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How to Choose an Orthopedic Surgeon

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Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves and tendons, so they're often needed to perform life changing operations. If you've never undergone surgery, the process of finding the right surgeon can seem overwhelming. However, when it comes to your health, being proactive is the most important thing. If a doctor has advised you to seek orthopedic surgery, follow these simple steps to find the right surgeon for you.

Consult Your Primary Care Doctor

Before you begin your search for an orthopedic surgeon, you want to make sure your problem is severe enough for surgery. Schedule a visit with your primary care doctor to discuss the medical issue you are experiencing. They will likely rule out any common causes that can be treated with less invasive measures. Consulting your primary care doctor will save you time and be much cheaper than a surgeon as the first point of contact.

Get a Referral

If your primary care doctor recommends consulting a surgeon, they will likely give you a referral, or recommendation. Your doctor should be the first resource you consult in order to get a referral, and they will likely know the most reputable surgeons in your area. Family and friends who have undergone orthopedic surgery are also a great resource. Getting a referral from a trusted source is much better than searching online because the most advertised surgeons are not always best.

This is also a good time to call your insurance company and find out which referrals are covered by your policy. Even if the surgeon you choose is outside of your insurance network, many insurance companies will still cover some of the cost.

Research the Surgeon's Credentials

After getting referrals from your doctor, family and friends, it's time to do your own research. First, you need to make sure that the surgeon you choose is properly trained and certified to practice orthopedic surgery. Consult the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons (ABOS) to make sure the surgeon you choose is properly certified.

In addition, you want to make sure the surgeon has a good practice history. You can use sites such as Healthgrades.com to check surgeons' backgrounds for any malpractice claims or disciplinary actions.

During this research stage, also consider the specific type of surgery you are seeking. Orthopedic surgery is a broad field, and many surgeons specialize in a certain area of the body or a certain type of surgery. Try to find a surgeon who specializes in the type of treatment you need.

Schedule Consultations

Once you have a list of orthopedic surgeons with reputable backgrounds and the proper certifications, it's time to meet with them in person. Choosing the right orthopedic surgeon requires that you feel comfortable around them. It takes time to recover from surgery, and you will likely have an ongoing relationship with your surgeon. Make sure that you feel comfortable asking them questions and that you can establish a sense of trust. If you don't like the way you feel after a consultation, look for another surgeon. No matter how good the surgeon is on paper, being able to establish a comfortable relationship is an important part of the process.

Ask the Right Questions

During the consultation phase, asking the right questions can help you determine which orthopedic surgeon is the best fit. If you know what type of surgery you need, ask the surgeon how many surgeries of that type they have performed. Having a surgeon who has done the same procedure many times will give you peace of mind and likely better results.

In addition, a highly experienced surgeon will know how to handle any complications that arise during or after the surgery. Asking about common complications can help you determine how familiar the surgeon is with the type of surgery you need.

Weigh Your Options and Choose

After meeting with all the possible surgeons, it's time to make a decision. If all of your options are equally qualified, choose the surgeon who you felt the most comfortable communicating with. Surgery can be a stressful process, and the most important thing is that you feel supported and informed while making decisions.