Facing surgery of any type is a daunting proposition. The last thing you should have to worry about is finding a surgeon that will perform a top-notch procedure to relieve you of your pain and discomfort long-term. So how do you go about finding your NJ spine surgeon? Armed with the right knowledge and tools, you can make the perfect choice for your spinal surgery requirements.
Minimally Invasive, Majorly Effective
In the past it was not uncommon to hear of people being bed-ridden for months after major spine surgery. This isn’t the case any longer. With incredible advances in medicine and surgical technique, most spine surgery now offers minimally invasive options that will allow you to resume your busy lifestyle as soon as possible. Your procedure, however, is only as effective as your surgeon is skilled. This is why you will want to do your research before choosing your NJ spine surgeon. Here are the top ways to ensure you get the best care possible.
Choosing Your Spine Surgeon in NJ
There are a number of ways you can find the best surgeon to fit your spine surgery needs. It may take a little effort, but in the end, it will be well worth it when you’ve found a great match for your surgical requirements. Here are a few tips for finding your spine surgeon in NJ:
Ask for a referral.
General practitioners or physical therapists may hold the key to finding the perfect surgeon for your spine surgery needs. It’s likely that they know or have heard about many surgeons. Also, they will have seen a wide range of patients who have been operated on by these surgeons and are aware of the quality of the procedure, ease of recovery, and so on.
Do your homework.
With the advent of hundreds of review and rating websites worldwide, it has become easier than ever to find the majority of information you need on any given provider. These sites offer information such as the surgeon’s longevity in the field, performance record, any professional misconduct or malpractice, and other data that will help guide you. Also check the surgeon’s website, which should contain useful resources about the surgical procedures that he or she specializes in, as well as the surgeon’s profile and publications.
Word-of-mouth.
Perhaps it’s a bit antiquated, but word-of-mouth is still a great way to find practitioners that will be able to fulfill your needs. Friends, family, coworkers and acquaintances are a great resource for first-hand knowledge of local spine surgeons in NJ. Do you know someone who had spine or neck surgery? Was that person happy with the outcome? It’s essential to get all kinds of feedback — both positive and negative.
Put your insurance company to work for you.
Your insurance company should be able to provide you with a full list of spine surgeons in NJ that accept your insurance. This will be an invaluable tool when you start narrowing your choices. Be sure to ask for surgeons in surrounding cities, as well. You don’t want to limit your possibilities when it comes to your health and well-being. Once you have this list in-hand, start cross-referencing. Are any of the surgeons on the insurance list those that have been recommended to you by other doctors and friends and family? This can give you an even stronger group of candidates to choose from.
Choose a board-certified specialist.
The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) offers resources that allow you to check on whether a surgeon is board certified in an area of specialization. Board certification is important because it ensures that a surgeon has undergone a high level of specialized training and passed rigorous exams to earn a certification in his or her chosen area. There are a good number of board certified spine surgeons in NJ that may be the perfect match for your needs.
Set up a consultation.
Once you’ve narrowed your list down to a handful of surgeons, schedule a consultation with the one you’re most compelled by. Don’t hesitate to ask the tough questions alongside the easier ones — it’s their job to win your confidence and business. If you at any point notice any red flags or feel uneasy about something, listen to your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t the right fit. Don’t commit to a surgery with any surgeon until you’ve had 24 hours to process everything you’ve discussed. Should your first consultation not be the perfect fit, schedule a consultation with a different surgeon. It’s of the utmost importance that you feel fully confident in your NJ spine surgeon and his or her abilities.
Finding a surgeon shouldn’t be a nightmare. If you follow even just one or two of the tips above, you’ll discover that the entire process of finding the right spine surgeon in NJ isn’t as difficult or daunting as it might first seem. You deserve the best care and the best outcome, so advocate for yourself so you can find your perfect surgeon.
