An orthopedic doctor or surgeon is a medical professional that specializes in treating conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Apart from the five-year residency that orthopedic surgeons complete, orthopedic doctors can further specialize in specific body parts, such as the upper extremity, foot and ankle, and so on. Orthopedic doctors can also specialize in sports medicine, which is a branch of medicine that deals with the treatment and prevention of sports injuries.
So, how do you find the best orthopedic doctor for your condition? It can be confusing choosing from so many orthopedic doctors. This should help you narrow down your search.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Choosing an orthopedic doctor that participates in your insurance plan can result in lower out-of-pocket costs. Your primary care provider can recommend orthopedic surgeons that participate in your plan.
Research the Doctor
An important consideration is the orthopedic surgeon’s credentials. A board-certified orthopedic surgeon has the training, skills, and experience necessary to provide expert orthopedic care. If you have a specific problem, such as arthritis of the hip or knee, you should make sure the surgeon is experienced in the nonsurgical and surgical treatments. Check out patient reviews to find out more about the doctor.
Ultimately, the best way to get to know a doctor is to make an appointment. If you are interested in joint reconstruction surgery, ask the doctor how many hip or knee replacements they have performed, and ask about complications they’ve handled.
Choose A Physician Experienced in Minimally-Invasive Techniques
If you are interested in joint replacement, seek a doctor that performs minimally-invasive joint replacement. Why? Because if you are eligible for the procedure, the minimally-invasive technique requires smaller incisions, which means minimal disturbance to healthy tissue, less bleeding, a lower risk of complications, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery. Minimally-invasive joint replacement is a cutting-edge procedure that continues to benefit patients with bone and joint problems.
Evaluate Communication Style
No matter the credentials an orthopedic surgeon has, if they make you feel unheard, uncomfortable, or unsupported, it’s better to continue your search. A doctor’s communication style is very important in gaining patient trust and comfort. What you want is an orthopedic surgeon with an excellent bedside manner who takes the time to get to know you, listens to your concerns, and answers your questions completely.
Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeons in San Antonio, TX
At Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, our orthopedic surgeons are board-certified and specialty trained, including sports medicine, hand surgery, and joint replacement. We also treat trauma and fractures, and provide rehabilitation services on-site. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with one of our orthopedic surgeons, call (210) 692-7400 or request one online.
