How to Select A Spine Surgeon
Typically, a patient with back or neck problems will visit their family physician first to get help. However if it is recommended that you see a spine specialist, it is important that you select a specialist who is suitably qualified to treat you.
A spine specialist will most likely be an orthopaedic or neurological surgeon. The surgeon will have completed additional years of training in the field of spinal disorders, treating such conditions as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, scoliosis, spine fractures. Many spine specialists complete a spine fellowship at the end of their training. A fellowship typically lasts for one year and involves assisting an experienced spine surgeon in their daily practice of clinics and surgery.
Finding a Suitable Spine Surgeon
It is possible that your managed care program will limit your choice of which spine specialist to see. However, if you are able to choose your specialist, here are some thoughts about what to look for in a spine surgeon.
1. Check to see if the surgeon is Board Certified, or at least Board Eligible. In addition, it is optimal if the surgeon has completed a spine fellowship – a one-year, post-residency training that is specific to spine.
2. Choose a surgeon who is focused upon the spine. A physician who sees mostly spine patients will be more up-to-date on newer technologies and techniques than a physician who only sees spine patients occasionally.
3. Aside from the surgeon’s credentials, it is important that you feel comfortable with him or her. Good communication with your doctor is usually an important criteria for most patients. Ask yourself
a. Does the doctor answer all of your questions and provide you with enough information about your condition?
For examples of questions to ask your doctor click here.
b. Does he or she spend enough time with you?
c. Is the physician reachable? Open-minded? A good listener?
d. Does he or she welcome a second opinion?
4. It is also important to gauge how experienced the surgeon is with treating your condition. Ask him or her how many such cases he or she has treated? Is the doctor experienced with current technologies and techniques? Is the doctor willing to refer you to any former patients who may be available to share their experiences with you?
5. Talk to the physician, or someone in the office, about your medical insurance to find out what is covered and what you may be responsible for.
6. Choose a physician who is referred to you by a reliable source such as your primary care physician, or a friend, or relative. You can also use the physician referral services at your local hospital for additional information about the doctor.
Cautions
There are also a few things you should be cautious of when selecting a spine surgeon. Avoid any doctor who does the following:
- Discourages you from seeking a second opinion.
- Suggests "exploratory" surgery. With today's sophisticated imaging technology, this is rarely necessary.
- Does not answer all of your questions (or makes you feel bad about asking them).
- Seems to be pushing you towards having surgery, rather than providing you with sufficient information to help you make a decision you are comfortable with.
- Does not suggest non-operative treatment options, especially if you’ve tried any to this point. . Surgery should always be the treatment of last resort - when other non-surgical options have been exhausted.
- Is not forthcoming about treatments, techniques, costs, outcomes, and expectations for recovery.
If you have concerns about a particular physician, you can contact your state Medical Board to find out whether the practitioner has ever had disciplinary action taken against his or her license. The Federation of State Medical Boards lists each of its members at the following address:
www.fsmb.org/members.htm