Orthopedic surgeons are doctors who specialize in treating muscles, bones and connective tissue like tendons and ligaments, also known as the musculoskeletal system. These doctors are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat a wide range of orthopedic problems from knee arthroscopy to a full hip replacement. Finding the best orthopedic surgeon near me is an important first step to restoring your pain-free life.

Choosing a physician requires weighing a number of factors such as expertise, personality compatibility, and compassionate approach. While the internet makes it easy to find reviews of physicians, it can be challenging to sift through them to get the most pertinent information. This article will provide tips to help you vet an orthopedic surgeon to ensure you have the most positive outcome from your care.

Locating an Orthopedic Surgeon Near Me: Your Options Explored

Begin with a basic background check. You can use online medical review websites to check a physician’s board certification, malpractice history and educational credentials. Many medical associations also maintain a searchable database of their members.

Another simple way to gauge a physician’s experience is to call their office and ask how many of a particular type of surgery they perform each month. This may not be an accurate reflection of their real-world experience, but it can give you a rough sense of how experienced the doctor is.

A final way to gauge a surgeon’s experience is by utilizing the public Medicare claims database, which provides a rough estimate of a physician’s overall patient volume. Generally speaking, surgeons who see more patients tend to have better outcomes and are more familiar with a broad range of cases than their peers.