It’s inevitable to experience some kind of orthopedic injury or condition in your lifetime. You might suffer a fall, get in an accident, or get a degenerative disease. Injury, pain, and trauma may warrant a visit to the local orthopedist.
However, finding the ideal doctor for you may be challenging. With so many clinics and doctors available, you may feel overwhelmed. To find your perfect orthopedic doctor, you need to do a bit of research first. Here are the top things you should consider when searching for a new orthopedic doctor.
Your Insurance Coverage
An important step in searching for any new doctor is to check if they’re covered by your insurance. Insurance plans have specific networks of providers and clinics that they cover. Meanwhile, some plans provide partial coverage for out-of-network physicians. Know your insurance plan, and be aware of what your insurance covers.
Professional And Personal Referrals
Consult your primary doctor! They know your medical history well, which can help find you an appropriate type of orthopedic specialist. If you require surgery, your doctor might recommend an orthopedic surgeon. They can redirect you to a general orthopedist for other injuries, trauma, or pain. Your primary healthcare physician can also recommend specialized orthopedic doctors depending on your condition, such as an upper extremity specialist or a spine specialist.
In addition to your doctor’s recommendation, you may also ask your physical therapist for referrals. Physical therapists and orthopedic doctors often work together.
Your family, friends, and colleagues are also a good source of a second opinion. You might have someone in your circle who personally knows an orthopedic doctor. Create a shortlist of orthopedic doctors from these referrals. Then, consider their credentials and experience when making your choice.
Online Ratings
Doctors and hospitals have online ratings, and most clinics have online testimonials from their patients. Some reviews may even go in-depth about their experience with their doctors. These accounts can provide you with helpful information about the doctor’s relationship with their patients. You can also have an idea of the quality of service a hospital or clinic offers.
Orthopedic Doctor’s Credentials and Experience
With your shortlist, you can now move on to reviewing your potential orthopedist’s credentials. Make sure to check their educational background, degrees, training, and other certifications. Board-certified orthopedists are always a reliable choice.
Check if your prospective doctor is certified by reputable associations, like the American Medical Association (AMA). Checking a doctor’s board certification only takes a few clicks. Most associations have databases with their associated doctors.
Aside from credentials, it’s also vital to look at experience. You are guaranteed to feel safer with a more experienced orthopedist. Most orthopedic doctors post their credentials and experience on their websites. However, you can also schedule a short consultation with your shortlisted doctors. Use this as an opportunity to ask them about their past patients. You can also ask about any possible complications you should expect, given your condition.
Hospital Quality
The quality of the clinic or hospital is just as important as the quality of your doctor. Find a hospital or orthopedic center that only offers excellent patient care. Having friendly and capable medical staff should also be a priority for you. Good hospitals will do what they need to assist you no matter what complications arise. Finding a good orthopedic center or hospital guarantees that your experience will be comfortable.
Orthopedic Doctor In Jessup, Maryland
Many hospitals provide general orthopedic care but can also offer specialized treatments. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to looking for an orthopedic doctor. Foremost in your mind should be their skills, specialties, and recommendations.
The Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland is one of the best centers for orthopedic care. We have a variety of specialized services in addition to our general orthopedic services. Our line-up of expert and board-certified orthopedic doctors also delivers only high-quality care. We guarantee that your experience will be comfortable and comprehensive. We’ll stop at nothing to assist in improving your musculoskeletal health.
If you want to know more about our orthopedic services, you may call our office at (410) 644-1880. You may also conveniently schedule an appointment online, or drop by any of our five locations in the Baltimore area. We also have a dedicated physical therapy facility in Jessup, MD.
