How to find the “best” neurosurgeon or spine surgeon?
This is something that probably gets “Googled” all the time. How do you find the “best” neurosurgeon or spine surgeon available? There are great surgeons all across the country and the world. “Greatness,” however, comes in many different forms. Here are some things to consider when choosing a surgeon.
Is your surgeon fellowship trained?
This means additional training during or after normal training to become extra-specialized in the field.
Which surgeon utilizes the latest technology?
Robotics? Navigation (“GPS” during surgery to place hardware)? Neuromonitoring?
Which surgeon has been trained on minimally invasive techniques to minimize disruption to the normal tissue of the body?
This helps decrease pain, decrease risk of infection, decrease length of stay in the hospital, and speeds up overall recovery.
Which surgeon takes the time to LISTEN to you in clinic, to learn about your issues as well as your goals with care?
Which surgeon takes the time to EXAMINE you in clinic, to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses?
Which surgeon COMMUNICATES effectively, empathetically, and in a non-rushed manner?
Too many surgeons use medical jargon that leaves patients confused and scared, unfortunately.
Which surgeon takes the time to DISCUSS ALL the options that are possible to fix your ailment, with ALL the associated benefits and risks of each option?
The goal is to come to a decision on how to proceed TOGETHER - '“shared decision making.”
Is your surgeon CONSERVATIVE; does he/she try to avoid surgery if possible?
Will your surgeon check in on you post-operatively to make sure the goals have been met?
How is the surgeon’s team? Is it a friendly, collaborative, caring environment?
This includes the physician assistant (PA), surgery scheduler, front desk, medical assistants (MAs), etc.
What is the surgeon’s reputation?
This can be word-of-mouth from other patients, from other physicians, from Google reviews, Healthgrade reviews, WebMD reviews, etc. It all MATTERS!
Where did the surgeon go to school and train?
Disclosure: I am biased on this question. I trained at West Virginia University for Neurosurgery training. It is not “World famous” like some other centers, BUT the training there was first-class. We were the major referral center receiving the sickest patients from Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. As a resident, I had the opportunity to learn surgeries “hands-on,” not just by observing. Some other “big name” institutions, however, are more research oriented with less “hands-on” learning. My point here is the “household name” may not always mean a surgeon is more technically skilled. With that said, I then did fellowship at Barrow Neurological Institute, which IS a world famous neurosurgical organization, and the sub-specialized minimally invasive spine surgery training there was superb.
Is my surgeon part of a major health center?
This has pros and cons.
The pros are potentially more resources and experience for very complex issues.
The cons are potentially not being able to pick your surgeon, less personalized care, and potentially having resident doctors perform and assist in the surgery (not a bad thing but some patients do not want this).
Where is the surgeon?
Disclosure: I am biased and consultations/surgeries are best in paradise: sunny Naples, Florida!
Does the surgeon take my insurance?
This is one of the most frustrating aspects of medical care for physicians, but something that is still important so patients’ bills are kept to a minimum.
Is my surgeon a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon?
Disclosure: I am biased (I am a neurosurgeon). But, the data shows neurosurgeons do more spine cases in training than orthopedic surgeons. Furthermore, only neurosurgeons are trained to perform surgeries addressing issues WITHIN the spinal cord or dura (sac where the nerves are).
Do you like your surgeon?
The most simple but most important. Do you get along? Are you aligned in your goals? Do you trust each other?
Even if you do not have surgery, sometimes you will continue to have a relationship for years, where the doctor checks in on you periodically.
If you are not sure, get a second opinion!
