How to Choose an Orthopedic Surgeon for Your Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery can help you enjoy an active lifestyle, move more freely, and have less day-to-day pain. Your choice of surgeon can have a big impact on the success of both your surgery and recovery. These tips can help you find the right surgeon and feel confident in your choice.
Gather Information
Gathering as much information as possible will help you make an informed decision.
Check your health plan – Review your insurance policy to make sure you know what’s covered and which surgeons are part of your health plan. It’s also helpful to gather documents about your condition and medical history, which will help your surgeon review your case.
Ask for referrals – the number of total knee replacement surgeries is growing every year, which means there are more and more people who can provide advice. Speak to friends, family members, and acquaintances about their own experiences, and develop a short list of potential surgeons.
Review the surgeons’ backgrounds – Do some research on each surgeon and their credentials. How many years have they been practicing? Are they board certified? How many total knee replacement surgeries do they do annually? The best surgeons often perform hundreds of procedures each year. Online resources can also help you review your potential surgeons:
Meet & Greet
An initial consultation can help you fast-track your choice of surgeon. To get the most out of the meeting, go in with a list of prepared questions, such as:
Could you talk about your success rate? How many surgeries have needed a revision, and why?
What’s your experience with cases like mine?
What’s your surgical plan prior to a procedure?
Do you use advanced technologies?
Do I have other options besides total knee replacement?
Can you outline all the benefits and risks associated with this type of procedure?
Could you explain the device/implant, and what happens during the procedure itself?
It’s also important to pay attention to the staff and office surroundings. You’ll be working with the surgeon’s staff prior to and after your surgery, and you’ll want to make sure you get prompt and courteous service throughout.
Trust Your Instincts
Facts are important and referrals can help you understand what people liked/didn’t like about their own experience. Still, you can also listen to your gut when it comes to picking a surgeon. A friend may have raved about their surgeon, but that doesn’t mean it’s a personality fit for you. If you feel intimidated or uncomfortable when meeting with your surgeon for the first time, it’s likely not the right choice no matter how great their credentials are. When reviewing your options, ask yourself questions like:
Did the surgeon listen to me and respect my questions and concerns?
Did we develop an initial rapport?
Was the surgeon’s bedside manner a match for me?
The more comfortable and confident you feel when going into surgery, the likelier you are to have a successful procedure and smooth recovery. Ready for a consultation? Contact us online or call now.
