Although it’s difficult to truly quantify, research suggests that the average person make 35,000 decisions a day. The vast majority of these decisions are done without conscious thought, and many of them, like what you’ll have for dinner or what TV show you’ll watch, really don’t matter in the long run. But humans also make important decisions on a regular basis, and when we make these big decisions, we rely on our ability to analyze a variety of different factors and weigh all our options. The same process should apply when deciding which surgeon you should visit for a spinal exam or operation. But what factors should you be using to make that decision? We explain how to evaluate surgeons and pick the right one for your spine surgery in this blog.
Picking the Right Doctor
Finding the right neurosurgeon for your operation can be a tough task, but it doesn’t have to be if you know what to look for when evaluating surgeons. Here are five factors to examine:
1. Check the Testimonials – This is a good place to start, because you can see what other people, sometimes with the same condition, have experienced with the doctor. It’s the main reason we have a testimonials page and patient stories, because nothing speaks louder than a satisfied customer. However, one downfall of checking testimonials on a professional website is that the owner controls the content, and thus you’re unlikely to find negative comments on the site. Which leads us to Tip 2.
2. Review the Reviews – A good surgeon will have a few social profiles, and this is a great spot to read more about what others are saying, because the reviews can’t just be deleted. Check out the reviews on their Facebook or Google Plus page to get an honest opinion from other patients. You can also see how the doctor responds to concerns to ensure patients aren’t left to fend for themselves after an operation.
3. Training and Certification – Oftentimes this information can be found in the “About” section of a doctor’s website or social channels. You’re going to want to ensure your surgeon has years of experience under his or her belt, and keep an eye out for special certifications that can help them stand out from the rest.
4. Talk To Others – Now, this is easier said than done when it comes to something like back surgery. If you told friends, family or co-workers that you were thinking about buying a car, odds are they’d all have stories about their personal experiences and offer tips on how and where to get the best deal. Unfortunately, while many people have purchased a car, the majority of people have not undergone a spinal operation. But that shouldn’t discourage you from asking around. Ask the question on a personal social media profile, or pose the questions to co-workers in the break room. Odds are you’ll find a few helpful people who can give trusted opinions on doctors in your area.
5. Meet The Surgeon – Just because you set up a consultation for your back pain does not mean you need to stick with that surgeon if something just doesn’t feel right. Come to the consultation prepared with questions to ask, and gauge the surgeon and the facility to see if it seems like the right fit. Who you choose for your spinal fusion or discectomy is a major decision, so don’t feel like you are obligated to stick with the first surgeon you speak with. If the surgeon can answer your questions and makes you feel comfortable in their care, they are the right surgeon for you.