Need An Orthopedic Procedure? 4 Questions To Ask First
Do you have joint problems? Perhaps chronic pain in your knees, shoulders, or hips? Then you may need the help of a skilled orthopedic doctor who can help with a surgical procedure. But, since orthopedic surgery can be a big step, be sure you discuss these important subjects before signing up for that surgery.
1. What are Your Goals? Becoming pain-free is certainly the major goal of everyone seeking orthopedic care. But can you put that general goal into something more actionable? Do you, for instance, want to get back to playing basketball with friends? Do you want to be able to hike comfortably? Do you just want to go about your daily walking activities with only minimal limitations? There are different ways to approach treatment depending on your interests and expectations, so be clear about them with your doctor.
2. How Is the Practice Run? Surgery is just one part of your treatment process. Your interactions with the medical practice will constitute a much larger amount of your time and efforts. With that in mind, does the doctor run their practice efficiently and responsively? What are the standard wait times for appointments? How can you reach staff after hours? How does the office communicate with patients? What tasks are outsourced to junior associates? And does the practice's ethos harmonize with how you feel about treatment?
3. What is the Surgical Facility Like? Your doctor will have a preferred surgical facility — outpatient or inpatient, depending on the procedure — they wish to use. Ask about this facility's ratings and experience. Does it work with a large number of similar procedures, ensuring that both nursing and administrative staff can provide the best care? What sort of pre- and post-operative care will be given? What are its affiliations, certifications, and awards? Will everything be billed to and covered by your insurance?
4. How Will the Surgery Be Performed? It may seem like a given that your doctor will perform the surgery, but that is not always the case. High-demand orthopedic surgeons may work in more than one procedure room at the same time, outsourcing some of the work to assisting doctors. Or, your doctor may assign a colleague to do the actual surgery. These need not be game-changing facets, but you should know exactly what will happen while you're in their care — and be comfortable with it.
If you take the time to discuss questions and concerns such as these before any procedure, you will be able to rest easier that you're in good hands. And then you can focus on the all-important work of healing so you can move forward in life.
For more information, contact companies like Orthopaedic Associates Of Rochester.