If you have an acute or chronic musculoskeletal condition, the time may come for you to choose an orthopedic surgeon for treatment. How do you find the best fit for your specific health issue and desired therapeutic goals? Let’s look at the qualities you should consider when selecting the best orthopedic surgeon for you.
Qualifications Count
Your best choice must be board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons (ABOS). This credential tells you that your prospective physician has met rigorous standards for education and clinical performance in terms of services offered and patient outcomes.
Additionally, peruse the doctor’s website to learn more about credentials, years of experience, and areas of expertise. For instance, if your PCP has advised you to look into knee replacement surgery, your orthopedic surgeon should have performed many of these state-of-the-art procedures successfully.
You may ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an orthopedic doctor. Plus, inquire if a reliable friend or relative has had treatment for musculoskeletal issues and can recommend an orthopedic surgeon. Online reviews of physicians and hospitals provide valuable input as well.
Patient-Doctor Rapport Is Very Important
Book a one-on-one consultation with one or more orthopedic surgeons. Try to get a sense of the doctor’s bedside manner–that is, the ability of the physician to communicate assessment and treatment details clearly and patiently. A good doctor will answer your questions and be open to you seeing another specialist for a second opinion.
If you’re in any way uncomfortable with the doctor, staff, or facility, move on to another orthopedic practice. After all, this is your body, your health, and your ability to move and function with maximum independence.
Find Out About Insurance Coverage and Appointment Availability
Be sure the orthopedic practice takes your health insurance. Call the office staff to ask, and verify what they tell you with your insurance carrier. And, while you are speaking with the orthopedic practice, ask about how soon you can get an appointment. If your musculoskeletal problem is urgent, you want to be seen sooner rather than later.
The Doctors at Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey
Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are Drs. Joel Spielman, Louis Bouillon, and Steven Stecker. Their subspecialties include sports medicine and spine surgery, along with total joint replacement, arthroscopic (small incision) surgery, and a whole range of nonoperative treatments for arthritis, workplace injuries, sprains, strains, and fractures from falls. Our care is comprehensive, led by our experienced doctors and their dedicated support team.
Please consider Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey when deciding on orthopedic assessment and treatment. We are conveniently located on Mount Pleasant Avenue in Dover, NJ, and have affiliations with three hospitals/surgery centers.
Call for a friendly physician consultation at (973) 989-0888 or request your visit online. We look forward to meeting you soon.
