How to Choose a Spine Surgeon
People who have neck and back pain often seek medical care from their family or primary doctor first. In many cases though, they will need a spine surgeon. A spine surgeon is a physician who took additional medical training in diagnosing and treating disorders of the spine, such as tumors, scoliosis, deformity, and osteoarthritis. Majority of them are neurosurgeons or orthopaedic surgeons who have as well completed fellowship training in spine.
If you're in search of a spine surgeon, there are some things for you to consider. First and foremost, make sure the surgeon is board-certified and fellowship-trained in spine.
You'd also want a spine surgeon who spends at least half of his practice in spine cases. A spine surgeon who spends a lot of time with spine patients will obviously have more knowledge on advanced technologies and techniques.
Besides the doctor's credentials, you should also consider how comfortable you are with the person. Besides, your cooperation as a patient is critical to your own recovery; if you can't give your full cooperation because you're uncomfortable with your spine surgeon, the outcome of your treatment may be compromised. You can as well read more about prothèse discale lombaire before you meet a surgeon. Good communication is still essential in any doctor-patient relationship, so when assessing your prospective surgeon, considering the following:
Does he willingly answer all your questions and explain the details of your condition? Does he give you enough time when you're in his clinic? Can you easily talk to him? Is he okay with the possibility that you might seek a second opinion?
Have the doctor tell you about his experience with modern spine surgery techniques and technologies. What is the number of spine surgeries he has performed so far? Is he happy to give you names and phone numbers of some of his former patients?
Also ask the doctor or anyone in the clinic whether or not they will take your medical insurance, what's covered, and what's on you.
Of course, the best route to a reliable spine surgeon at www.drhovorka.orgis a personal referral by a person you trust, such as your family doctor, your friends or relatives.
Once you know what things you need in a spine specialist, you have to learn about what you have to be careful with.
For example, be suspicious about a doctor will not allow you to get a second opinion, one who can't give you satisfactory answers to your questions, or one who will even make you feel bad when you start asking.
Also be sensitive to a doctor who is discreetly influencing your decision to undergo surgery and discouraging you from taking a more conservative option. Remember, only you can ever decide if you want to go for it or not. Your doctor's job is just to provide you all the information that will form the basis for your decision. Lastly, pick a spine surgeon who is as open as possible about the different treatment options you have, their corresponding results, and the costs. Read more here: http://www.ehow.com/how_4491898_become-spine-surgeon.html.
