When you or a loved one breaks a bone, your first instinct is to find a doctor. If the injury is serious, you may think you have no choice but to choose the first orthopedic surgeon you come across.
Before you choose an orthopedist, there are several things to think about. They could aid in your decision-making. Here are a few things you should consider when choosing an orthopedist.
Ask About The Doctor’s Experience
Ask about the doctor’s experience treating these problems. Additionally, you can request their credentials and certifications. This may not be as important for orthopedic surgeons, but it is very important for other types of doctors.
For example, if you are going to see a neurologist, you need to make sure that they have board certification in neurology and not just family medicine or internal medicine.
Make Sure Your Doctor Is Board Certified
Ask how long the doctor has been practicing and how many joint replacements he or she has performed. How many surgeries have been done at the hospital where you’ll get treatment? If possible, interview several surgeons before making your choice of who will operate on you.
Ask about anesthesia options and what types of pain medications are available after surgery — such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) for mild pain relief, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for moderate pain relief, and opioids for severe pain relief that lasts more than seven days after surgery
Incorporate Their Ideas And Suggestions
You want someone who will listen to your concerns and give you honest feedback about treatment options for any problems or injuries you may have.
If you need joint replacement surgery due to OA, ask how many times they’ve performed this procedure successfully before recommending it for you. Orthopedists like Dr. William Siefert should have good communication skills so that they can explain complicated procedures clearly
Key Takeaway
Meet with several different doctors. You may not need to meet with more than three before deciding on one, but if you do, it helps to have a variety of options from which to choose.
Dr. William Siefert You also want to know what percentage of their practice is devoted solely to treating people with similar medical problems as yours — this shows they’re experienced enough that they don’t need to take on all types of cases just to keep busy or pay the bills.