Need surgery but don't have a surgeon? Having surgery is a big deal for many people. That's why finding the right surgeon is important, and it's a topic that's near and dear to my heart. In the last year, I've had three family members who needed surgery. Each one required a different specialty, but all of them needed surgery; two of them for cancer.
As a general surgeon, I'm able to help guide my family members to find a surgeon. I'm also lucky because I get to see firsthand how some of the surgeons I refer to operate. In cases where I haven't personally observed a surgeon, I turn to my professional network for insight."
In this blog, I aim to guide you in the same way I guide my own family, by showing you what to look for when choosing a surgeon and how to navigate the process after you do.
How to Find a Surgeon Who's Right for You
Let's start with how to find a surgeon who's right for you. I understand firsthand how important this is. Several factors come into play when choosing a surgeon. Let's examine the key factors to consider when selecting a surgeon.
Technology
All board-certified surgeons have gone through rigorous training and passed the boards, so you can feel confident in their medical knowledge. But that doesn't mean every surgeon approaches surgery the same way. In today's world, one of the most important factors to consider is the technology available, both at the hospital and in the surgeon's practice.
Technology plays a vital role in modern surgery. When choosing a hospital, you want to ensure they have the necessary technology for a minimally invasive procedure. At my practice, 98% of our procedures utilize minimally invasive methods, and most often with the aid of a robot.
As a general surgeon and Medical Director of Robotic Surgery, my passion lies with robotic surgery. In today's world, minimally invasive surgery and potentially robotic surgery are becoming the standard of care if you're a candidate. There are very few times a patient is not a candidate. I urge you to ensure that the hospital offers robotic surgery and that your surgeon has access to it.
Robotic surgery is becoming increasingly available across many specialties and, in many cases, offers better outcomes. If, for some reason, they don't offer you a minimally invasive or robotic approach, it's worth asking why, because not all patients will be candidates, but most are.
Here are a few key questions to ask:
To learn more about robotic surgery and its benefits, you can explore my blog post here.
Experience & Reputation
When I'm looking for surgeons, I have an advantage because I get to see them face-to-face. I can assess their experience, evaluate their efficiency, and also observe their bedside manner. Since this isn't the case for the average patient, you can ask questions to family or friends. Be cautious when reviewing online reviews, as they may not be entirely reliable.
If you have friends who are nurses or doctors, ask them for their advice. Word of mouth in these professions can be helpful because it allows people to actually see the person in action and observe their work.
When it comes to online reviews, be cautious. They're not always reliable and can be skewed by isolated experiences.
What sets surgeons apart includes:
While credentials matter, it's the personal and professional qualities that impact your surgical experience. Don't hesitate to ask questions and always trust your instincts.
After You've Found a Surgeon
What's next after you find a surgeon? Meeting the surgeon. Below are the same tips I share with my family and friends on what to do once you're ready to meet your surgeon.
Insurance Coverage
Before scheduling your appointment, take a moment to check whether the surgeon, the hospital, and robotic surgery are covered under your insurance plan. Even if you've found someone you like, out-of-network costs can add up fast. You can verify this through your insurance company's website or by contacting them directly.
Prepare for Your Appointment
Surgeons with strong reputations often have busy schedules and short appointment times.
Most doctors' schedules are made with fifteen-minute appointment times per patient. Some patients need all of those fifteen minutes, some don't, and some need more. It may sound ridiculous to you, but medicine is a business, and this method of creating schedules is the most efficient. It allows us to see as many people as possible to keep up with the demands on our time.
It's why I always tell my family members to come in with their questions written down. Even better if you can give them in advance to the person putting you in the room. This way, the doctor will know what your questions are and can answer them directly.
As I said, having surgery is a big deal to many people. It can be scary and overwhelming when you're meeting with the surgeon. It's why it's no surprise that I often hear patients say they've forgotten what they hear. Did you know that the retention rate of what a doctor tells you in an appointment is only 10-20%?
It's another reason why it's crucial to write down your questions and give them to the person putting you in the room ahead of time, so that when the doctor comes in, they already know what your questions are and can plan to answer them for you.
During your appointment, your mind is likely to be racing and thinking about other things, so you may not remember what was said. It's why it's a good idea to bring someone who can take notes.
When it's time to meet the surgeon, it's essential to:
If you're unsure of what types of questions to ask at your appointment, check out my blog on the Top Questions to Ask Your Surgeon.
Maximize the Time You Have
You may only have fifteen minutes with the doctor, and hopefully, you'll get more. Still, you don't want to spend your time discussing things unrelated to your procedure. I have many family members who don't work in the medical field. They can tend to tell stories about their illness, and that's great, but when you're at the doctor's office, try to remember that you have a limited amount of time with the doctor. The more concise you can be, the better it will be for you, as the doctor will then have enough time to discuss why you're there.
I know it's not always what people want to hear, but the reality is that medicine today often runs on tight schedules. We do our best to help as many people as possible, especially in areas or specialties where there's a shortage of doctors. That's why your time with a surgeon may feel limited, and it's not for lack of care, but a reflection of how overwhelmed the system can be
Maximize the time you have by:
Understand the Care Team
Doctors often work with other members of their care team, so you may first meet with a nurse or a PA (physician assistant) who will walk you through many of the details. Don't be put off by that. These team members are highly trained and play an essential role in your care. The doctor's time may be more limited, but the care team is there to support you and explain the details of your procedure. Use that time because it can be incredibly helpful in making sure you understand what's ahead.
From Choosing to Meeting Your Surgeon
At the end of the day, you have to find a surgeon who's right for you. It's not just about their credentials, but about trust, experience, and access to the technology to give you the best possible outcome. Look for someone who not only has a strong reputation and specialization but also embraces the most up-to-date technology, including minimally invasive and robotic options when appropriate.
Once you've chosen your surgeon, the next step is to prepare for a successful visit. Bring your questions in writing, take someone with you if possible, and stay as focused as you can during your conversation. Your health is a priority, and being prepared helps you feel more confident, ensuring you receive the answers and care you deserve.
Providing you care beyond the visit ~
Dr. Cindy Geocaris