4 Tips for Choosing the Right Orthopedic Surgeon in Jacksonville, FL

There are multiple reasons you may need to see an orthopedic surgeon — to repair a sports injury, remove a herniated disc, decompress a pinched nerve, or another reason. Deciding to undergo surgery is a big decision, and choosing the right surgeon for your procedure is one of the most important steps you’ll take in the process. But finding a provider in the Jacksonville, FL area may feel overwhelming or anxiety-inducing.

How do you go about finding the right ortho surgeon to ensure a successful surgery? We have some tips.

4 TIPS FOR CHOOSING AN ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

With so many choices available, how do you find the right orthopedic surgeon? Here are some factors to keep in mind during the decision-making process.

1. Get referrals. Collect referrals, recommendations and reviews to help you select the right orthopedic surgeon for your condition. You can turn to multiple sources for surgeon referrals — friends, family members, primary care physician (PCP), insurance provider, and other healthcare professionals. You can also browse through online medical associations to search for qualified surgeons in your area. And finally, you can read online physician review sites to learn about experiences from other patients.
2. Research education and credentials. Review your selected surgeon’s background, education, degrees, certifications, and specialty training. One of the first things you should look for is proof of board certification in orthopedic surgery. Becoming board certified is a choice physicians make — it’s not a required certification to practice medicine. Board certification proves that your surgeon has advanced mastery of the skills, knowledge, and extensive training necessary to practice orthopedic surgery. Board-certified doctors must complete continuing education and practice high standards of care to maintain their certification. You can find education and credential information on a physician bio page or a review site like Healthgrades.
3. Check specialties and experience. Make sure your chosen surgeon has the training and experience to treat your specific issue. Don’t be afraid to ask your provider which procedures he or she performs most frequently, how many times he or she has performed the surgery you need, and typical outcomes and success rate. You should also evaluate a surgeon’s knowledge of new technologies and surgical techniques. Is your surgeon up-to-date on the newest minimally invasive procedures for spine and orthopedic surgeries?
4. Meet in person. Even if all your research checks out, make sure you meet with potential surgeons in person before committing to one. An in-person consultation gives you the opportunity to evaluate your surgeon’s communication style, bedside manner, and processes. You should always choose a surgeon you feel comfortable with, and one who answers all your questions satisfactorily. It’s ok to get a second, third, or even fourth opinion until you find the right fit for a comfortable doctor and patient relationship.

ABOUT INTEGRITY SPINE AND ORTHOPEDICS

At Integrity Spine and Orthopedics, we pair top-notch orthopedics and spine care with honesty and transparency to deliver the most satisfactory patient experience possible. We offer a range of non-surgical and surgical services to treat back and neck pain, arthritis, degenerative spine conditions, sports injuries, car crash injuries and more.

If you’re living with acute pain or a chronic condition, stop letting it control your life. We’ll help you get the treatment you need to get back on your feet and back to doing the activities you love.