Facing surgery is a big step that comes with worry about risks and outcomes. Thanks to technological advancements in medicine, surgeries can be minimally invasive with quick recovery times, fewer complications, and high success rates. 

Aside from these innovations, the success of orthopedic surgery can also be attributable to the surgeon’s experience, competency, and skills. They’re professionals qualified to diagnose and treat orthopedic problems by performing surgical procedures involving the ankle, hip, knee, spine, and neck. 

Feeling comfortable with a surgeon is crucial to a successful surgery. Use these five tips for choosing an orthopedic surgeon and feel confident in taking the necessary step toward living a full and pain-free life. 

Ask For Referrals 

Primary care physicians can provide a list of orthopedic surgeons who specialize in necessary procedures. Physicians tend to have a professional relationship with each other and can make recommendations based on experience and areas of specialty. 

Ask friends and acquaintances who have had experiences with orthopedic surgeons for recommendations and feedback. Always check with insurance to make sure a potential surgeon is covered under the plan to avoid any surprise out-of-pocket costs. 

If you want more options, you can also check out reliable websites and other online resources to find the perfect orthopedic surgeon who can treat your bone or joint problems and improve the quality of your life in the long run. You can refer to online databases to find board-certified surgeons and check their credentials. Medical associations like the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons or the American Medical Association can help patients find qualified surgeons. 

Research local orthopedic treatment centers. High Mountain Orthopedics specializes in orthopedic treatment in New Jersey and provides a range of treatment and procedures. Their small team of doctors is experienced in treating a range of orthopedic conditions and tailors treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient. 

Evaluate Credentials 

Patients need to be confident in their surgeons before undergoing a procedure. Take the time to review a potential surgeon’s education, degrees, credentials, and professional training. Confirm that a surgeon is board-certified and by what association. Patients can find out about certification requirements on a medical association’s website. 

Experience matters when it comes to surgery. Find out how many procedures a surgeon performs annually and examine their track record of success. The more procedures a surgeon has under their belt, the more likely they are to have a strong record of success. 

Recognize Specialty And Training

Orthopedic surgeons gain plenty of valuable experience by performing procedures, but they should also supplement experience with continued education. When looking for an orthopedic surgeon, find out what they know about new technologies, new devices, and current surgical approaches. 

If a patient is interested in a certain device or surgical approach, discuss this with a potential surgeon to determine if they have the right training or ability. Surgeons are typically trained by manufacturers on surgical approaches or devices, and manufacturer websites can provide information about local surgeons trained in a specific technology. 

To ensure you work with an orthopedic surgeon with the right specialty and training, ask your prospects for copies of their training certificates and other related documents to verify their experience, skills, and expertise. If they refuse to provide you with these documents, it can be a sign that you should walk away and consider a new one.

Meet With the Surgeon

Once a list of potential surgeons has been compiled, arrange to meet one-on-one with each surgeon. During each consultation, discuss the situation, bring up any questions or concerns, and get opinions. 

This is the time to ask the surgeons about their experience with similar cases and success rates, what they include in surgical plans, explanations about the risks and benefits of the procedure, and what technologies they use. Make a note of each surgeon’s bedside manner. Pay attention to their demeanor and how much time they spend discussing questions and concerns. 

Moreover, it’s also essential to evaluate the communication style of the orthopedic surgeon. Consider someone with whom you’re comfortable talking during the meeting. Use the opportunity to ask some questions and notice how they provide their responses. They can be a good choice if they welcome and answer your questions in a manner you can understand.

Also, choose an orthopedic surgeon who is interested in knowing you, considers your treatment preferences, and respects your decision-making process. By doing all these things, you can find the appropriate surgeon for your surgical needs. 

Compare Surgeons 

Compare several orthopedic surgeons using a combination of research, patient reviews, and track records. If all potential surgeons are a good fit, choose a surgeon based on who feels the most comfortable and inspires the most confidence. Look into patient reviews about overall surgical experiences, from initial interaction with the office staff to recovery care. Chances are that a surgeon with positive reviews will be a good choice. 

Perform a background check on a potential surgeon to see if they have ever had any malpractice issues using a reliable source such as GoLookUp. The public information provided on GoLookUp’s database is updated daily to give users reliable information to verify people, learn company information, criminal records, and background checks.