If knee pain has started to keep you from doing even your simplest day-to-day activities, consider seeking the expertise of an orthopedic surgeon— specifically one who specializes in treating knee problems.
However, with the tens of thousands of practicing knee orthopedic surgeons in the United States, finding the right one for your care can be tad bit overwhelming. The good news is you may not need to look very far, as you could just find one near you.
Let the following criteria be your guide to finding and choosing the best knee orthopedic surgeon in your area.
Background
As with finding any type of medical doctor, credentials are inarguably the most important things to consider when searching for a knee orthopedic surgeon. As such, make sure to choose one who has active board-certification and fellowship-training status.
In essence, board certification and fellowship training are a form of assurance that a knee orthopedic surgeon is qualified and knowledgeable, and pursues continuing education to stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons’ (AAOS) website is an excellent resource for board-certified, fellowship-trained knee orthopedic surgeons: it allows you to search for providers according to specialty and your location.
Additionally, it pays to find out if an orthopedic surgeon has ever been sued for malpractice in your state. You may come across resources online, but if not, you can pay for a copy of it by calling the clerk’s office in your county.
Online Reputation
Just as you’ve used star ratings to help you with your buying decisions, you may also want to use them when finding an orthopedic surgeon near you.
While not necessarily a deciding factor, patient reviews help you choose with greater confidence, as they can tell you a lot about a provider’s bedside manner, expertise, communication style, staff attitude, among other important things.
Bedside Manner
Bedside manner refers to how healthcare practitioners interact with their patients through their body language, tone, and actions. A knee orthopedic surgeon’s bedside manner can significantly affect your understanding of your diagnosis, treatment outcome, and overall experience.
The best way to ascertain this aspect is to see the knee orthopedic surgeon in person.
The surgeon may be qualified and skilled, but if they don’t acknowledge, validate, and respect your concerns, or they’re just an altogether terrible person to work with, you will want to cross them off your list.
Best Orthopedic Surgeon in Naples, FL
If you’re in search of the best knee orthopedic surgeon within the Naples area in Florida, look no further than ours here at the Joint Replacement Institute.
Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons are best known for not only their expertise, but also for their compassionate approach to care and commitment to delivering unmatched patient outcomes. Teaming up with one of our providers means one thing: you’re under the care of a highly qualified medical professional who is genuinely invested in not only the outcome of your treatment but also your overall health and well-being.
Arrange a visit with one of our knee orthopedic surgeons today. Call us at (239) 261-2663. Alternatively, you may send an appointment request by filling out our convenient online form.