Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Joint Replacement Surgery
by Kevin Smith AuthorJoint replacement surgeries are more common now than they
ever have been. Thanks to improvements in artificial joint components, refined
surgical techniques, and more widespread training for surgeons performing
procedures, having a joint replacement surgery is not the major undertaking it
once was.
Despite the rising popularity of joint replacement
procedures, it’s still important that you find the right surgeon for the job
when planning the procedure. Not every surgeon is a match for your condition,
needs, or preference. Therefore, it’s important to conduct a duly diligent
search for joint replacement specialists in Jacksonville, FL, before
undertaking a major joint surgery. Read on for a few tips that you can observe
when seeking a reputable joint replacement surgeon in your area.
Check Surgeon Stats
Statistics regarding surgeon success rates were once hard to
come by. Fortunately, now anyone who is considering joint replacement surgery
can find online statistics mandated by Medicare that provide some important
data points regarding surgery success rates. Search for the “surgeon scorecard”
for doctors you’re considering by using your favorite search engine. There, you
can find the complication rates and case loads for the doctors you may choose.
Compare that data, as it can be enlightening. If a surgeon has a high case load
with low complication rate, that is a positive sign of surgical competence. If
a surgeon has a low number of cases and high complication rate, that can be a
sign of trouble.
Recommendations and Referrals
A great starting point when searching for a joint
replacement surgeon is your circle of acquaintances and your personal care
team. Your friends and family may have had experiences with orthopedic surgeons
in your area, and they can attest to their competence and bedside manner. You
may even learn details about a surgeon’s practice that otherwise would have
been inaccessible. Also, your general practitioner, physical therapist, or
another member of your primary care team may be able to give you a referral to
a surgeon that they trust.
Insurance Considerations
Another critical factor in your decision is whether a
surgeon is in your insurance coverage network. Joint replacement surgeries are
expensive, and insurance coverage is an important concern. If your insurer
won’t cover procedures performed by an out-of-network surgeon, then you should
keep looking to minimize the out-of-pocket cost you will incur from the
procedure.
Be Logical, Not Emotional
While you may like one surgeon’s personality or bedside
manner better than another, it doesn’t mean that you should choose the more
affable option. You employ a surgeon to perform surgery. Therefore, you want
the best surgeon for your condition, even if that surgeon’s personality is not
completely compatible with yours. The results are what matters, so stay focused
on factors that indicate you’ll get the outcome you want. After all, you’ll
have to live with the surgeon’s work long after the surgery is over.
If you’re looking for joint replacement specialists in
Jacksonville, FL, remember to use available online research
tools, get recommendations and referrals from trusted parties, check for
insurance compatibility, and focus on results. By doing so, you can find the
best surgeon to perform your joint replacement surgery.
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Created on Apr 23rd 2019 02:56. Viewed 434 times.