The skeletal system forms the body’s structural framework and performs several other functions, including protecting the body organs and enabling movement. Orthopedic doctors specialize in treating problems relating to the skeletal system, including the bones and the spine, and deal with the diagnosis of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and osteonecrosis. Orthopedic surgeons are trained to perform surgeries to correct orthopedic impairments. Below are some tips for finding the best orthopedic doctors nearby:

Verify the doctor’s qualifications and experience
Checking the orthopedic doctor’s qualifications, experience, and license is crucial to shortlisting an orthopedic specialist. Such information is typically available on the clinic or hospital website; however, it is also important to verify these details to ensure the doctor’s genuineness. One way to do so is through the Federation of Medical Boards website, which entails a search feature providing doctors’ professional information.

Check the hospital’s quality and reputation
A doctor may be highly proficient and experienced, but a poorly equipped hospital limits the doctor’s efficiency. An orthopedic clinic or hospital should be equipped with the latest technology and infrastructure to carry out different orthopedic interventions and provide adequate post-surgical care to patients. Moreover, it should employ sufficient nurses and caregivers to ensure quality service and care during and after the surgical procedure.

Find out about the doctor’s specific expertise
Orthopedics is a vast field entailing several branches and subfields of specialization. Although all orthopedic doctors may have some insight into these subfields, many may specialize in a specific area. Looking for an orthopedic doctor with specific expertise in one’s orthopedic condition can help one receive specialized treatment and care. For example, individuals with ankle and foot-related issues may benefit from consulting orthopedic doctors specializing in podiatry or the subfield of orthopedics involving the treatment of feet and ankle conditions. In contrast, an orthopedic spine specialist may be the right doctor for individuals with spinal cord issues.

Schedule an initial one-on-one consultation
While checking orthopedic doctors’ credentials and specializations is the first step to shortlisting an orthopedic specialist nearby, it is important to schedule a consultation with the doctor to understand whether s/he can implement these learnings in practice. Moreover, this initial consultation can help one gauge the specialist’s communication skills and willingness to help patients based on their specific issues. One should also confirm with the orthopedic doctor about their approach and ask about similar cases that s/he may have handled in the past.

Ask for a referral from a family doctor
Family doctors are experienced healthcare professionals who are well-versed with their patients’ case histories and existing health conditions. Moreover, they often have several contacts with healthcare professionals from different subfields and specializations. Hence, it is beneficial to ask for a referral to an orthopedic specialist from one’s family physician.

Look for hospitals and clinics covered in the health insurance policy
Health insurance policies typically provide coverage for a specific list of hospitals and clinics. Checking out the list of orthopedic clinics, doctors, and hospitals covered in one’s policy ensures that one is financially reimbursed for the treatment. Moreover, good insurance policies provide coverage for treatments at reputed hospitals and clinics; hence, seeking treatment at these centers can help one ensure superior-quality treatment and consultation.

Check out online reviews and feedback
Online reviews can help one understand other patients’ experiences with the orthopedic doctor and/or clinic. One should check out online reviews on different websites and platforms besides the testimonies published on the clinic’s website. Word-of-mouth from family members and friends also plays an essential role in helping one shortlist an orthopedic doctor or surgeon.

Compare the services and costs of different doctors
The costs of different orthopedic interventions may differ marginally between clinics and doctors based on various factors, including specialization and the doctor’s expertise. It helps to check out and compare the list of services offered by different orthopedic specialists vis-a-vis the charges for these services. This comparison can help one shortlist an orthopedic doctor whose services are specialized but not exorbitant or unreasonable.

Look for doctors having memberships in healthcare associations
Doctors typically become members of healthcare associations to continue learning about their field and staying updated with the latest interventions and research work. Thus, an orthopedic specialist’s membership in healthcare associations demonstrates his/her dedication and commitment to the profession. Moreover, such orthopedic specialists are more likely to understand the latest technology, infrastructure, and path-breaking healthcare research in the field.

The key to finding an orthopedic specialist is understanding one’s requirements and looking for doctors with specializations in one’s issues. A steadfast commitment to orthopedics and healthcare, affordable services, and good listening skills are some aspects to consider while making this decision.