Booking an appointment to see an orthopedist can cause feelings of anxiety or relief. If your primary care doctor suggests that you should see an orthopedic specialist, then you may be overwhelmed on which one to choose. Here are six important factors to keep in mind, according to Dr. Gregg Schellack DO.
1 – Get Referrals
When starting your search, you shouldn’t pick the first one you find. Many orthopedists claim to be the best. But instead of finding the best one, you should focus on an experienced and well-regarded orthopedist with who you can communicate with. This is the case if you have a serious problem that requires surgery.
Working with this specialist means that she or he should understand your cause and have an in-depth understanding of your issues. There are several ways to get referrals. One way is to ask your primary care doctor. You can also get referrals from your coworkers, colleagues, and friends, some of which may have had experience with an orthopedic specialist.
You can also search for orthopedists through organizations like the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons by your state and zip code. Another medical website is HealthGrades, which provides free information about doctors in your area including credentials, qualifications, and experience.
2 – Determine Availability & Cost
You should determine the cost of your surgery or procedure. During this time, you should also find out if the doctor is accepted by your health insurance. Contact your health insurance company or search for the doctor on the member portal of the insurance company’s official website.
3 – Check their Credentials
If you want to verify that the orthopedist is certified by the Maintenance of Certification (MOC), then you should use the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons (ABOS). If you want to run a background check on the doctor, then you can use HealthGrades to find out any lawsuits, malpractice suits, or sanctions against that doctor. You can also find out the details of the clinic, hospital, or practice itself to find out their patient mortality rates and rates of post-surgical complications.
4 – Look for Experience
When it comes to finding the right orthopedist, the more experience the doctor has, the better. This will increase your chances of success, especially with treatment and surgery. Don’t be afraid to ask the doctor any questions, including how many patients he or she has worked with. Find out the complications associated with your condition, medication, surgery, or any other treatment you would receive. A well-respected doctor such as Gregg Schellack Orthopedist always takes the time to respond to patient concerns and questions.
5 – Review of Patient Feedback
Reviews about what other patients have to say about the orthopedist can also influence your decision. You’ll receive greater insight on what to expect during the office visit right down to the treatment. Surveys often ask patients to provide feedback about the care they received, the difficulty of scheduling appointments, and wait times. After reading patient reviews and surveys, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect.
6 – Know What Your Health Insurance Covers
Most health insurance providers have a maximum amount on the benefits and out the pocket costs for treatment. So, you want to make sure that the orthopedist you choose accepts your insurance plan. Your insurance is just as important as the doctor’s credentials, experience, and quality care when it comes to selecting the right orthopedist.
As you can see, there are several things to consider when finding an orthopedist. This is a list of the most important things to consider when choosing the right orthopedic specialist.