Vetting a Doctor before Surgery

About a month ago Richard Welsh from Public Relations emailed and asked if I’d share a pair of links with you. I looked them up and said sure. They’re all about vetting a doctor if you live in Florida, but the advice applies anywhere. Here are the links Richard sent me, and what I thought about them.

Picking a doctor is important, but it’s critical if you’re facing surgery. You want the best doctor doing your operation. An ounce of pre-op research is worth a pound of post-op complications.
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          The 1st link: Vetting a doctor before surgery - fhvlegal.com/vetting-doctor-before-surgery/
               The 2nd: A checklist to keep things simple - Vetting a Doctor Before Surgery Checklist
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​Part 1 – Research – This is the first, and most important step. That’s because research plays a part in all the other steps you take to find that doctor, who’s just right for you. 

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​- Check their credentials. Search your state’s Department of Health for your doctor’s name and license status. Check to see if there are any errors or mistakes on their record, or if they’ve received any disciplinary action. Richard shared Florida’s Department of Health link, but your state should have one too. 
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- Check for board certification and professional associations. The American Board of Specialties has a button that lists all of them. Find the one you need, then your doctor’s name. You’ll see what he/she is certified in.
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The Florida site also has a list of associations. Use it as a guide to find the ones in your home state. 
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​- Check reviews online or from people you know.  Try websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, RateMDs, and local hospitals, and don’t forget to talk to the people you know.             

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​ Part 2 – Ask Questions – Some questions will come from your research. Others will pop up as you move forward. Think about the things you want to know about the surgery and the doctor who’ll do it. If you’re worried, jot down your questions. The answers will make you feel better, or they’ll drive you to find more information. Maybe you’ll even seek a second opinion. Here are some suggestions from the Florida site that might help you find your way.
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​- Ask about experience – How often does your doctor operate per week? The more, the better. What’s their experience, positive and negative? (Ask your surgeon, their patients, even your friends and family doctor.)

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​- Ask about successes – How does your doctor define success, and what’s their success rate for your surgery? What kind of anesthesia will they use, and are there side effects? Where can I find testimonials/referrals for you as a surgeon, or from your patients? 

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​- Ask about continuing education – What’s your doctor doing to stay current with new developments within their area of expertise? Are there alternative options, and what do they say about them? 

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​- Ask about surgery, post-op, and recovery – What are the risks and side effects of surgery? What will it cost? How long will I need hospital care? What is the post-op plan? Will I need therapy?  What will insurance cover, and what’s my cost? How long until I’m recovered and back to work/normal?

These are all basic questions from the Florida website. They can help you find answers to your own unique situation.

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​Part 3 – Get Referrals – Ask people you know. They’ll help you in your search for the right doctor. How? Ask them to refer you to a specialist or to a procedure.


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​- Get referrals from your primary care doctor. That’s where I go to find a specialist. I trust my doctor and his/her suggestions.
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Doctors get feedback when the patient returns. If they’ve had a good experience, they’ll continue to send the specialist new patients. If it was a bad one, my doctor would have to decide if they’d recommend them again. I’ve been happy with all the specialists my primary care doctor recommended, except one. Practically perfect is a great record😊

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​- Get referrals from people you trust. Ask the people you know. Like family, friends, or acquaintances for their recommendations. I was lucky, I always found someone in the teachers’ lounge who’d experienced the new problems that appeared with age. I never asked someone I didn’t trust. 

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​- Ask for another referral, or a second opinion. If something feels wrong, get another opinion. It will either confirm the information you already have, or it will confirm your suspicions. Sometimes you have to listen to your gut; then do the research to help you make a good decision.

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​Part 4 – Red Flags – Look for red flags when you vet a new doctor. When you have a bad feeling, listen and check it out. Maybe it’s your imagination, but maybe it isn’t. Do your due diligence. Then decide if you want to move forward, or search for a new doctor.


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​- Lacks board certification. If a doctor doesn’t have it, there’s a reason why. Either they lack the training and evaluation, or it’s been pulled because of malpractice. This is a HUGE Red Flag that you should find someone else. 
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Check credentials. Look at a physician’s experience. If you have a choice between someone who does 1-2 surgeries a week versus someone who does 50, who would you pick? My father chose the one in the 50-a-week club for his, and I’m glad he did.
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Don’t forget to check for malpractice claims, disciplinary actions, and for patterns of negligence. These are NO-GO signs. My advice – find another doctor. 

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​​- Examine everyday behaviors for flags. When you meet with the doctor, do they rush through the appointment, or fail to answer your questions? Do they dismiss your concerns without explanation, or refuse to consider other alternatives? You’re paying the doctor, and he serves you. If he doesn’t, look elsewhere.

Look to see if the doctor’s office is clean and organized. If it’s not, it tells you something about the way they do business. Do what feels right for you – after all, you’re paying the bill.

Finally does the doctor pressure you to make a decision, without getting a second opinion? My daughter had one of those doctors, so we checked with another one. He offered advice and monitored her for changes over the next several years. I’m glad we said thanks, but no thanks to the first one.

  
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Part 5 – Final Thoughts & Conclusions – At the end of the process, vetting a doctor is like trying to fit the right puzzle pieces together. If you do it well, you have a match that fits you and your family.
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If you feel like you’re shoving a square peg into a round hole, you probably are. I’d take a fresh look at your research, plus a few new variables. 


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Double-check your insurance coverage. Healthcare is expensive, and insurance is the gate keeper. Make sure your choices are covered, or consider making a change. Otherwise, be prepared to pay a little, or A LOT More for your medical bills. Your financial health is another important part of this decision. 


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Trust your instincts/gut. If you have a bad feeling about a doctor and/or surgery, listen. Sometimes your gut is your first and strongest warning sign that danger lies ahead. Getting a second opinion can give you peace of mind. Mental health is part of your physical health too. 


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​​Make sure you’re comfortable with your decision. Knowing you can trust your doctor for information. That they don’t pooh-pooh your choices can give you peace of mind when your body is under stress. That’s a very good thing 😊


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Don’t forget accessibility. If your surgeon is hours away, getting treatment and follow-up care can be tricky, and expensive. On the other hand, if your doctor makes you feel safe, like you’re in good hands, it might be worth driving a little farther to get that safety net.
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So in conclusion, take the time you need to make a good decision. Don’t forget the doctor serves you. You’re paying for their time and expertise. Make sure you’re getting what you paid for. 

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