How to Choose the Best Elbow Surgeon
If you are faced with elbow surgery, you want to make sure you secure the best orthopaedic surgeon possible. This doctor will be tasked with your pre-operative and post-operative care along with ensuring you have a successful surgery. There are many things to consider when choosing the best elbow surgeon and we’re here to help you formulate your list of questions and comparisons to best help you pick the right doctor for you.
Questions You Should Ask the Surgeon
Prepare for your first visit and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Collect any information, including x-rays and other images, treatment history, and a medication list. Be prepared to share your story with the doctor which will help him/her understand your condition and how best to treat you.
Here are seven key questions to consider when selecting the right elbow surgeon for your condition.
- Do you take my insurance?
- Where will the procedure occur?
- How many times have you performed the procedure?
- What were the outcomes and complication rates?
- What does the surgery entail?
- What does my post-operative recovery look like?
- Will I have to do physical therapy and for how long?
Questions You Should Ask Yourself
Choosing the right elbow surgeon can feel daunting, especially when you’re dealing with significant pain or limited mobility. To help you make the best choice after your initial visit, ask these four important questions to yourself. These questions will help you formulate a pros/cons list for each doctor you see.
- Was the surgeon personable?
- Did I feel comfortable asking him or her questions?
- Did he/she answer my questions?
- Ultimately, do I trust him or her to perform my surgery?
Next Steps
Once you have had your initial appointment(s), it’s time to decide on your next steps. Surgery is a big deal and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Consider what you’ve learned and whether the surgery you’re contemplating is necessary to improve your quality of life. If the answer is yes, then you can have confidence in making your final decision knowing that you’ve done your due diligence in researching the best elbow surgeon. This means it’s time to choose a doctor and begin the road to healing!
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Schmidt for all Your Elbow Needs!
If you are still in the interviewing/information-gathering process, make an appointment with Dr. Christopher Schmidt. Dr. Schmidt is known for his exceptional expertise and patient-centered care. Recognized as one of the top elbow surgeons in the U.S., he specializes in Distal Biceps Tears and Triceps Tendon Ruptures and practices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Beyond his advanced skills and extensive experience, Dr. Schmidt is admired for his compassionate and approachable nature, earning him the title of one of Pennsylvania’s Favorite Physicians (Patients’ Choice).
To view a list of additional elbow-related issues Dr. Schmit works with, click here.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Schmidt at one of his convenient Pittsburgh-area locations, contact us at (877) 471-0935.
