Orthopedic doctors, also known as orthopedic surgeons, diagnose and treat various health conditions affecting the bones, joints, and muscles. A primary care physician may ask a person to visit such an expert if they need specialized attention. Choosing the right orthopedic doctor is incredibly essential because it can affect the treatment’s quality and effectiveness. Below you will find a few practical tips for choosing the best orthopedic doctors near you.
Ask for referrals and research
Primary care doctors usually refer their patients to good orthopedics from their network when needed. However, that does not mean your search ends there. You can ask your family, friends, and colleagues if they have any recommendations for orthopedic doctors nearby. Once you have listed a few names, research each doctor’s experience. This is important because every surgeon will likely have experience treating different orthopedic disorders. After narrowing down your list to those specializing in treating your issue, check their credentials (board certification). Asking for recommendations and researching them can help you identify the best orthopedic doctor near you.
Check the on-site services
Orthopedic doctors usually offer services like imaging tests and physical therapy in their clinic or hospital. This helps them evaluate the patient’s condition and provide the needed treatment. If a doctor does not have the resources to provide such services, you may be asked to make numerous trips to other healthcare centers for tests and therapy, which can be tiring. It can also increase the time between consultation visits, affecting treatment quality. Therefore, always check the doctor’s on-site services before making an appointment. Doing so will ensure you get through the suggested treatment plan with ease. Remember, visiting other centers for tests can also be expensive.
Look for after-hours care
Although not many orthopedics offer after-hours care, it is a significant benefit. You can visit the expert’s clinic post regular business hours and seek expert attention. This is especially useful during an emergency, such as complications from surgery or sudden acute injury or trauma. Rushing to an emergency room (ER) in such cases can be expensive. After-hours care is also beneficial if you develop non-life-threatening wounds that may require a specialist’s attention doctor.
Assess the hospital’s quality of care and location
You may require to get admitted to a hospital if you develop an orthopedic disorder that affects your day-to-day activities. Choosing a good hospital is crucial in such cases as it would have experienced and qualified orthopedic doctors who can provide quality treatment. However, you must choose a hospital only after assessing its location. This is because even after you are discharged from the facility, you may have to visit the healthcare professional for follow-ups. Selecting a hospital close to home will help you save time and effort.
Consider insurance coverage
When looking for orthopedic doctors nearby, check whether they are within your insurance plan’s network. This is a crucial step because specific treatments can be costly, and most people in the country face difficulties paying for them. Contact the insurance company if you have questions or need help understanding whether your policy covers a specific therapy. Failing to do so can increase your bill and take a toll on your finances.
Besides using these tips for choosing the best orthopedic doctors near you, read patient reviews online to better understand how well a healthcare professional treats their patients. Then, after careful consideration, book an appointment to evaluate the specialist’s communication style and the staff’s willingness to assist you whenever needed. This way, you can determine if the specialist is the right choice for short-term or long-term treatment.