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 When it comes time to choose an orthopaedic surgeon, there are several steps you should take to ensure that he or she is the right surgeon for you.
Talk to your family and friends
Chances are someone in your family or your inner circle of friends has had direct experience with orthopaedic care, or knows someone else who has. Do not be afraid to ask whom they would recommend. People are often quite willing to share their experiences. "So-and-so suggested I call you to ask your opinion on...."is an acceptable conversation starter.
Get a Recommendation from another medical professional
In many cases, you are seeking orthopaedic care on the advice of your primary care physician. I hope that you have a longstanding relationship with your primary care physician and trust his or her recommendations for specialty care physicians and surgeons.
Orthopaedic surgeons often specialize in treating one or a few parts of the body. That does not mean they cannot treat another part, it just means that they have expertise and experience in their chosen specialty. You might see one orthopaedic surgeon for a hand problem, another for a foot problem and yet another for a hip or knee problem.
Physical therapists are also a good source for a surgical referral. Because they see the results of a patient's surgical outcome, the physical therapist is in a perfect position to refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon.
Read online reviews
There are several websites solely devoted to patient reviews of physicians. Some use a simple rating system, while others allow reviewers to comment on the care they received. It is important to look at the percentages when considering review websites. One surgeon may have a 5-star rating, but the rating is based on only a handful of reviews. The same holds true for a lackluster rating.
Search online for your prospective surgeon's own website, where you should be able to learn a great deal about the practice.
Check out the surgeon's credentials
Orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors or osteopaths. After college, they attend medical school for 4 years to receive an MD or DO degree.
Following medical school or osteopath school, surgeons must complete a residency in orthopaedics. This is usually a minimum of 5 years.
After the residency, surgeons begin practice. New surgeons must obtain surgical privileges at the hospitals where surgery will be performed. This requires extensive credentialing by the hospital. The surgeons' backgrounds and training are checked extensively.
Orthopaedic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons. To become board certified, surgeons must pass exams that are given 2 years after entering practice. To maintain board certification, surgeons must take an additional test every 10 years and prove that they have attended a minimum number of hours of continuing education.
Many orthopaedic surgeons choose to specialize even further. This requires even more training in the form of a fellowship. A fellowship usually lasts 6 to 12 months. During the fellowship, surgeons work with one or more experts in a specialized field of orthopaedic surgery.
Membership in professional medical associations such as the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons indicates the physician's desire to continually increase his or her knowledge and skills.
Schedule a consultation
Finally, schedule a consultation with the surgeon you are considering. During your first visit, acquaint yourself with the office staff and facilities as well as the surgeon. A medical practice works as a team, so it is important that you are comfortable with all of the team members.
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