How to Choose an Orthopedic Doctor
Knowing how to choose an orthopedic doctor can put you in a
challenging position if you don't know what you're looking for. But when you go
into the search with referrals, information regarding credentials and
specialties and know the right questions to ask about experience, you can
choose with confidence. A physician trained in orthopedic medicine is educated
in the evaluation and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, that is, all the
moving parts of the body. An orthopedic surgeon has been through at least five
years of training beyond the four years of college and four years of medical
school, with one year in general surgery followed by four years of orthopedic
surgery. Orthopedic doctors may be described as doctors or surgeons; with both
able to prescribe medication, treatments and orthotics, with the surgeon
qualified to operate. Best Orthopedic Doctor in Jaipur
Specialties and Sub-specialties
We are fortunate that orthopedic doctors can choose from a
wide range of specialties so that they can best treat our condition. Injuries,
congenital conditions, aging and disease can all have an impact on the
musculoskeletal system, and soft tissue, bone and joint problems compound the
complexity of an orthopedic doctor's demands. While many sub-specialties exist,
the main categories are: foot and ankle, hand, musculoskeletal oncology,
orthopedic trauma, pediatric, shoulder and elbow, spine surgery, sports
medicine, and total joint reconstruction surgery.
Experience
While the time that orthopedic doctors are in practice is
important, it's important to check into what type of work has been done during
that time. If you are searching for an orthopedic surgeon for work on your
spine, the North American Spine Association recommends that an orthopedic
surgeon or neurosurgeon has at least 50% of his time in the operating room
attributed to spine surgery. In addition, to be able to know how to choose
orthopedic doctors means knowing about the sub-specialties addressed previously
as well as their board certification. Orthopedic Doctor in Jaipur
Certification
A rigorous program is required for orthopedic doctors to be
board certified. After the nearly 15 years of schooling required for a surgeon
and at least eight years for a non-surgeon, he or she must take a standardized
exam and then an oral exam which focuses on the doctor's clinical and surgical
performance over the past six months. With board certification, you have the
confidence that the doctor has been validated by an authoritative organization
- the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in the US and the Royal College of
Physicians and Surgeons in Canada.
Referrals Help
Having a referral to an orthopedic doctor will assist you
greatly when deciding how to choose from orthopedic doctors. Your primary care
physician who first reviewed your condition may have several recommendations
for orthopedic doctors. In addition, because 80% of Americans will suffer from
some sort of back pain, you may have a friend or family member that can suggest
a doctor. Lastly, your local hospital or health insurance agency may have
someone to refer you to a qualified physician.
Of course, your first impression when you meet the physician
can have an impact on finding the best doctor for your particular condition.
With 700 orthopedic doctors completing orthopedic residency every year in the
US, you most likely have your choice, and one that is conservative and caring
and shows an interest in your success is probably right for you.
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