The thought of undergoing surgery may be nerve-wracking for many people. Knee surgery, in particular, is generally deemed safe, but you can’t always avoid the fear that something might go wrong. After all, surgical procedures are complex, and when you undergo one, you entrust your safety to your doctor. That’s why it’s crucial you choose a surgeon who is qualified and makes you feel comfortable.
Here are a few factors you may want to consider when selecting a knee surgeon:
Ask for Referrals
When your primary healthcare provider recommends knee surgery, you may ask them to give you referrals for surgeons they are familiar with. They can give you suggestions for experienced doctors they know and trust.
Aside from your healthcare provider, you may also ask your family and friends for recommendations. Perhaps someone you know has already undergone knee surgery. Your relatives and peers may also personally know an orthopedic surgeon.
You may use those referrals as your starting point when looking for a knee surgeon. However, don’t feel compelled to choose only from the pool of names you got from your friends. You may still look for other surgeons, especially online.
Consider Your Insurance Coverage
Surgical procedures can be costly, and knee surgery isn’t an exception. You may want to check if your insurance covers the orthopedic surgeons you have on your list. That way, the procedure won’t be too heavy on your finances. Some providers have a list on their websites that details insurance plans they accept. If this information is not publicly available, don’t hesitate to contact their office or clinic to ask about it.
Read Patient Reviews
Patient reviews are available on some clinic and hospital websites. It would benefit you to scan through these testimonials to give you an idea of what kind of doctor they are. You may also want to consider reading reviews on other websites. You may look at reviews on Google or other platforms to gain more insight. You can also look through social media profiles or pages because doctors sometimes allow reviews to be posted there.
Ask for Qualifications and Experience in Knee Surgery
Many orthopedic surgeons list their credentials in their online profiles. You may find that on their hospital or clinic website. Look for specific terms like board-certified or fellowship-trained. To differentiate:
- Board-certified surgeons have completed the required years of residency training and passed a comprehensive exam in their field of specialty.
- Fellowship-trained surgeons have received additional fellowship training to become experts in their subspecialty, like knee surgery for orthopedic doctors.
Don’t be afraid to ask providers about their experience and qualifications. The best surgeons won’t hesitate to tell you their records and credentials to help ease your worries and make you feel comfortable.
Take Gender Into Account
It’s okay to take gender into account when looking for an orthopedic surgeon. Some people are uncomfortable being handled by the opposite gender, especially since surgeries involve close contact. Your provider also has to know your personal information and medical history in order to reduce your risk of complications and improve the chances of success for the procedure. Make sure to choose a surgeon with whom you feel completely comfortable sharing information with.
Book a Consultation with the Knee Surgeon
Meeting the knee surgeons face-to-face can help you pick the right provider for you. When you go in for a consultation, you can see firsthand how they communicate. It would benefit you to go for a provider who welcomes questions and doesn’t hesitate to explain things to you. The right surgeon will also answer your questions in a way that you understand, but without being patronizing.
During your visit, you can also try to get a sense of how comfortable they make you feel. Ask yourself questions like:
- Do they engage you in an amicable way?
- Do they include you in the decision-making process?
- Do they consider your thoughts and emotions regarding your knee surgery?
- Do they plan to draft a comprehensive treatment plan for you?
You may ask them questions regarding their expertise and experience, and about the surgery itself. Paying them a visit can also give you a view of some of their achievements and qualifications. Some doctors hang their certificates and awards to help establish their credibility and ease their patients’ worries.
Knee Surgeon in Boynton Beach, FL
Finding the right knee doctor or surgeon takes time, but it’s important for you to be informed and feel safe and comfortable. You should ask for a referral from others, read reviews on different platforms, and look at the credentials of knee doctors. You should also schedule a consultation with each surgeon to meet them face-to-face. Insurance coverage is another crucial factor because knee surgery can be expensive.
If you’re looking for an orthopedic doctor or knee surgeon, look no further than the Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches. We have a team of fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopedic surgeons who can provide you with comprehensive care. If you want to learn more about our services and surgeons, you may call our friendly staff at (561) 733-5888. If you want to schedule a consultation, you may also use our secure online appointment request form.
We look forward to serving you!
