Being involved in high-impact sports or physically demanding activities puts you at a greater risk for musculoskeletal injuries, namely bone fractures.
Fractures require medical intervention to keep the bones in place and ensure proper healing. It, therefore, makes sense to be proactive and find a reliable orthopedic doctor, who can help you achieve the best possible treatment outcome in the event that you sustain a fracture.
However, with the thousands of practicing orthopedic doctors out there, finding the right one can be a daunting task. Below, we’ve put together a list of things for you to consider when finding and choosing the best orthopedic doctor not only for your fracture but for all of your musculoskeletal healthcare needs.
Recommendations and Referrals
Getting a referral from your primary care physician is always the best place to start. Not only are they likely to be connected with reputable orthopedic doctors; they know your medical needs quite well.
Asking your family, friends, relatives, and colleagues is also a great way to get reliable physician recommendations and feedback.
Background and Credentials
Bone fractures can have potentially serious complications, and thus, the last thing you want is to entrust your care to an inexperienced doctor.
Board certification helps you choose an orthopedic doctor with greater confidence, as it essentially gives you the assurance that the doctor is highly knowledgeable, adept, and qualified. To verify the board certification status of an orthopedic doctor, you can check the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons’ member portal on their own website.
For a more thorough background check on their training, certification, and complication rates, access medical review or state websites. Keep an eye out for any history of malpractice.
Patient Testimonials
Patient testimonials offer a glimpse of how a doctor treats their patients and how their practice operates. Positive feedback regarding the doctor’s bedside manner, the clinic’s scheduling system and environment, and staff friendliness are a likely indication that the practice is able to provide high-quality care.
Location
Some orthopedic injuries, such as fractures, entail several trips to the doctor over the course of treatment. Find a doctor whose office is located just nearby to lessen the burden and decrease the risk of straining yourself.
Bedside Manner and Compatibility
When you’ve finally narrowed down your options, try meeting with the orthopedic doctors in person. During the appointment, don’t be afraid to ask any questions. A good orthopedic doctor will have the patience to thoroughly explain and make their patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options.
If the doctor validates your concerns and you’re completely at ease and confident in their ability to provide you with the quality of care you expect, you may have found the right orthopedic doctor for you.
Orthopedic Doctors in Connecticut and Massachusetts
Here at Advanced Orthopedics New England, our team consists of highly credentialed orthopedic doctors who believe that all of our patients deserve nothing less than the highest quality of care.
Seeking the expertise of one of our orthopedic doctors means you are under the care of a medical specialist who is genuinely invested in not only the outcome of your treatment but also in your health and overall well-being.
If you want to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic doctors, contact our friendly staff at (860) 728-6740. We look forward to serving you!
