If you’ve been told you may need surgery, you might be wondering where to start. Finding a surgeon can be a daunting task. Many times, patients are left to do their own research on the procedure and the best surgeon to perform the surgery. A simple Google search is often the first-place patients start, but there are other criteria to consider when evaluating a surgeon’s experience and expertise.
We asked Austin Surgeons board certified general surgeon Mark Glover, M.D. to share his recommendations on how to find a qualified surgeon.
Tips for Choosing a Surgeon
Read reviews. Online review sites such as Google, Yelp and Healthgrades can be helpful but should be taken with a grain of salt. Numerous negative reviews are a red flag, but even good reviews are not always guarantee.
Check for board certification. Each physician specialty has a governing body that sets a standard most surgeons obtain. For example, most general surgeons are a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, which is denoted by FACS in their credentials following their name.
Check surgical society websites to review your surgeons’ affiliations. For example, if you need hernia surgery, see if your surgeon is active or registered with the Americas Hernia Society.
Check your state medical board for any previous judgements, complaints, or restrictions to a surgeon’s medical license.
Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask about their level of expertise and experience by asking how often they perform the procedure or what complications they have experienced. You can also ask questions about the surgical approach or technique. Some conditions can be done minimally invasive rather than through a traditional open procedure.
Ask your friends and family. Previous patients can share firsthand how well the staff communicated, the bedside manner of a surgeon, and their surgical outcome. If you know any nurses, CRNAs or anesthesiologists, they will have insider information and knowledge of how a surgeon performs and their reputation within the hospital. Surgeons often consider word of mouth referrals the best type of referral to receive.
Get a second opinion. Many patients think they may offend a surgeon if they get a second opinion, but this is not the case. It is very common practice. In some cases, primary care providers and emergency room physicians will refer you to a surgeon within their organization, which may or may not be the best surgeon for your condition.
Research your condition and procedure. Knowledge of your condition and your surgery will help you know which questions to ask when you see your surgeon.
Visit your primary care physician. They have years of experience, personal conversations with specialists and are your guide to traveling through the medical system.
About Austin Surgeons
At Austin Surgeons, our board-certified surgeons have over 100 years of collective experience in a broad range of surgical conditions. We offer advanced techniques including minimally invasive and robotic surgery.
For more information on surgery, or to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified general surgeons, book an appointment online or call 512-467-7151.
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