Choosing the right orthopedic surgeon for yourself is an important endeavor, as it can have a significant impact on the quality and effectiveness of the treatments you receive, as well as your health and recovery.
If you aren’t sure of where to begin, here are 6 tips to help you in selecting the right orthopedic surgeon for your care:
1. Search Google
It has never been easier to search for orthopedic practices near you. Convenience is very important, as it helps ensure you make it to your appointments and receive orthopedic care. Search “orthopedist near me” or “orthopedics in Baltimore, MD” to see which orthopedic surgeons are operating near you. Make sure your location services are turned on for more accurate results. This will help you make an initial list of doctors to consider.
2. Check Each Doctor’s Credentials
Credentials are important when it comes to choosing the right orthopedic surgeon for your care. To get the best possible orthopedic treatment, choose a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon – which means the doctor has passed rigorous certification exams and has achieved the highest level of training in orthopedic surgery. Certification ensures that a physician meets certain standards for education, training, and knowledge in their field before practicing medicine.
3. Look Into Their Specialties
Research each doctor’s specialty. If you are seeking treatment for a sports injury, why not choose an orthopedic surgeon with advanced training in sports medicine? If you have knee arthritis, check if the orthopedic surgeon has advanced training in hip and knee surgery – not that you need surgery, but because these doctors can provide the full range of treatment to patients with knee issues. This will ensure you get a true expert in the specific orthopedic problem you are needing medical care for.
4. Check Whether They Offer On-Site Services
Consider whether their orthopedic practice offers on-site services such as diagnostic imaging and physical therapy and rehabilitation. On-site imaging allows for rapid evaluation of a patient’s condition, allowing them to receive an accurate diagnosis quickly without having to go elsewhere for testing. Having access to physical therapy within the same practice allows for more efficient care coordination and continuity between visits, as well as a reduction in wait times when scheduling physical therapy appointments.
This also increases efficiency by eliminating unnecessary trips away from the office when dealing with issues related directly to musculoskeletal health. Additionally, offering both services at one location can help reduce costs associated with multiple provider visits, since all necessary treatments may be available in one place and billed through a single source rather than different ones across various offices.
5. Check If The Orthopedic Practice Offers After Hours Care
Not many orthopedic practices offer after-hours care. The benefit of choosing an orthopedic surgeon who is part of a practice that offers after-hours is convenience. You can receive quick and efficient treatment for non-life-threatening injuries that require it. It also saves you time and money when compared to visiting the emergency room.
6. Schedule an Appointment With the Doctor
One of the best ways to determine if you have chosen the right orthopedic surgeon is to schedule an appointment with the doctor. There is expertise, and then there is doctor-patient compatibility. Characteristics many patients look for in their doctor include compassion, understanding, gentleness, and someone who takes the time to explain things. A consultation is also an opportunity for you to assess the clinic’s cleanliness and environment, as well as the office staff’s friendliness and willingness to assist patients.
Top Orthopedists in the Baltimore Area
At Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland (OACM), we have board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons with many specialties, from spine care to shoulder and elbow, hip and knee, and foot and ankle surgery.
We are committed to providing the highest quality orthopedic care in Baltimore and the surrounding communities and offer many services, such as on-site imaging, physical therapy services, and after-hours care at some of our locations.
To find out more about our services or to schedule an appointment with us, use our convenient online request form, or call (410) 644-1880. Our friendly staff looks forward to exceeding your expectations.
