How to Choose the Best Surgeon for Your Procedure
If you need to schedule a surgical procedure, you may be wondering how to find a qualified surgeon in your area. It has been estimated that 60-92% of patients experience anxiety before surgery, so it is important to find a surgeon you feel comfortable with.
Choosing a surgeon can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Keep reading for a few tips on choosing the best surgeon for your procedure so your health will be in good hands.
Ask for Recommendations
One way to find a good surgeon is to ask your friends and acquaintances for recommendations. If you know someone who has undergone a similar procedure, ask them about their experiences with their surgeon.
A good surgeon is compassionate, takes the time to answer any of your questions and explain the procedure, and of course, has good outcomes. Ask others if they had any problems with the surgeon or the procedure.
You can also read online reviews, especially if the surgery you need is specialized and not performed everywhere. If this is the case you may have to do some more searching to find personal reviews, but it is still a worthwhile endeavor.
Find Experienced Surgeons
Surgical treatment is generally more successful when the surgeon is well-versed in the procedure. Even if another doctor could perform the procedure, look for one who does your specific procedure frequently.
When searching for the right surgeon, be sure to check their credentials and any potential disciplinary actions. You can contact the American Board of Medical Specialties to confirm that a surgeon is board certified in the specialty you are looking for.
If you need a rare or complicated procedure, it is even more important to make sure the surgeon is an expert in their specialty. For example, it might be harder to find a surgeon to do a tubal ligation reversal. If this happens to be what you are looking for, get a tubal reversal here.
Interview Surgeons
Once you have created a tentative list of surgeons, set up initial consultations with them. Be sure to make a list of questions beforehand, and consider bringing a support person along to help you evaluate your potential surgeon.
Things to ask can include questions about recovery time, how invasive the procedure is, and the surgeon’s experience with the procedure. If you aren’t sure what to ask, check out this list of questions for some ideas of what information you need.
This experience is also a valuable opportunity to look for red flags in your surgeon. If they do not give you the time of day or aren’t concerned about you being comfortable with the procedure, that isn’t a good sign. Remember to trust your gut as you interact with your potential surgeon.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Best Surgeon
Now that you know more about how to find the best surgeon for your procedure, it’s time to start your search. Best of luck in your search for the right doctor and with your procedure!
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