Did you know that hand surgeons receive additional specialised training? This additional one-year training usually comes on top of their full residency. The hand has over 123 named ligaments, making it quite delicate to handle yet interesting. For your hand surgery, you only need to get the best specialist.
A hand specialist or surgeon has the expertise to provide the necessary care, sometimes not surgery. They will guide you through the treatment process to help preserve the future of your hand. With so many specialists available in Adelaide today, how do you find the best one?
This article highlights some helpful tips for choosing the right-hand surgeon for patients:
Find Out If The Surgeon Is Certified And Has The Right Training
Not all surgeons are the same. Some take their experience higher by becoming Board Certified. When going for hand surgery in Adelaide, always consider the surgeon’s credentials and certification.
A doctor with the right training, skills and experience offers you specialised care. It is crucial that the surgeon has no malpractice claims or has not faced disciplinary action.
Check For Surgeon’s Experience
A surgeon’s experience in hand surgery is important. Look for a surgeon with in-depth experience performing many hand surgeries, indicating their skill and experience in the field. You can ask the surgeon how many similar cases to yours they have handled before.
Ask for the number of procedures the doctor has performed before. If there is any complication rate, find out which ones the doctor has encountered and if they are familiar with your complications.
Doctor Specialisation
Hand surgery is a subspecialty within orthopaedic surgery or plastic surgery. A hand surgeon specialising in hand surgery will be more experienced and better equipped to handle your specific condition. They will offer more promising results. Always ask questions related to your condition or health. If any aspect needs clarifying, feel free to ask the surgeon.
Research The Hospital Quality
When registering for hand surgery, always consider the quality of service and care offered at the hospital. Hospital quality is vital because patients from these top-rated hospitals experience fewer complications and better survival rates. If you are looking for robotic knee replacement, you need to ensure the hospital is well-equipped with the robotic technology to handle the surgery and can deliver great results.
Communication
Communication is a vital factor to consider when choosing a hand surgeon. Always go for a hand surgeon with whom you can communicate comfortably and who supports your information needs. During the first appointment, ask the surgeon a question and watch how they reason. Do they appreciate your question and answer it in the best way to make you understand?
Find a hand surgeon whose major interest is helping you understand and know your condition. They should focus on knowing you, considering your preferred treatment options, and respecting your decisions.
Get Referrals From Friends And Primary Care Doctors
Referrals always work great. Before going for hand surgery in Adelaide, obtain a referral list from your primary care doctor, friends and family. All these people may not have had hand surgeries but have witnessed and heard the success stories of their preferred surgeons. You can always get more recommendations from other healthcare professionals as they always know the best doctor for your needs.
You need to take your time and research the doctor’s experience. Once you have shortlisted your search, call the individual hand surgeons, make an appointment and interview the surgeons. The hand is a vital part of your body, and it is only right if you give it the best-specialised care.
Consider Convenience
Convenience is crucial when choosing a hand surgeon. Hospital location, availability of on-site diagnostic imaging and ease of making an appointment are factors you must consider. You want to avoid obstacles when trying to get the help you need. It is best to have convenience for your follow-up visits or checkups. Getting a place near your work or home is ideal.
Read the Patient’s Reviews
Reading what the previous patients had to say about their experience with the surgeon can help give insight into the doctor’s practice and help understand how their medical practice operates and how well other patients trust or distrust the doctor. It helps you understand how well the doctor answers patients’ questions.
When it comes to hand surgery, trust is key. Choose a specialist with the skills and experience to offer the best possible outcome for your needs. Choosing the best hand surgeon is crucial for those who require hand surgery. Whether it’s a carpal tunnel release, a tendon repair, or a hand reconstruction, a qualified and experienced hand surgeon is essential to ensure a successful outcome.