When it’s time for foot surgery, you want to find the best orthopedic surgeon Pensacola FL to handle your needs. You want a doctor who is experienced, compassionate and places their patient’s needs above all else. Take your time finding an orthopedic surgeon so you’re sure to feel taken care of and respected throughout the surgery process. The right orthopedic surgeon Pensacola can be found with the following steps.
- Ask your primary physician.
- Ask your foot doctor.
- Ask your friends or neighbors.
- Get a second opinion.
Consulting with your primary care physician is a great way to learn of the orthopedic surgeons in your area. You can also ask your foot doctor, who is likely the person that will suggest surgery for whatever reason. Your foot doctor may be an orthopedic surgeon as well and able to operate on your foot. If this is the case, it is highly suggested to allow this person who knows your medical background, to perform the operation. The doctor should sit down and show you images from other patients they have worked with, namely procedures similar to the one you’re in need of.
Ask friends and neighbors who’ve had foot surgery for suggestions. You will be surprised at the opinions people have post-surgery. At the root, everyone wants to feel well-cared for. If they felt the doctor was too quick or didn’t pay them enough visits in recovery, they will share that information with you. This also helps you weed out doctors that primary physician or foot doctor refer you to. When you are given a referral, take the time to go online and research the doctor. There too you will find reviews and opinions of real patients. Doctors refer patients to specialists based on loyalty and their own professional relationships.
Take the time to get a second opinion. If your foot doctor is suggesting surgery, it is most likely because you need it. There are various techniques and procedures to handle the same problem with foot surgery, which is why a second opinion is important. Look at another foot doctor or having multiple consultations with various foot surgeons for another opinion on the health of your feet. The bottomline is that you must trust your instincts when selecting a foot surgeon. There are many doctors out there that claim to be ‘the best,’ but ultimately you want a qualified, experienced doctor who takes their time with patients.
