How to Choose an Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon?

Orthopaedics refers to the diagnosis and treatment of the human Musculoskeletal systems. Orthopaedic surgeons are trained specially to operate on patients suffering from problems with joints, muscles, and bones.

Orthopaedists like orthopaedic hand surgeons spend a substantial time performing surgery, but they recommend rehabilitative treatments for patients. Orthopaedic hand surgeons may work with hospitals, sole practitioners, or specialists within a multi-speciality group.

Deciding to consult a hand surgeon may require some research before you decide on the right one for you.

Deciding on the best professional from the many options out there can take time. How do you find the best hand surgeon for you? Here are some tips:

Seek referrals

You must receive a referral from the following sources:

• Current doctors

Check with the GP (General Practitioner) or Primary care doctor and ask for a list of orthopaedic surgeons who are specialized in hand surgery. Ask them if they can recommend a surgeon and ask for the reason for the recommendation. You may expand the list of possible surgeons by consulting other doctors or physical therapists.

• Family and friends

If one has family members or friends who have undergone the same procedure, it is valuable to get their referrals for a hand surgeon and know how well they handled the procedure.

• Insurance provider

One must know if the surgeon is covered under one’s insurance plan. Selecting a surgeon outside one’s plan may affect one’s out-of-pocket expenses.

• Local reputation

Some hospitals may be deemed as local centres of excellence for orthopaedic hand surgery. Ascertain whether a local hospital has such a centre.

• Research on the Internet

Several online databases offer resources for seeking board-certified and experienced hand surgeons by showcasing their credentials.

Research their credentials 

Board certification is a vital criterion to identify the credentials of the professional. Certifications indicate the training and experience of the surgeon in hand surgery. You can easily find the details of medical school, certifications, training hospitals, and practice history from online resources.

Consider experience

With regard to a complicated procedure like hand surgery,  you can be assured of better results from a surgeon with experience. Find out how many procedures they have handled for a hand condition similar to yours.

Research quality of hospital

You receive treatment from the same hospital to which the hand surgeon is attached. Hence, consider the quality of care at the ambulatory surgery centre or hospital where the surgeon works. Quality of the hospital is a major factor as patients of top-rated hospitals have better healing rates and fewer complications.

Another factor is the location of the hospital. Following an orthopaedic procedure, you may have to take part in many follow-up procedures like physiotherapy and a hospital at a convenient location matter.

Evaluate the style of communication

Select a hand surgeon that you feel comfortable talking to and offers full support for your need for information. When meeting a surgeon for the first time, take note of how he or she responds to questions. Does he or she answer in a simple and empathetic manner? Take note of whether the visit feels rushed at the first visit. Find a surgeon who is genuinely interested in your case, who will take into account your preferences for treatment.

Consider patient reviews

You can gain an insight into how a doctor practises medicine and the quality of treatment by consulting reviews from former patients. Review websites often ask patients about their experience with factors like scheduling of appointments, time for waiting, and friendliness of support staff. You can learn how much trust the patients have in the surgeon.

 It doesn’t hurt to research before deciding on a particular orthopaedic hand surgeon. After all, hand surgery is a highly complicated procedure that needs experience, skills and training.