Fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis can affect the hands and wrists. The structure of the hands and wrists is very delicate, yet complex. If you want a true expert on hand treatments, you need to choose the right doctor – an upper extremity surgeon – for your care. The level of care you receive is heavily dependent on the doctor you choose. For this reason, you need to find the right one for you.
Here, we have some useful tips on how to choose the right doctor for your needs.
Board Certification and Credentials
Look for a hand and wrist surgeon who is board-certified and has the necessary credentials. Board certification indicates that the surgeon has completed excellent training and has passed rigorous examinations in their specialty. Additionally, check their educational background, affiliations with reputable medical organizations, and any additional certifications or specialized training in hand surgery.
Experience and Expertise
Consider the surgeon’s experience and expertise in wrist surgery. You want a doctor who has been in practice for over 10 years. In addition, check the doctor’s expertise in treating your particular condition, whether it’s carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or fracture, and whether they treat patients with your problem regularly. A hand surgeon with years of experience in treating your condition is much more likely to have developed the confidence, accuracy, efficiency, and adaptability necessary to give you a successful outcome from wrist surgery. They are also more apt to offer more advanced treatments, like regenerative medicine, which stimulate the natural healing process of the body.
Communication Skills
Doctors lead busy lives, however, that doesn’t mean patients should not be able to have in-depth conversations with them, especially in matters concerning their health. During your consultation with a hand surgeon, determine if the doctor cares or is rushing you out the door. You deserve an upper extremity surgeon who cares to explain your condition, treatment options, and recovery and makes you trust them and their abilities. You want a good relationship with your doctor, and communication and trust are very important.
Hospital and Surgical Facility Affiliations
Consider the hospital or surgical facility where the hand surgeon operates. Look for a doctor associated with facilities that are well-equipped, maintain high standards of patient care, and have a low rate of complications or infections. The quality of the surgical facility can contribute to the overall success of your surgery.
Board-Certified and Fellowship Trained Hand Surgeon in Miami Lakes and Plantation, FL
Dr. Tosca Kinchelow at The Orthopaedic Hand and Arm Center has the focused training needed to produce successful outcomes from hand and wrist surgery. Dr. Kinchelow is qualified to perform state-of-the-art procedures and uses a range of non-surgical treatments in the treatment of hand and wrist injuries and conditions. She is affiliated with the reputable Memorial Hospital West and Memorial Regional Hospital South.
Our team considers it a privilege to be your provider of upper extremity treatments. We treat injured athletes, weekend warriors, and workers. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kinchelow, call our office today at (954) 635-5300 or use our convenient online request form.
