Surgery is a significant undertaking. You’re undoubtedly nervous if you’ve been told you need surgery. You might be unsure what to expect. And you have no idea how to select a surgeon.
We have board-certified doctors at our specialty surgery center who are leaders in their industry due to their experience and skill.
Because surgery is such an important component of your healthcare, we wanted to share our top ten tips for selecting a surgeon with you.
Top 10 Tips for Choosing a Surgeon
1. Investigate the Surgeon’s Credentials
What kind of credentials does your surgeon have? What kind of training have they received? Surgeons who have completed fellowship training and are certified should be near the top of your list. It’s also critical to look over their educational credentials.
At Conway Medical Center, you’ll find surgeons who have graduated from some of the country’s top medical schools. They have gotten significant training in addition to credentials.
2. Investigate the Surgeon’s Background
Check to determine if this surgeon has conducted multiple successful examples of the operation you want. When considering how to choose a surgeon, make sure they specialize in the type of surgery you’ll be having.
At our Specialty Surgical Center, for example, our team of expert doctors is competent in operations such as:
- Hernia repair
- Surgery for weight loss
- Cardiovascular surgery
- Appendectomies and other operations to remove cancer.
3. Examine the Hospital’s Quality
You should also thoroughly inspect the hospital where the procedure is being performed. Examine the facility’s accreditations and any awards it has received.
Conway’s Specialty Surgical Center has received numerous honors, including being voted first in our market by CareChex for medical performance and patient safety. CareChex is a quality evaluation organization that offers ratings for all healthcare systems and hospitals in the United States.
Blue Cross/Blue Shield also designated us as a Center of Excellence for Hip and Knee Replacement.
4. Investigate Hospital Affiliations
More than just awards should be considered while selecting a surgeon. It is critical to evaluate where your surgeon has operating privileges. Some of these facilities may be out of network, so check with your healthcare representative. Consider convenience and the facility’s proximity to where you reside.
5. Obtain Referrals
One of the best places to get referrals is through your primary care physician. Inquire about who they would recommend for the operation.
You may also want to consult with friends or family members who have undergone comparable treatments to get their feedback.
6. Consider Their Communication Style
Good communication is a cornerstone of high-quality health care. Your surgeon should be able to explain difficult issues in layman’s terms. They should also be able to explain why you need the surgery, what to expect, and how you will recuperate.
They should also urge you to ask any queries that come to mind.
In terms of questions…
7. Ensure that they take the time to answer your questions.
Surgery is a significant step. You most likely have some worries that you need to voice. Along with some questions that must be answered.
Your surgeon should always take the time to answer your questions in a way that does not make you feel rushed. You should never be afraid to ask them questions and express your worries prior to surgery.
8. Inquire About the Surgical Team
Who will be assisting your surgeon during the procedure, and what is their degree of experience? You should also inquire about any other medical personnel who will be assisting, such as an anesthesiologist or others.
9. Investigate the Technology Used
Better outcomes and faster recovery periods are the results of advanced surgical technologies. We use some of the most advanced technology at our Specialty Surgical Center. The da Vinci Robotic Surgery System is included.
Although not every surgery may require the use of a specialized surgical machine, it is critical to understand your surgical alternatives prior to your procedure.
10. Know What Your Insurance Covers
Nobody wants to be caught off guard by a bill. That’s why, at Conway Medical Center, we work hard to be precise so you know what to anticipate.
You should communicate with your health insurance agent to determine how much of the procedure is covered and whether the doctor and hospital are in-network.
