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Talk to your primary care doctor. |
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Here or she will know the best doctors in your area, and will have experience referring
other patients to local orthopedists.
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Talk to your friends. |
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For common conditions such as arthritis, ACL surgery, etc., surely you'll have co-workers,
friends, or family who know the local orthopedists and will have first hand experience.
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Check your doctor out online. |
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The American Medical Association and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
both have databases that can be accessed online.
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Ask tough questions. |
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Don't be afraid to ask about your doctor's credentials and experience. For some
ideas of questions you can ask about your doctor, your surgery, and other issues, click here.
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Consider a second opinion. |
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Did you not find what you were looking for? Want to be sure of what you heard? Don't
hesitate to seek a second opinion, just to make sure.
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Trust your instincts. |
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If a meeting with a doctor does not go well it doesn't mean they're a bad doctor
or you're a bad patient, but it may mean the two of you don't work together optimally.
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Tips: |
Don't try to find the 'best' doctor.
There are too many definitions of 'best' and too many great doctors. Sure, look for an experienced, well-regarded surgeon, but also look for someone you work well with and who you trust.
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Don't give up. |
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While seeking a second opinion is useful, too many opinions can cloud your thinking. Also, working with a doctor may require many visits over months or years. Moving around will hinder this process.
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