Around half a million Americans go through spine surgery every single year. If you’re reading this article, chances are that you’re googling “minimally invasive spine surgery near me” in hopes of finding the best spine surgeon for your needs. While sometimes discomfort is an unavoidable result of surgery, choosing the right surgeon with the skills to handle your procedure in a minimally invasive way can optimize your chances of a speedy, effective recovery. Not every surgeon may be experienced enough or have the training and expertise to handle the demands of successfully completing minimally invasive spine surgery. Here’s what you should know in order to choose a spine surgeon who can.
What To Know When Looking For Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Near Me
1. Ask for referrals
Your primary care physician should be your go-to reference when seeking a spine surgeon. As your primary care provider, they will probably have recommendations for a specialist on hand if they think your condition falls beyond their expertise. If they don’t give you a recommendation right away, you can ask them – in fact, some specialists and insurance companies actually require a referral from your GP. You can also ask your friends and family who have undergone the type of spine surgery you are seeking, and see how they felt about their spine surgeon.
2. Read reviews
Nowadays, you’ll find reviews and ratings for almost any type of product or service, and medical professionals are no exception. Browsing through patient reviews will give you a clearer picture of how previous patients felt about spine surgeons, their success rates, and their bedside manner. You can also visit peer-review websites, where other doctors and surgeons recommend their fellow medical providers.
3. Credentials are a pre-requisite
Along with basic educational qualifications such as an M.D. or D.O, spine surgeons require two other certifications:
- Board certification: Surgeons must complete additional training through the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery to achieve board certification. This includes several years of residency training and an intensive examination.
- Fellowship training: After completing medical school, a surgeon must complete a one-year internship, 4 to 6 years of residency training, and 1 year of fellowship training
You will need to find a surgeon who not only meets these criteria but exceeds them by having many additional years of experience working in the field.
4. Find a surgeon who specializes in the type of surgery you’re seeking
Even if a surgeon is board-certified and may be a good surgeon in their field of practice, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have experience with the specific type of surgery you are seeking. Check the surgeon’s previous experience performing the type of minimally invasive spine surgery you need, their success rates, and how often they perform it. A long-standing, respected surgical career with many successful outcomes in your specific type of surgery makes it more likely you will also have a good outcome.
Contact Us Today
At ACME Spine & Orthopedics, our board-certified surgeons have combined decades of experience practicing minimally invasive spine surgery. We utilize the most innovative techniques and cutting-edge equipment to ensure satisfactory patient outcomes. If you’re looking for “minimally invasive spine surgery near me,” call ACME Spine & Orthopedics to schedule an appointment today!