When musculoskeletal injury or disease strikes – such as a sprained ankle, knee injury, or arthritis – you need the right orthopedic doctor. You know that there are a lot of orthopedists around, so how to you choose?
Let’s talk about how to find a good orthopedist for you, and where you can go in the Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia area for world-class orthopedic treatment.
Tips on Finding an Orthopedic Doctor
Your physician’s referral is a good place to start, but it is a good idea to also pursue recommendations from trusted friends or relatives in the area who have received treatment by an orthopedic doctor. While you do your research, go on each doctor’s website and consider the following factors:
Services Offered
The orthopedic doctor’s website will give you a good feel for what they do and what they offer. Do they provide holistic or nonsurgical treatments if desired by the patient? Can they perform orthopedic surgery if you need it?
Looking for an orthopedic doctor isn’t like looking for a family doctor or another type of medical generalist. An orthopedist is a specialist. You have certain concerns you want addressed, so be sure that the doctor can address those issues.
Credentials
Check the doctor’s credentials and education. Where did they go to medical school? Where did they have their residency? Did they participate in a fellowship?
Look for board-certification and areas of subspecialty. If the orthopedic doctor specializes in the hands and arms but you have a hurting knee or arthritis in your foot, keep looking. Keep in mind that the doctor may be part of a larger practice which has a physician who specializes in what you need.
Location and Facility
Is the orthopedic doctor’s office convenient to your home or place of employment? Does the building look professional? Is it readily accessible with ample parking?
Since the field of orthopedics often deals with bone fractures, sprains, strains, and arthritis, find out what imaging technology they have on-site. They should have advanced imaging technology in order to efficiently and accurately confirm a diagnosis, so every issue can be appropriately treated.
Orthopedic Doctor in the Tri-Cities, Tennessee
When you’re looking for a good orthopedic doctor, you want someone who will give you an efficient evaluation and an accurate diagnosis, and you want treatment that works. You may have joint pain, a bone injury, or muscle pain – whatever your ailment, our experienced orthopedic physicians at Watauga Orthopaedics are here for you. We have convenient offices in Johnson City, Bristol, and Kingsport, Tennessee.
Our orthopedists specialize in everything from sports medicine to arthritis, from osteoporosis to a sprained ankle. We can conduct a thorough assessment, explain your treatment options, and administer whichever solution you decide.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our outstanding orthopedic doctors, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (423) 282-9011, or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you get back to participating in the active lifestyle you enjoy!