Orthopedic surgery provides more than just renewed strength and joint function to the patient. It improves their confidence and enhances their perspective on life.
For this reason, prospective patients are typically eager to start their orthopedic journey as soon as possible. However, before scheduling the procedure, it is important for patients to assess their options properly.
Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, Mesquite, NV and surrounding locations.
Choosing the Right Surgeon: Checklist
- What are your qualifications, credentials, and experience?
- What number of years of experience do you have in orthopedic surgery?
- How many orthopedic surgeries have you performed to date?
- Can I see some examples of your previous work?
- What procedure do you recommend to me to achieve my objectives?
- Is a specific procedure suitable for me? If not, what options do you recommend?
- What are my options if I am not satisfied with the final results?
- What will the cost of the surgery be?
- What additional expenses can I expect?
- Where will you perform my surgery?
- What are the possible risks associated with a particular procedure?
- What can I expect during the recovery period?
- What are sustainable results?
Other than the above, there are many other questions that a patient can ask a potential surgeon. At the time of the consultation, the patient should openly ask any other questions that they may have.
Essential Question in Your Checklist: Is Your Orthopedic Surgeon Board Certified?
It is important for the patient to determine if their orthopedic surgeon is board certified. According to the law, any orthopedic surgeon can perform surgeries. But choosing a board certified surgeon is an ideal approach to ensure that the surgeon has received the required training in orthopedic surgery.
A recognized board will offer certifications based on rigorous criteria, including several years of dedicated training in orthopedic surgery.
Do Your Research
Apart from spending time undergoing orthopedic surgery, the patient should also invest sufficient time in conducting their research in advance.
Other than this checklist, there may be various other questions that a patient may have during their orthopedic journey.
The patient must respect their body, time, and money by being upfront and thorough. It is a crucial decision to undergo a surgical procedure, and the patient should try to derive the most from their consultations to ensure that their decision is the correct one.
Focus on Customization
Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler strongly believe in customizing procedures to suit the unique needs of the patient to create the best possible outcomes.
The anatomical makeup of each patient is different, and the surgeon should take these diverse features as well as the personal needs and goals of the patient into consideration when developing an orthopedic surgical plan.
The surgeon should not adopt a “one size fits all” approach to surgery. They should take time to evaluate the patient’s health condition, anatomy, and personal needs.
The surgeon should also encourage the patient to share their innate concerns and objectives. They should develop a customized and comprehensive surgical plan on the basis of these inputs.
Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler use the principles of art and science in a way that helps create results that are functionally superior as well as predictable, natural looking, and long lasting.
Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, Mesquite, NV, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.
Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada.