It’s perhaps an oversimplified question, but how do you find the right surgeon when you must undergo hemifacial spasm surgery? Is there a way to find the “very best” surgeon in this field? Armed with knowledge, you can find the perfect surgeon to fit your needs and expectations.
Key Points to Consider
There are a few things you should use as a foundation for finding the best surgeon who can satisfy your requirements. These factors include:
- Look at their track record. Does this surgeon have the experience and knowledge needed to successfully perform your hemifacial spasm surgery? Have there been any performance-related complaints filed against them by other patients in the past?
- Check their board certification. You need to see evidence that your doctor has certifications in neurosurgery. Some doctors try to practice these procedures without having all the critical knowledge required for the job just to make more money from unsuspecting clients.
- See how they’ve treated past patients. Does the surgeon you’re considering treat you with dignity and respect in your first appointment? Is he or she willing to take the time to thoroughly explain the surgery to you? Are they sympathetic to your concerns?
Look for signs of a competent staff. It doesn’t matter how skilled a surgeon may be if he or she doesn’t have a caring, competent staff. The receptionist, nurses, physician assistants and the surgeon should all be able to answer your questions well and with confidence.
Where Do You Go for Information?
In an ideal world, every single surgeon who operates on a patient would display their board certification and be completely proficient in their field of expertise. Unfortunately, the world of medicine doesn’t work that way, so you have to do some of the legwork to find the best possible match for your hemifacial spasm surgery. On the upside, there are literally hundreds of resources at your fingertips for vetting the right surgeon.
- Browse online rating websites. The internet can be an invaluable tool when you’re looking for the top neurosurgeons in New Jersey. With a simple Google search, you can learn a great deal about the professional performance and skills of the surgeons on your list.
- Talk to others who have first-hand experience with the surgeons you’re considering. These patients can be family, friends, those who have worked with the surgeon in the past or even members of support groups and message boards focusing on similar health issues.
- Examine referrals. Your primary care provider or neurologist will likely have a handful of names to recommend. You can get some professional, objective feedback on each surgeon’s strong points from them. It’s likely that your primary care provider sees other patients who have been to these surgeons. This kind of conversation will give you some great insight into the long-term outcome of that surgeon’s work.
- Investigate insurance carriers. Your insurance carrier will likely not continue to work with a surgeon who doesn’t perform well. They don’t want to have to spend any more money than necessary, so they are very likely to provide the names of the more adept and successful surgeons who are known to perform high-quality work.
- Talk to the surgeon directly about your concerns. Surgeons are happy to schedule consultations with prospective patients. This interview allows them to briefly review your medical history and “fill in the gaps” with information that may not be present in your medical record. It’s essential that you be able to interface with your medical care providers. Don’t settle for a meeting with his or her assistant. Be sure you will be talking with the surgeon. Ask any and all questions you might have. This person’s main objective should be to provide you with the best care possible, so no question about their practices should be off limits.
Other Considerations
Aside from just being able to harvest information for your final decision, you should be able to choose from a range of hemifacial spasm surgery providers. Without options, you may not be able to make the best decision available for your unique case.
- Don’t limit yourself. You may only have one or two options for hemifacial spasm surgery specialists in your immediate area, which can severely cut down on the number of choices you may have. Consider expanding your search into outlying areas and cities. As long as your insurance will cover a provider, you can consider them as a viable option.
- Shop around. Don’t feel bad about scheduling consultations with at least two or three surgeons. You should always feel completely comfortable with your final decision.
- Plan ahead. Make sure before you step into a consultation room that your prospective surgeon accepts payments from your insurance carrier. This critical information will eliminate wasted time and a great deal of frustration if they don’t take your insurance. You should be able to obtain this information very easily from the provider’s website, over the phone or from your insurance company directly.
There is no exact science to finding the perfect surgeon for your hemifacial spasm surgery needs. Fortunately, almost endless resources are now available to consumers that allow you to make a better decision for a great surgical experience.
