Orthopedic Surgeon In Phoenix: How To Evaluate An Orthopedic Surgeon

Selecting the most qualified orthopedic surgeon in Phoenix can be a daunting exercise, especially if you're preoccupied with the surgery itself. Orthopedic surgery involves the back, knee, shoulder or any other musculoskeletal part of the body. Patients undergoing a surgical procedure to repair a joint or bone are most likely in pain and experiencing some loss of mobility.

Knowing you have a well-qualified surgeon can help alleviate the stress and fear associated with your operation. Instead, you can focus your energies on making a full recovery.

Often, your family doctor provides a referral for an orthopedic surgeon in Phoenix. Your family, friends and health insurance carrier may offer some insight as well. Even with a referral, you should evaluate the credentials of any prospective surgeon yourself. The following guidelines will help you find the best qualified orthopedic surgeon for your condition.

Impressive Credentials Contribute to Greater Surgical Outcomes

With your mobility, well-being and maybe even your life at stake, you want a surgeon with impeccable credentials. Before you make your first appointment, verify educational background and training. You can check a doctor's qualifications through online organizations or your insurance carrier's list of covered physicians.

When reviewing your choices, make sure you select orthopedic surgeons from the top of their medical school classes. He or she should have completed reputable residency programs like The Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins University. Subspecialty fellowship training and ground-breaking research also contribute to qualifications.

Board certification offers additional evidence of superior credentials. Orthopedic surgeons must complete a rigorous training program validated by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Also determine whether your prospective orthopedic surgeon in Phoenix is nationally recognized. For example, if your surgeon speaks at conferences, is published in journals or books and trains other surgeons in new techniques, chances are he or she is well qualified to perform your surgery.

Each Patient Case Requires Specialized Experience

Because the orthopedic specialty is so widespread, a prospective orthopedic surgeon in Phoenix should be completely well versed in your specific procedure. Orthopedic surgeons treat all kinds of diseases, injuries and conditions, including osteoarthritis, cartilage injuries, ligament tears, fractures, dislocations, bone cancers, deformities and more. As a result, he or she should have documented past experiences with your exact type of surgery, as well as continuing education to further knowledge and skills.

For example, an elderly person needing a hip replacement requires a different orthopedic specialist than an athlete with a torn ligament. So make sure your orthopedic surgeon in Phoenix has ample experience performing your type of surgery.

Finally, determine if your prospective orthopedic surgeon is trained in advanced procedures. The latest techniques, such as arthroscopic surgeries, laser surgery, microsurgery and other minimally invasive procedures, are typically performed in outpatient facilities. If you can have your surgery done on an outpatient basis, you may lessen the recovery impact. Generally, outpatient surgeries are completed in less time with reduced trauma to the patient's body.

Advanced Facilities to Address Your Total Care

Next, consider an orthopedic surgeon's facilities to ensure you will have access to the most technologically-advanced equipment. Using the latest tools, including MRI and x-ray machines, orthopedic surgeons can pinpoint the source of pain and establish the best course of treatment.

In addition, professional radiologists should read the results of imaging diagnostics. Having testing equipment and radiologists on-site with your orthopedic surgeon saves you from traveling to different doctors' offices. You'll also have test results available more quickly.

You'll also want to consider an orthopedic surgeon in Phoenix with non-surgical capabilities on-site as well. For example, pain management and physical therapy help produce better surgical outcomes.

The Doctor-Patient Relationship - The Deciding Factor

Once you know the orthopedic surgeon in Phoenix is well qualified to perform your procedure, do you feel comfortable with him or her? A good rapport with your surgeon becomes the deciding factor in selecting an orthopedic surgeon. Consider the answers to these questions:

-Were you shown the images from diagnostics tests performed?
-Did the surgeon explain in detail the cause of your orthopedic problem and the source of the pain?
-Did the surgeon fully explain alternative courses of action and the pros and cons associated with each?
-If surgery is the recommended treatment option, was the entire surgical procedure described from pre-op to post-op?
-Were the risks completely reviewed?
-Were all your questions answered readily and thoroughly?
-Was the orthopedic surgeon in Phoenix sensitive to your concerns?
-Did the surgeon's office help you with insurance issues?
-Were you given a physical rehabilitation plan?

Answering "yes" to the questions above can help you find an orthopedic surgeon dedicated to professional and compassionate patient care. And an orthopedic surgeon in Phoenix you can trust.