After a serious accident, you could suffer from a bone, joint, ligament, muscle, or tendon injury. To obtain a diagnosis and treatment plan for your injury, you should see an orthopedic surgeon.
Orthopedic surgeons play a crucial role in the recovery of accident victims. With their help, you may be able to get proper treatment of your injury and have a full recovery. But your success hinges on the skill of your surgeon. 1-800-Injured wants to make it easy for you to connect with a qualified professional. Call us today and get started.
What Do Orthopedic Surgeons Treat?
Generally, orthopedic surgeons treat any injuries that affect your musculoskeletal system. This includes hip and knee, foot and ankle, shoulder and elbow, hand, and spine injuries. While some surgeons specialize in one or two areas of the body, others are more generalists.
These surgeons usually treat patients of all ages and all walks of life. In addition to treating those who have been injured in an accident, they also treat people who have sports injuries, need joint replacements, and have spinal deformities.
Although an orthopedic surgeon may suggest surgery, their first step will be to consider non-surgical treatment. They may recommend pain management or rehabilitation. If surgery is necessary to heal an injury, the surgeon will perform the procedure.
The ailments treated by this type of surgeon have serious implications on your life. For instance, a broken leg may prevent you from working a physical job. It can also keep you from enjoying hobbies or caring for your family. Proper treatment is crucial and could allow you to recover your life after a devastating injury.
Common Accidents Requiring an Orthopedic Surgeon
In 2017, there were 2.7 million discharges from Florida hospitals. Although not all of those were required to see an orthopedic surgeon, many of them did. If you were involved in any of the following accidents, you might find yourself searching for a surgeon:
Car Accident
In 2015, there were 1,025 average car crashes per day in Florida. If you’re seeking an orthopedic surgeon after a car accident, you’re not alone. Many victims of car crashes experience broken bones, joint problems, or muscle injuries. A general doctor is not qualified to handle those issues and will refer you to a specialist.
Slip and Fall
You might also be in need of a specialist if you had a slip and fall accident. Knee injuries are common during a slip and fall, as are hand injuries. Although broken bones from slip and falls are more common among elderly victims, the injury can happen regardless of your age.
Product Liability
Because product liability comes in many forms, an injury from a defective product may result in the need for an orthopedic surgeon. Some circumstances, like defective auto parts, are more likely to require this type of specialist than others.
What Should You Look for in a Surgeon?
Before you choose a surgeon, you should do some research. Not all specialists are equally qualified. If you pick someone who isn’t highly skilled, you could get misdiagnosed, improper treatment, or botched surgery.
Without proper care, you won’t heal well and your personal injury claim will be in jeopardy. You need a diagnosis and treatment plan to prove the extent of your injuries. Only with proper documentation will you be able to make a case for compensation.
On that note, it’s important to realize that the cost of seeing an orthopedic surgeon or the cost of treatment should not stop you from getting help. If you have a successful personal injury claim, you will be able to obtain compensation for all of your medical expenses.
As you look for a surgeon, consider all of the following details:
Whether or Not They Were Referred to You
Many individuals rely on referrals to find specialists. Before you start the search, ask your primary care doctor for a list of referrals. You can also ask your friends, family members, and co-workers for a qualified professional.
Their Credentials
Thanks to the internet, there’s a wealth of information available on the credentials of a surgeon. Before making your selection, research the credentials of your top choices. Are they board certified? You may want to be wary of malpractice claims and disciplinary actions against the doctor. While you’re researching, find out which medical school the surgeon went to and what certifications they have.
How Much Experience Do They Have?
Generally, the more experienced a doctor is, the better your outcome will be. Ask the doctor how many times they have treated people with conditions that are similar to yours. Additionally, request the complication rate for your specific procedure.
Your doctor should be more than willing to give you the information you need. If they are reluctant to do so, be wary. They are not the type of surgeon you want caring for you.
The Hospital They Use
Most surgeons will only work at one hospital. Therefore, their hospital will be your home for the surgery. Because some hospitals are better than others, do a little research on the facility. What do people have to say about it? Furthermore, research the survival rates of the hospital. You may also want to consider the location of the facility. If it’s far from your home, transportation could be a problem.
Their Communication Skills
You deserve to know what’s going on with your body, so communication is key. You should only work with a surgeon who communicates well with you. When you ask them questions, pay attention to their responses. If they seem rushed and disinterested, you might want to find a different specialist. They should keep you informed and engaged in the decision-making process.
Work with 1-800-Injured
The selection process is often overwhelming. But you don’t need to handle the process on your own. 1-800-Injured is ready to stand by your side and make the choice easier.
Because we’ve spent years helping victims of accidents, we’ve seen the challenges that come with looking for orthopedic surgeons after accidents. We want to assist you with the search, and we have a large network of highly experienced surgeons. To learn more about connecting with one, call our office today.