How to Choose a Surgeon

When you have the opportunity to consider a surgical procedure, there are number of things to consider. First and foremost the best way to have the best surgical outcome is to avoid surgery entirely.  This option is not always possible, but it is important to explore all options before determining if surgery is the best option for your particular problem.  Obtaining a second opinion is something you may want to consider if you have the time.  Once that is determined that your surgery is necessary, the following suggestions may prove helpful in determining who you would like to be your surgeon.  Not all surgeons with wonderful personalities have the most skill in a particular surgery.  There is much more to consider!

·         Is the surgeon board certified and is his certification up to date?  This can be researched on http://www.abms.org

·         How often has your surgeon performed your type of surgery in the past year?  The purpose of this question is not to get the busiest surgeon in your area, but rather to choose a physician with experience in your type of surgery and not one who has never performed or rarely performed your particular surgery.

·         Not all surgeons will answer this question, but many of the good ones will—What is your success, failure or complication rates with this type of surgery?

·         Where does your surgeon plan on performing the surgery?   There are now a number of websites that provide infection rates for particular hospitals. You may access this information at

http://www.consumerreportshealth.org.  On the landing page put in Hospital and you will be taken to a page that will allow you to research hospital infection rates.  This web site provides a lot of different type of health ratings/evaluations that may prove helpful.

·         Is the surgeon and the hospital he is affiliated covered by your health plan? 

·         Does the hospital that you and your surgeon are considering follow best healthcare practices?  Luckily there are a number of hospital comparisons done by Medicare.  You can access this information at www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov.   Put in the area code of the hospital you are considering and you will be provided with the hospitals within that zip code so you can compare the findings at each hospital.