How to search for the right surgeon for my surgery

Even for relatively straightforward surgeries such as hernia repair or gallbladder removal, there can sometimes be cases of serious complications. Therefore, it is always advisable to be in the safe hands of a good surgeon. A good surgeon and his staff members are very important for surgeries that are complicated or that are related to fatal diseases such as cancer.

Here below are some tips that you should follow to look up for the right surgeon and the hospital that would suit your requirements:

1. Consult with your friends, relatives and family physician: Once you are prepared for the surgery, the first question that comes to your mind is, “Who would be the perfect surgeon for my surgery?”. Consult with your friends or relatives and check if they know someone who has gone through a similar surgery before, or who could suggest names of hospitals and surgeons whom they have found satisfactory. You should also ask your family physician for suggestions about the surgeon before you confirm on one. A family physician is one of the best sources who can refer the right surgeon for you. He can suggest you the type of specialist you would require. A general surgeon would be required for surgeries that follow general surgery procedures, such as an appendectomy surgery or more. For specialised surgeries, such as tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgery, specialists may be needed.

2. Find a support group: If your surgery is related to a common condition, then you may find a support group in your locality or online. This can also be a great source of reference. The group may help you get a variety of unbiased suggestions. Some of them may complain about some of the services and care. Take them into consideration while choosing your hospital and the surgeon. For highly specialised surgeries, you may even need to travel to a different state or region to get the best treatment if such services are not available in your region.

3. Use your insurance company to find a surgeon: You may call your insurance company to suggest you a list of surgeons that accept your insurance. These lists may also be available online at the website of the insurance company. If the list is limited in your locality, request for a fresh list considering regions around you, where you would be able to travel. Check the list and compare with the suggestions given by your friends and relatives. If you find any common name on the list that has also been recommended by your friends, make a note of them.

4. Check the credentials of the surgeons before making a decision: It is always advisable to check the list of recommended surgeons on a certified website. You will want to know if the surgeon you are opting for has the license to practice in the region they are operating.

5. Arrange for a consultation with the surgeon: After you have shortlisted potential surgeons; make an appointment with at least two surgeons for consultation before your surgery. You may ask questions such as, how many times they have performed similar surgeries. It is very important for them to have performed similar surgeries before, to be confident enough in their ability to perform well. If you are paying for the surgery, you should also be informed well in advance about the fee structure during the consultation. If you are satisfied with the surgeon as well as the terms and conditions, you may schedule a date for the surgery after consultation.

You might face confusions whether an immediate surgery is required or not. While some doctors suggest you not to delay the surgery, some may ask you to take your time and think about it. If you still feel confused about whom to approach for your surgery, or whether you require surgery at all, you may feel free to consult with a doctor anytime.