How to Find a Good Surgeon

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Ask your primary care doctor to make a recommendation for a qualified surgeon.

   If you're not sure of the type of surgeon you need, ask your doctor.
   
   General surgeons perform many different types of surgeries, primarily dealing with the digestive tract.
   
   They perform gallbladder, liver, colon and pancreatic surgeries.
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   Step 2: Look to your family and friends for advise and a recommendation.

   Quite often, you will find someone close to you that has used or who knows a good surgeon.
   
   It is always comforting to receive a recommendation from a close friend. , Depending on your insurance, you may need to use an in-network surgeon if you want your health insurance policy to cover its portion of the expenses. , This will help in steering you in the right direction while saving you time. ,, Find out how long the surgery will take, if there are risks associated with the procedure, what the risks are, how long the recovery period is and what type of follow-up care you'll need. , Make sure you ask how many times he has performed this procedure. , If you have an uneasy feeling about a surgeon, the way he answered your questions or the way he conducted the consultation, walk away.
   
   Your instincts are usually right. , Choose the surgeon that you feel most comfortable with.
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   Step 3: Check with your health insurance company.

4. 4

   Step 4: Eliminate any surgeons that family and friends have found to be unsatisfactory.

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   Step 5: Inquire about using a specialized surgeon.

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   Step 6: Schedule consultations with 2 or 3 potential surgeons.

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   Step 7: Question the surgeon's qualifications and experience.

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   Step 8: Trust your instincts.

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   Step 9: Schedule your surgery only after the surgeon answers all your questions.

Detailed Guide

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