An operation to fuse painful spinal vertebrae is not a procedure to be taken lightly. If you want to enjoy an optimal outcome from a spine fusion surgery in Houston, heed the following advice on selecting the ideal surgeon for the job.
Researching Surgeons
Do thorough research to create your list of prospective surgeons. Search engines, medical directories, and online patient resources such as RateMDs and Healthgrades can yield a wealth of useful information. However, you should also seek out first-hand advice and recommendations from your primary care physician, referred specialists, and individuals you trust.
Don’t forget to check each surgeon’s actual credentials, licenses, certifications, and affiliations. These documents represent official recognition of that surgeon’s qualifications and abilities.
Evaluating Experience and Expertise
Your surgeon must possess the right level of education, training, experience and expertise. In addition to the years of medical school every doctor must complete, orthopedic surgeons must achieve American Board of Orthopedic Surgery certification, followed by a year of internship, up to six years of residency training, and a final year of fellowship training.
Simply engaging an orthopedic surgeon won’t guarantee that you’ve selected the right practitioner for your spine fusion. Make certain that your chosen surgeon specializes in spinal conditions as well as your specific surgery. Ideally, at least 50 percent of your candidate’s annual caseload should involve spine surgery. The more years of experience your surgeon has, the better.
Reviewing a Surgeon’s Track Record
You want an orthopedic surgeon who has not only performed many spine fusion surgeries but has also performed them well. Ask about your surgeon’s success rates and patient outcomes, turning to patient testimonials as needed. find out about the surgeon’s complication rate for spine fusion procedures.
Consultation and Communication
Once you’ve narrowed your list, it’s important to meet with each prospective orthopedic surgeon face-to-face with a prepared list of questions. You’ll want to assess the surgeon’s manner, approach, and communication style. Pay attention to how well the surgeon listens, addresses your concerns, and establishes a bond of trust.
Seeking Second Opinions
Not all spinal conditions call for fusion surgery. If desired, consult other surgeons to compare your surgeon’s treatment plans and recommendations with theirs.
Insurance Coverage and Financial Considerations
If you plan on using insurance to pay for your procedure, verify that your surgeon is in-network. If not, it’s time to review your out-of-network options. Understand all the costs involved carefully before moving forward. If your facility offers cash payment as an option, discuss the pros and cons of this option in detail with the facility staff.
Trusting Your Instincts
Don’t discount the value of gut feelings. Listen to intuition and consider your comfort level with the surgeon. Make sure both of you can communicate well on a personal level.
NW Surgery: The Right Choice for Spine Fusion
You can make this process easier by turning first to NW Surgery. As Houston’s premier orthopedic surgery clinic, we specialize in spine fusion surgeries as well as advanced pain management. Our decades of experience and expertise in these disciplines have led to high success rates and patient satisfaction levels. You’ll also find that we’re dedicated to personalized, patient-centered care that emphasizes effective, trust-based communication.
Making the Final Decision
Your final decision should draw on all the information you’ve gathered. Weigh all your accumulated research, consultations, and opinions against your gut instincts to find your ideal surgeon. Consider the advantages of going with a dedicated orthopedic facility such as NW Surgery as a prime recommendation.
Ensure the Best Possible Surgical Outcome for Your Spine
Now that you know how to find the right surgeon for spine fusion surgery in Houston, from research and referrals to in-person consultation, take the next logical step for your spine’s sake. Contact NW Surgery to learn more about our credentials, services, and other qualifications that make us an excellent choice for this delicate form of orthopedic surgery.
