and recovery. Assess how satisfactory and explanatory the surgeon’s answers are.