If you are trying to find a general physician you probably take great steps to making sure he is the right person to treat you
. You ask friends, you ask co-workers, and you probably even ask your family members. All these are great ideas, you don't want to end up seeing someone that won't take care of your needs right? If you are faced with a musculoskeletal issue you probably don't have the time to do an extensive search but you still want to find someone that will be able to take care of you. You still need to find the right orthopedic surgeon for your needs.
How do you go about finding the right orthopedic surgeon? First place to start is with your own doctor. Often times your insurance will require you to get a referral to see a specialist in the first place so talk to your doctor. He should know which of the many doctors in your area the one you should see is. He'll know all their reputations and maybe even know some of them personally. Glean from his wisdom and you might find that he's got you into the best physician for you.
If your insurance does not require you to seek a referral before making an appointment then you might need to do some research on your own. Start with their list of covered orthopedic surgeons in your area. Do an internet search on each one. Check for malpractice issues, patient satisfaction, and a list of services they provide. There is a wide array of injuries and illnesses this type of physician covers so you want to make sure that the one you choose can handle them all. If they are too specialized then you might find that the doctor you pick at random might not be able to care for you.
Yes they are surgeons but the one you see might not want to choose surgery as an option. There are several ways to treat an illness or injury of the musculoskeletal structure. Your physician should be open to all methods that will bring you relief and allow your body to heal. Surgery is not always the best option for some injuries or illnesses. By choosing a physician that is willing to see past the knife and figure out what treatment will work best with you and your lifestyle is paramount to your recovery.
Finding an orthopedic surgeon is tough. You don't always have the time to pick and choose as you would a general practitioner. When in doubt ask your family doctor who he would go see or who he would send his family to see. This will help you be sure you've chosen the best doctor for your care.