For severe shoulder pain, surgery might be prescribed by your doctor. And that’s especially if you’ve experienced a sudden shoulder injury or have an onset condition. Then, the next step is to find a shoulder surgeon that you can trust. But where do you start?
Let’s talk about some tips you can follow when finding a right shoulder surgeon and where you can find the best shoulder surgeon in Baltimore, Maryland, and the Chesapeake Bay Area.
Tips for Finding a Shoulder Surgeon
Consult People You Know
Ask people you trust for referrals. A friend might know a trustworthy and qualified surgeon fit for the job. You might even have a family member or close friend who is a shoulder surgeon. Or, at the very least, an orthopedic doctor. Having someone you know as your surgeon will ease any anxiety or nerves you might have.
Visit A Medical Center in Your Area That Specializes in Shoulder Surgery
If you can’t get a good referral, your best option is to visit a medical center in your area. There are many clinics and centers that focus on certain specialties.
Orthopedic centers focusing on hands and shoulders are the best place to find qualified shoulder surgeons. Orthopedic doctors can assess, diagnose, and treat shoulder issues. They can also refer patients to shoulder surgeons fit for performing needed procedures.
They will guide you through preparation and recovery; they also notice abnormalities that would otherwise go overlooked in a typical medical center.
Check for Credentials and References
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential surgeons, check their credentials and references. The easiest way to ensure that a surgeon is licensed is to check with the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB).
To check if the surgeon is actually board-certified to specialize in shoulder surgery, you can visit the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) website. Finally, you should also personally ask the surgeon for references from previous patients. Ask for their contact numbers and names. You’ll know a candidate is qualified if previous patients can confidently vouch for their expertise.
Ask Many Questions
In the final stages of choosing a shoulder surgeon, it’s crucial to ask as many questions as you can. Here are some things you should ask about.
Skills
Interview your surgeon to ensure their skills and dependability. Discuss their success rates and the total number of surgeries they’ve performed. Ask how long they’ve been specializing in shoulder surgery. You should also be at ease that someone truly qualified is performing your surgery.
Risks
Make the surgeon honestly discuss the risks that shoulder surgery will entail. You don’t want a surgeon who falsely guarantees 100% success. Knowing about the possible complications or issues you might experience is a sign of a good surgeon. That way, they could confidently make the right decisions during surgery.
Follow Your Gut
You should take into consideration the way you feel when interacting with them as well. Sure, they might look good on paper. But are you comfortable with your surgeon?
Sometimes it all comes down to your gut instincts. Choose a surgeon that you aren’t anxious or worried to be around.
Consider the Cost
Finally, you should check if the surgeon’s fee is affordable. Surgeon fees tend to vary. Some factors include specialization, seniority, and success rates.
If you’re subscribed to a health insurance plan, ask your provider if the surgeon’s fees are covered. If not, finalize your budget and choose a surgeon with fees within that range only.
Shoulder Surgeon in Baltimore, Maryland Area, and Chesapeake Bay Area
When choosing your shoulder surgeon, it’s crucial to find someone trustworthy. There are many factors to consider—and for a good reason, too. Moreover, the right surgeon should be honest, skilled, and within your budget. The shoulder specialists at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder in Maryland are prepared to help you deal with shoulder pain and injuries.
We offer advanced treatments and services to treat shoulder issues. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons specialize in shoulder surgery. They’re extremely well-versed and highly skilled in reverse shoulder replacement, shoulder arthroscopy, shoulder stabilization surgery, and many more surgical procedures.
Call us at (410) 296-6232 for inquiries. To request an appointment, you could also fill up our online form. We have clinics in Lutherville, Bel Air, Clarksville, Eldersburg, Pasadena, Baltimore, and Westminster. For complete location information, you can visit our website.
