Choosing the right surgeon for Joint Replacement

1
Choosing the right surgeon for Joint Replacement
2

• Rest assured hip and knee replacement surgery has
  been tried and tested over the years. Most
  implants/prostheses have also been around for
  years. Although they have been redesigned and
  refashioned since then, they are conceptually the
  same. They have stood the test of time. What
  makes one operation a success and another less
  successful is often a matter of surgical skill
  and experience.
• Although many ends up going with the orthopaedic
  surgeon recommended by their primary physician,
  more and more patients are playing an active role
  in finding the man wholl implant their new
  joint. Educating yourself about replacement is
  crucial. Perhaps just as important is knowing how
  to choose the right surgeon for the job. The
  decision to undergo any Joint Replacement surgery
  is a significant one and usually very well
  thought through by the patient and their family.
  Multiple aspects go into determining the choice
  of a specialist surgeon.

3
Consider asking

• how many hip replacements they have conducted
• their overall success rate
• if they are open to muscle-sparing replacements
• estimated recovery time
• if they will be involved with your aftercare

4
Start with referrals

• Referrals are an excellent way to start with
  making the right selection of orthopaedic
  surgeons. The first place to get referrals is
  from your general physician or practitioner so
  that you get to enlist all the orthopaedic
  surgeons. Online reviews, relatives, friends, and
  other healthcare providers can help you make the
  right choice.

5
Look for the credentials

• Try to gain some insight into the expertise,
  experience, and credentials of the enlisted
  orthopaedic surgeons. This includes knowing about
  their education, certification, and their history
  with surgeries. Years of experience, research
  publications, universities they have graduated
  from are all strong indicators of expertise.

6
Treatment specialities and experience

• Orthopaedics is a vast field and its important
  to make sure that you select a surgeon with
  expertise in the specific area of your problem.
  For example, not every orthopaedic surgeon is
  likely to be an expert in knee replacement. Experi
  ence How long has the surgeon been practising?
  In what disciplines? How many knee replacements
  has he or she performed? How many does he perform
  per year?
• Take questions in written form and make sure you
  ask them Do not feel uncomfortable or
  intimidated asking your doctor about his or her
  experience and credentials. Make sure to ask any
  questions you might have about your condition and
  about surgical options
• At your consultation, evaluate your provider on
  his
• Willingness to listen to your concerns.
• Ability to answer your questions and explain
  procedures.
• Willingness to be contacted for more information.
• Bedside manner?
• Personal involvement Did you feel like a partner
  or a bystander in your care?

7
Information on hospital

• After you are done getting crisp information
  about the surgeons experience and skills, you
  should evaluate the hospital where they work. The
  evaluation includes the examination of the
  hospitals infrastructure, technology,
  instrumentation, dedicated laboratories,
  well-equipped operation theatres, and
  environmental control features.
• Accreditation by NABH, National Accreditation
  Board for Hospitals Healthcare Providers, is a
  good sign in terms of evaluating all the
  parameters listed above.

8
Patient Testimonials

• Hearing about the experience of other patients
  who have been operated upon by the doctor is one
  of the best ways to get confidence in the
  surgeon. Good surgeons often encourage patients
  to speak with their existing patients.
• Some hospitals also organize camps / interactive
  sessions which involve both the surgeon and
  recovered patients.

9
Cost of treatment/insurance coverage

• While its important to find a good surgeon and
  hospital, you also want to make sure you are
  covered financially. So, its critical to always
  check medical expenses or surgery costs to get
  the treatment. If you have a health insurance
  policy, you want to make sure about what is
  covered and to what extent. As much as possible,
  choose a network hospital to avail cashless
  hospitalization.
• Are you willing to travel for a better surgeon?
  Depending on a number of factors (like health
  risks or financial reasons), travelling to
  another city, state or even country can be a
  logical decision.
• Its one of the most important decisions you will
  make for your future mobility, so trust your
  instincts If you feel confident, convinced with
  the persona, reviews and experience then that is
  your Final Choice.