What to Look for in a Spine Surgeon

Finding the right spine doctor is very important and SpineUniverse.com has some great guidelines on how to select a spine specialist. So now you can go into the doctor’s office armed with some questions of your own.

1. Make sure the spine surgeon is board certified (or board eligible) and fellowship trained in spine. This means that in addition to the usual surgical residency requirements, he or she has completed a fellowship program in spine that included at least one additional year of training specific to spine surgery.

2. Choose a spine surgeon who devotes at least 50% of his or her practice to the treatment of spinal conditions. A physician who sees mostly spine patients will be more up-to-date on newer technologies and techniques than a physician who only sees spine patients occasionally.

3. In addition to the physician’s credentials, make sure the physician you choose is someone you feel comfortable with. After all, finding a physician you can trust is almost as important as his or her experience. Good communication is essential in a doctor/patient relationship, so ask yourself these questions:

   a. Does the doctor answer all of your questions and provide you with enough information about your condition?
   b. Does he or she spend enough time with you?
   c. Is the physician reachable? Open-minded? A good listener?
   d. Does he or she welcome a second opinion?

4. Talk to the physician about his or her experience with the latest techniques and technologies in spine surgery. How many procedures has he or she performed? Is the doctor willing to refer you to any former patients who may be available to share their experiences with you?

5. Talk to the physician, or someone in the office, about your medical insurance to find out what is covered and what you may be responsible for.

6. Choose a physician who is referred to you by a reliable source such as your primary care physician, or a friend, or relative. You can also use the physician referral services at your local hospital for additional information about the doctor.

Read the entire article here.

Tags: doctor patient relationship, lower back pain, Medical Questions, Medical Tips, spine surgery