An orthopedic specialist is a physician who works to treat and evaluate various conditions that concern the musculoskeletal system, consisting of the muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons. In most cases, these physicians also double as surgeons. Within this specialty are quite a few subspecialties, including those dealing specifically with the knees, hips, hands, and various spinal deficiencies. Patients looking to obtain the best possible care must first find themselves an experienced and qualified physician who is trained and educated in the area of your specific condition or injury. In this article, I will outline a few steps that many clients go to find an ideal orthopedic specialist.

Step 1: Your Search

Your search begins by getting in touch with your primary physician in hopes of obtaining a recommendation for an orthopedist. In the best case scenario, this physician will be able to point you in the direction of a specialist with experience treating your specific condition, though your doctor’s recommendation is not the only opinion worth taking into consideration. In some cases, referrals are made in regard to specific groups due to an affiliation with your primary caregiver. Get in touch with your health insurance provider to find out which physicians are in-network.

Step 2: Insurance

While you have your insurance on the phone, find out whether they can provide you with a list of practitioners in your area that is covered under your current plan. This will ensure that your insurance can cover at least some of the costs associated with your treatment and will work to narrow the field of available options.

Step 3: Friends and Family

Call up friends and family members for additional recommendations. Obtaining information based on a patients perspective will serve to help in the decision-making process. Ask about the recommended physicians bedside manner, the location of the office, your contacts overall experience dealing with the physician and any other tidbits of information that may prove useful to you.

Step 4: Reviews and Ratings

Hop online and search for reviews and ratings on the physicians that have been recommended to you. A quick Google search will likely provide you with enough information to further your knowledge and make an informed decision. While you’re online, also keep an eye out for specialists who have not yet been recommended to you but seem to have a good reputation in the medical community. Write down any information you find in a notebook for future reference. Additionally, you can try to find individual physician websites to gain greater perspectives regarding their education, experience, insurance specifics and location.

Step 5: Top 3 List

Once you’ve gathered a list of physicians, weed through them and pick out your top three and call each of them up to schedule
consultations. These face to face meetings will provide you with the personal perspective of the physician, office staff, and the office itself while allowing you to pose any questions or concerns you may have regarding your treatment.

Step 6: Choose a physician

After you’ve met with each physician, you should have a fairly good idea of which one will work best for you. Go with your gut, and call your chosen physician up to schedule an appointment.

Or you can save yourself a lot of time and effort by contacting me directly at TaqTik Health. 

You can also request a complimentary consultation and I will be able to provide you with a list of great orthopedic surgeons in various locations, including transparent pricing.