If you have suffered a sports injury in Hollywood or anywhere in South Florida, you may need to find an orthopedic surgeon to start treatment. In fact, you may need an orthopedic surgeon if you have been in a car accident or have sustained serious injuries any other way.
How can you be sure you choose the right surgeon for your needs? There are a few steps you can take:
Let go of the idea of the “best” doctor.
There really is no such thing. While some doctors have better recommendations or ratings, they aren’t necessarily a great fit for you. Choosing the right surgeon means finding a combination of the right personality fit, comfort level, experience, and other factors.
Seek recommendations.
If you know someone who has had orthopedic surgery, ask about their experiences and talk to your regular practitioner about experts and orthopedic surgeons they would recommend. When lots of other people recommend a specific, that person tends to have good outcomes and a good bedside manner – two things you want in your surgeon.
Ask the surgeon.
Once you have a few names, see if you can get an appointment with one or more orthopedic surgeons. Ask the surgeon them about their qualifications, experience, and their opinion about your case. Look for a surgeon who is willing to answer your questions and who has experience with the specific surgery you will need.
Confirm certification and credentials.
Make sure you are working with a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and one who has the training you need. Look for someone who is active in the research community, has hospital privileges, and is respected in their field. Look for someone who has performed many procedures—especially the kind of operation you need.
Seek out a second opinion.
Consider a second opinion. Does your orthopedic surgeon agree with others about the best treatment for your condition? Getting a second opinion is never a bad idea.
Consider intangibles.
How comfortable are you with your surgeon? Do they seem like a good fit? Are they patient with you? Do you trust them? Intangibles such as comfort level and trust are important to the doctor-patient relationship and shouldn’t be overlooked.
If you have been seriously injured and will need either surgery or ongoing treatment, consider how you’ll pay for your medical costs. If your injury was caused by someone’s negligence or recklessness, you may have a right in Florida to seek compensation through a civil lawsuit. To find out more, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation.