Orthopedic surgeons are the go-to physicians for those experiencing some form of musculoskeletal problem. These healthcare providers are experts in diagnosing and treating numerous conditions and injuries affecting bones, muscles, and other soft tissues.
You may be overwhelmed by the number of practicing orthopedic surgeons in the area, making it difficult to choose the right one. To get the best treatment for your musculoskeletal problem, follow this guide to find the top orthopedic surgeon near you.
1. Search For Multiple Orthopedic Surgeons
First, you should find as many orthopedic surgeons as you can in your area. You can get recommendations from your primary care physician or ask friends and family for suggestions. This method is helpful, as they will share their first-hand experience with the surgeon who treated them.You can also use the internet to complete your search.
Be sure to read the reviews left by their patients to get an idea of their bedside manner and reputation. You can find these reviews on their social media or website, and you can also check Healthgrades and Google.
2. Check With Your Insurance Plan
It is essential to consider the coverage and details of your insurance plan. Knowing this information will save you time and money.
Some insurance companies require a referral from a primary care doctor before you can go to an orthopedic surgeon. They may also have a limited list of healthcare providers they cover, so you can’t just choose any surgeon you find.
3. Consider Their Location
The next thing you should do before selecting an orthopedic surgeon is to know where they are located. Remember that choosing someone who works closer to your house or work is convenient. The short distance allows you to make it to all your appointments with ease.
4. Check Their Credentials
After narrowing the list down, you should check their credentials. A board-certified orthopedic surgeon assures you they are qualified and committed to your care.
Orthopedic surgeons must get their bachelor’s degree and finish medical school before completing a 5-year residency. They may also complete a fellowship to develop a particular subspecialty. Afterward, they must undergo the United State Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and board certification.
You can visit the provider’s online page to check if they are board-certified. The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) databases also show board-certified surgeons.
Additionally, you should look for a provider with a good track record. You can check for this information through the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) website.
5. Learn About Their Areas Of Expertise
As mentioned above, orthopedic surgeons have the option of specializing after completing their residency. This additional training equips them with the expertise to deal with specific issues.
Considering an orthopedic surgeon’s specialization will provide the best treatment for your condition. Areas of specialization include:
- Joint replacement surgery
- Sports medicine
- Spine surgery
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Orthopedic oncology
6. Schedule a Consultation
Once you have found some suitable orthopedic surgeons, you should schedule consultations with each of them. These meet and greets let you see how the surgeon and staff deal with their patients.
Take note of how they treat you. Are they thorough when answering your questions? Do they show compassion? Did they make sure you understood your treatment options?
Meeting them is also your chance to verify the research you’ve done. Ask them about their qualifications and experience. Clarify things about your condition to get the most out of your consultation.
Best Orthopedic Surgeon Near You In Bloomfield, CT
Advanced Orthopedics New England is here for you if you’re looking for the best orthopedic surgeon near you. Our experienced healthcare providers are committed to giving accurate and timely diagnoses and treatments for all sorts of orthopedic concerns. We offer orthopedic services in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Rocky Hill, Connecticut, and urgent care in Vernon and Enfield.
If you would like to book a consultation or ask questions, call our friendly staff at (860) 728-6740. You can also call our office to schedule an appointment with the top orthopedic surgeon near you. We look forward to serving you!