Tag Archives: knee injuries

How to Choose the Right Orthopedic Surgeon

Choosing the right orthopedic surgeon is the first step toward a successful surgery and a fast recovery. You may be wondering, but how do I know which surgeon is right for me? Here are a few tips and questions to keep in mind through your decision process:

Ask around

Just as you consult your friends, family or neighbors about products and services, so should you about doctor recommendations. AOC’s Dr. Barber says that asking around is the safest bet. He added, “There are a lot of people in the community that have these surgeries. So if you know 10 people that have had a great result from one surgeon that’s usually a pretty good endorsement.”

Don’t just take your friends and family’s word for it, also seek professional recommendations from your doctor or healthcare provider. Asking around can help you find a starting point in your search for an orthopedic surgeon.

Quick search

Go to your search engine of choice and type in your potential surgeon’s name. Review what others have said and any other available information. Remember: not everything on the Internet is concrete – some reviews can be exaggerated. Take the information and use it with discretion.

Research further

Narrow down your search by looking at your potential surgeon’s credentials. Visit their practices website, and learn more about their work experience and area of specialty. If you want more information about a particular surgeon, a great source is the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Before you make your final decision, consider these questions:

Questions to Ask Before Having an Operation

1. Why do I need this operation?
2. How will the operation be performed?
3. Are there other treatment options, and is this operation the best option for me?
4. What are the risks, benefits, and possible complications for this operation?
5. How will I be monitored during the operation?
6. What can I expect before the operation?
Will I need any special preparation – tests, blood donation, blood thinners and change in my routine medications?
Will I need any special diet?
When do I have to stop eating and drinking?
Should I take my home medication on the day of my operation?
7. What can I expect for my recovery in terms of treatment, medication, diet, and home care?
What type of care will I have to provide for myself at home?
When will I be able to return to my regular activities (work, lifting, driving, and exercise)?
Will I need any medication—antibiotics, pain medication?
What can I do to help with my recovery?
8. Could you tell me about your experience with this operation?
Do you perform this operation regularly?
What is your success rate, and how often do your patients experience any problems?
Are you board certified?
Are you a member of the American College of Surgeons?
How can I contact you if I have more questions?
9. Is the surgical facility accredited and properly staffed?
10. How much will the operation cost me, and what type of insurance do you take?

What to Consider when Looking at Online Doctor Websites:

1. The Data
Where did they get the data?
How accurate is the data?
Is the data immune from bias?
Does the data consider practice specializations or areas of focus?
2. Healthcare Expertise
Other Resources for Joint Replacement Surgeon Data American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons

 

AOC understands selecting the right orthopedic surgeon can be overwhelming. Please visit our website, www.alortho.com, to learn more about our team of doctors and the services they provide. To schedule an appointment or consultation, please call: 251.410.3600

Resources:
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4 halloween Safety Tips

4 Halloween Safety Tips

4 halloween Safety Tips

Halloween accidents can be frightening. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help you and your child avoid bumps, bruises and broken bones this year. Dodge the goblins and ghouls with these four Halloween safety tips.

Creative costumes
The perfect costume is essential to enjoying Halloween. However, before you go trick or treating, give your costume a few safety tweaks. Prevent tripping; always make sure the costume fits properly. If your costume has a mask, make sure it does not obstruct your vision. Lastly, adding reflective tape to you or your child’s costume can help cars see them better in the darkness.

Not so Haunted House
Your house has the perfect decorations, but something is missing – extra lights. Make sure to keep walkways and high traffic areas well lit and free from obstacles. Also, keep in mind fire safety. If you have lit jack-o’-lanterns, make sure they are out of reach.

Safe Trick or Treating
Did you know, only one-third of parents talks to their children about Halloween safety? Let’s increase those odds. Remind your kids to take a flashlight, always look for cars before crossing streets and to never accept homemade goods from strangers. It’s also important to never let children, under the age of 10, trick or treat alone.

Carve Pumpkins wisely
If you haven’t carved your pumpkin already, keep these carving tips in mind: always use safe carving tools, follow all instructions provided in the pumpkin-carving kit and never allow young children to carve a pumpkin.

Teal pumpkins
Friendly reminder: if you see a teal pumpkin on a doorstep, it’s not the latest pumpkin trend, the house is offering non-food treats in support of children with food allergies.

Avoid a scary situation this Halloween, keep these safety tips in mind. Happy Halloween everyone!

Resources:
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