 Health Guide Drug Guide Choosing a qualified surgeonAlternative NamesSurgeon - how to choose a good one InformationQuestion: What is the best way to choose a qualified surgeon? Answer: Educate yourself about your surgical procedure. Choose a specialist who has performed many of these procedures and who is board certified in his or her particular specialty. In addition, try to speak directly with some former patients -- don't just look at "before" and "after" photos. Many disease processes and surgical procedures have support groups to assist patients. (These are good sources for advice from other patients.) Get a second opinion from another doctor once you have found someone who has recommended a particular treatment plan. In other words, make sure other surgeons would follow the same recommended plan. Avoid choosing a surgeon from an advertisement alone, and be cautious if a doctor suggests additional or multiple surgeries. See also: Choosing a primary care provider
Review Date:
7/25/2007 Reviewed By: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
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