If you’re living with arthritis or any other musculoskeletal condition that’s causing you chronic or debilitating pain, your best course of action is to see an orthopedic surgeon in order to receive appropriate and effective care. Orthopedic surgeons specialize in both the non-surgical and surgical treatment of the full range of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system (your bones and soft tissues).
However, with the tens of thousands of orthopedic surgeons in the United States, your question will likely be as to how you will find the right one for you.
If you do not know where to start, consider these tips to help make your search easier for you.
o Gather recommendations.
Draw up a list of potential candidates by getting several recommendations from people you know and trust. Start with your primary care physician, who can give you reliable in-network referrals.
You can also ask a friend, relative, or colleague who has had successful orthopedic surgery for recommendations. Ask them for their opinions about their orthopedic surgeon, specifically the quality of care that they received.
o Do an internet search.
Once you’ve gathered recommendations, search for their names on the Internet. If you need more, the Web is also replete with resources that can help streamline your search for the right orthopedic surgeon for your care within your area.
Patient reviews, although not necessarily a deciding factor, are useful resources that enable you to choose a provider with greater confidence. You can find these on the practice’s website or social media page. These reviews are mostly about the ease of booking appointments, treatment outcomes, friendliness of their staff, and overall patient experience the surgeon provides.
o Check the surgeon’s credentials and level of experience.
Board certification is one of the most important credentials to look into when finding the right surgeon. It is the highest level of accreditation that can be given to a doctor, assuring you of their skill.
To make sure that the candidates on your list are currently board certified, you may check the provider portal of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons. You may also use various medical review websites to check if your doctor is clear of any malpractice.
Additionally, make sure that you choose an orthopedic surgeon that has extensive experience in treating your particular condition. It’s worth noting that orthopedic surgeons have different subspecialties. If, for instance, you need a joint reconstruction, it proves prudent to choose an orthopedic surgeon who subspecializes in such a procedure.
An orthopedic surgeon’s level of experience boosts your assurance that you’ll receive the quality of care you expect from them and achieve your desired treatment outcome.
o Meet with them in person.
Once you’ve drawn up a good list of candidates, arrange to meet with them in person. It’s one thing to read about how good they are, it’s another thing to ascertain their bedside manner, communication style, your compatibility with them, and the attitude of their staff. There’s no better way to do that than to visit them.
The right orthopedic surgeon for you is not just one who is highly skilled or experienced, but one who is also compassionate, takes the time to listen to your concerns and answers your questions, and genuinely cares for your health and well-being. Notice how the surgeon communicates with you and addresses your questions. If you feel comfortable with them and confident that they can deliver the treatment result you need, they may be the one you’re looking for.
Orthopedic Surgeon in Austin, TX
If you live in or around Austin in Texas and have spent hours and hours typing in “orthopedic surgeon near me” to scour the Internet for a reliable orthopedic surgeon, your search finally ends here.
At All-Star Orthopedics, Dr. Carolyn Hyde is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with over twenty years of experience. She has dedicated her entire career to providing the best patient experience and exceptional treatment outcomes.
You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Carolyn by calling us at (512) 346-4933. You may also use our convenient online form.
