Finding the right orthopedic doctor is key to receiving the highest quality treatment that you are happy with. An orthopedic doctor is an expert in bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments – all of which can develop an injury or suffer from age-related degeneration or disease. Orthopedic conditions cause pain and can become a hindrance to your daily activities.
In this article, we will go through some of the steps you can take to help you find the right orthopedic doctor for your orthopedic needs.
#1 Check With Your Insurance Provider
Before you start your search, check with your insurance provider to see if they have any in-network orthopedic doctors in your area. This can help you narrow down your search and potentially save you money on out-of-pocket costs. Should you need surgery or another advanced procedure, choosing an orthopedic doctor that does not participate in your plan can be very costly, you must check you check your insurance plan’s details and stick to in-network doctors, if necessary.
#2 Ask for Referrals
Your primary care doctor can give you a referral to an orthopedic doctor they are familiar with. Some insurance providers do not require a primary care physician’s referral to make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, but some do, so it is worth discussing with your doctor and insurance provider.
Your family, friends, and co-workers can also give you recommendations based on their experiences, which can help you decide on which provider to see for treatment.
#3 Do Some Research Online
Use online resources such as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website to search for an orthopedic doctor according to zip code, as well as Healthgrades, Zocdoc, and Vitals. These websites provide a lot of information on orthopedic doctors’ credentials, patient reviews, and other relevant information, such as whether or not they accept your insurance.
#4 Check the Orthopedic Doctor’s Credentials
Once you have a list of potential doctors, check their credentials, such as whether they are board-certified, what they specialize in, and whether they are fellowship-trained in a specific area of orthopedics, such as sports medicine, hand, and upper extremity surgery, joint replacement surgery, or spine surgery.
A fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon has advanced knowledge and training that goes beyond medical school and residency training, which makes them highly qualified and well-equipped to handle even the most complex issues and complications. Furthermore, these surgeons usually have the opportunity to do research in their specialized area and contribute to advancements in their field, which allows them to bring you the latest in treatments.
Board-Certified and Fellowship Trained Orthopedic Doctors in Hartford and Tolland Counties, CT & Springfield, MA
Our orthopedic doctors at Advanced Orthopedics New England are some of the best in the northeastern region. We have physicians that have fellowship training in sports medicine, hand and upper extremity surgery, joint replacement, surgery of the foot and ankle, and spine surgery. You can come to us for all your orthopedic needs, and we will ensure you receive comprehensive, personalized care.
Advanced Orthopedics New England accepts most insurance plans. For any questions or to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic doctors, call our office today at (860) 728-6740.
