Musculoskeletal injuries (injuries to the bones, joints, or soft tissues) are not uncommon, and many of them require specialized care to ensure proper healing.
Orthopedic doctors are medical professionals who specialize in the diagnoses and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. When looking for an orthopedic doctor, it is important to not only consider one who has the right combination of expertise, professionalism, and experience but also who you feel is a good match for you. After all, your recovery and overall health are too important to entrust to the wrong person.
Below are a few tips to help you find the best orthopedic doctor for your injury.
1.) Start with people you trust.
Your primary care doctor is your best referral source, especially if you have insurance. There are some companies that will not cover the cost of your treatment unless you get a referral from your PCP.
Your PCP will be able to refer you to a respectable orthopedic doctor within their network to help with your injury.
Speaking to local friends, family, relatives, and colleagues can also be a great way to get reliable recommendations and feedback.
2.) Do a background check.
Using your list of orthopedic doctors, you search the Internet for vital information about their background, specifically their credentials, education, and training. You can find some useful information on the practice’s website itself.
Verify the orthopedic doctor’s board certification status. Board certification gives you the assurance that the orthopedic doctor you’re working with is knowledgeable and qualified. You can access the provider portal of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS) to check the orthopedist’s board certification status.
It is also important to learn about whether the orthopedic doctor has a clean track record— with no history of malpractice claims or disciplinary action. You can verify it using the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) website.
3.) Get acquainted.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you’ll want to see each potential orthopedic doctor on your list. This is an opportunity for you to ascertain the doctor’s bedside manner, level of experience, professionalism, and compatibility with them. No matter how qualified your orthopedic doctor is, if you don’t feel comfortable with them or trust their opinion, this can have a negative impact on your treatment outcome.
The right one will take the time to thoroughly understand your concerns, discuss your treatment options, and answer your questions—and not make you feel like you’re being rushed. Choose the one who makes you feel comfortable and confident in their expertise while keeping the attitude of their staff and office culture into consideration.
Orthopedic Doctor in Johnson City, Bristol, and Kingsport, TN
At Watauga Orthopaedics, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons have established a solid reputation spanning over 70 years for delivering unmatched patient experience and treatment outcomes. Seeing one of our orthopedic surgeons, whether for an injury or any other type of musculoskeletal problem, essentially means you are under the care of a highly credentialed medical professional who is genuinely committed to advancing your health and overall well-being.
To see one of our orthopedic surgeons, contact our friendly staff at (423) 282-9011. You may also use this form, and we will contact you as soon as possible to schedule your appointment.
