Whether you’re experiencing back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, or any other type of musculoskeletal pain, consult an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible.
Today, you can choose between thousands of professionals in your vicinity. Make the right decision to ensure proper diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare. In this blog, we’ll help you choose an orthopedic specialist who’s right for you.
1. Experience Matters
Your orthopedic doctor should have enough experience so that you feel comfortable. Interview them and ask about the types of patients they have treated. Ask them about the equipment and technology they employ to treat your specific condition.
Most orthopedic specialists have online reviews, so always run a Google search to read what patients say about them. This will give you a good idea of whether they’re right for you.
2. Research Their Credentials
Your orthopedic doctor should possess the right qualifications, skills, and training. Research their credentials to determine whether they’re qualified to treat you. What certifications and accreditations do they hold?
You’ll find everything online, from their medical school history to their certifications to possible malpractice claims or disciplinary actions (if any). Also, ask friends and family to provide a referral if they know a doctor. In the end, the doctor whom you’re most comfortable with is the right one for you.
Recommended Read: How to Manage Persistent Lower Back Pain and Neck Pain at Home
3. Analyze the Consultation
During the first consultation, you’re not just learning more about your symptoms and condition, you’re also determining whether the doctor is right for you. Think of it as an interview. Be straightforward and ask ample questions. Here are a few examples:
- How many times have you performed this particular surgery?
- Have any of your patients been unhappy with their surgical outcome? If so, how many and why?
- What is your success rate?
- What equipment do you use for this procedure?
- What is the estimated recovery time?
Make a list of questions; cover everything that comes to mind, and don’t be shy. You should walk away from the consultation feeling confident, comfortable, and content. If the doctor refuses to answer any questions other than the ones they deem important, walk away.
You should feel confident and comfortable with both the doctor and the specialty hospital. If you have time, visit the hospital beforehand so that you feel comfortable with the facility. You should never settle for just any orthopedic specialist; your health, mobility, comfort, well-being, and life are at risk.
At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, our orthopedic specialists are some of the leading experts in their field in the Houston area. Visit our website to find a doctor who’s right for you based on your symptoms and condition.
As one of the most trusted Friendswood Surgical Hospital, we also provide upper back pain treatment, noninvasive treatment for essential tremors, and a range of other surgical and nonsurgical interventions.