Back pain is a common ailment that can require medical treatment by a qualified and experienced professional. No matter what symptoms you have or what the cause of your discomfort is, seeking a physician’s care should be something in which you can trust that you are getting proper treatment. Dr. Charla Fischer located in Manhattan strives to make patients as confident as possible in receiving the best care for their spine issues. If you are seeking a spine surgeon, here are some ways to help you choose the right specialist for your needs.
Qualifications
There are several things to look for as you examine a medical professional’s qualifications. These include:
- Education: Make sure the doctor has received a full medical degree from a reputable university.
- Board certification: This means that the doctor has completed additional training through the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and is in good standing. To become board certified, extra years of residency training in the specialty area are required as well as passing the required examination.
- Fellowship-trained: Surgeons should complete additional training phases that typically include a one-year internship, 4-6-year residency, and one-year fellowship. Then the surgeon would be considered fellowship-trained because the minimum 13 years of education has been achieved plus a year of training in a specific field of orthopedic surgery through a certified program.
Recommendations
Ask friends, family, neighbors, coworkers and more for recommendations for spine surgeons. You might be surprised how many people you know have experience with these medical professionals. Dr. Fischer finds that word of mouth from glowing recommendations is a good way to meet new patients. Another way to find recommendations is to research websites that review surgeons and have actual patients rate the physician. This can be an insightful tool as you decide on a surgeon.
Consultation
Schedule a consultation with the spine surgeon so you can evaluate both the doctor and the office. If the staff does not encourage you to meet with the surgeon as you search for the right doctor, cross them off your list of potential specialists. Come to the consultation prepared with a list of questions, concerns, and requirements that you might have and make sure your issues are addressed in the right amount of detail for you. You should come away from the consultation feeling confident in the surgeon and staff, as well as comfortable with them as they care for you throughout the process. As the patient, you are entitled to receive the best treatment possible to help you regain your health.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fischer