You depend on your hands and wrists for many of your daily activities, making them susceptible to damage. Whether it’s due to trauma or overuse, injury to your wrist affects hand mobility and function. While a lot of injuries and conditions can be treated conservatively, there are situations when wrist surgery is necessary. To assure proper treatment and recovery, it’s vital that the wrist surgeon you choose is among the cream of the crop.
Here are surefire ways to help you find the best wrist surgeon near you.
Get Referrals From Those You Trust
If you’re new to the area, it may be difficult to start from scratch when doing your search. Good thing you can always ask for referrals from people you trust.
Your primary care physician or family doctor is one of your best sources for referrals. They know your medical history and preferences, so they can provide you with a list of orthopedic surgeons whose skills, experience, and even personality are best suited for you.
You can also seek referrals from friends or family who experienced wrist injuries before.
Find Candidates Online
The Internet gives you easy access to a list of wrist surgeons near you. Whether from a regional database or an orthopedic clinic site, a simple online search is all it takes to get you the information you need.
You can also check patient reviews. However, make sure you read a lot of comments instead of focusing on one or two negative reviews that may be spam or trying to give the provider a bad name.
A good method in searching for a wrist surgeon is using the Internet to countercheck personal referrals and confirm the information on their websites. For instance, you can check online if they are board-certified and if they specialize in your condition and the service you seek.
Check the Clinic Location, Facilities, and Services
Look into the clinic or research where your choice of wrist surgeon is affiliated. It’s important that you consider the clinic’s location to avoid commute troubles, especially if your condition requires frequent follow-ups and post-operative rehabilitation care.
Likewise, you should visit the place to see if it is clean, comfortable, spacious, and has the latest equipment. As a patient, you’d prefer a clinic with an environment conducive to recovery. Friendly and accommodating staff is also a good sign of patient-centered care.
If you are looking to save time, you can also check if they offer auxiliary services you may need, such as radiology or diagnostic imaging.
Consider Monetary and Time Costs
You can also contact your insurance provider for a list of accredited wrist surgeons near you. To maximize your insurance benefits, choose a wrist surgeon that is covered by your plan. If you plan to pay out of pocket, consider the cost of the surgeon’s services compared to market rates and whether they offer a payment plan.
Consult with Them Personally
After your research, you should book an appointment with your wrist surgeon of choice. An initial consultation gives you a front-row seat to their communication style and bedside manners.
Choose a surgeon with whom you can communicate comfortably. Your relationship with them can last past recovery, so it is essential that you have a good rapport with your doctor. You want to feel comfortable before, during, and after treatment, and choosing a surgeon who you can communicate well with will help with this.
Also, pay attention to how they treat their patients. Do they inspire you to get treatment and undergo hand surgery? Are they showing patient support in your critical treatment decisions? If the answers are yes, chances are you have picked the right wrist surgeon for you.
Top Wrist Surgeon in Miami Lakes, FL
Looking for the best surgeon near you? If you live around Miami Lakes, Florida, look no further than The Orthopaedic Hand and Arm Center. Headed by Dr. Tosca Kinchelow, our team is dedicated to providing quality and patient-centered care from diagnosis to recovery.
To learn more about how we can assist you, call (954) 635-5300 or book an appointment online. We look forward to giving you a helping hand with your wrist problem.
