1. Get Referrals

To get started, ask your primary care doctor for a referral list. As you narrow down your list, call to make consult appointments to meet and interview each orthopedic surgeon.

2. Research the Orthopedic Surgeon’s Credentials

Board certification is an important factor to consider when choosing an orthopedic surgeon. Certification tells you that the doctor has the necessary training, skills and experience to provide orthopedic care. There are many Orthopaedic organizations that provide all the needed information online.

3. Consider the Orthopedic Surgeon’s Experience

When it comes to specialized medical or surgical care for complex orthopedic problems, the more experience a doctor has, the better your results are likely to be. Ask how many patients with your specific condition the orthopedic surgeon has treated

4. Research Hospital Quality

Your doctor’s hospital is your hospital. For this reason, consider the quality of care at the hospital or ambulatory surgery center where the orthopedic surgeon can treat patients. Additionally, consider whether the hospital’s location is important to you. After an orthopedic procedure, frequent follow-up and rehabilitation visits may mean you need a convenient location.

5. Evaluate Communication Style

Choose an orthopedic surgeon with whom you are comfortable talking and who supports your information needs. When you first meet the orthopedic surgeon, ask a question and notice how he or she responds. Does he or she welcome your questions and answer them in ways that you can understand? Find an orthopedic surgeon who shows an interest in getting to know you, who will consider your treatment preferences, and who will respect your decision-making process.

6. Read Patient Reviews

Reading what other people have to say about a doctor can provide insight into how a doctor practices medicine, as well as how his or her medical practice is operated. You can learn about how well patients trust the doctor, how much time he or she spends with their patients, and how well he or she answers questions.

7. Know What Your Insurance Covers

Your insurance coverage is a practical matter. To receive the most insurance benefits and pay the least out-of-pocket for your care, you may need to choose an orthopedic surgeon who participates in your plan. You should still consider credentials, experience, outcomes, and hospital quality as you select an orthopedic surgeon from your plan.