Select a Hysterectomy Surgeon
With so many surgical options, it's important for a woman considering a hysterectomy to select a surgeon who is best equipped to deal with her individual circumstance. Knowing the types of procedures available, the problems they address and the ways they can be performed will make it easier for any patient to find the surgeon suited to her needs.
Instructions
Learn to Select a Hysterectomy Surgeon
1. Research your condition. Certain conditions call for certain procedures. Small fibroid tumors, for instance, can be addressed through the a minimally invasive laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy.
2. Find out about the different types of hysterectomy. Knowing what type of hysterectomy meets your needs allows you to automatically eliminate some surgeons who do not perform that type of surgery.
3. Make a preliminary decision about whether you want an open hysterectomy or a laparoscopic hysterectomy. An open procedure requires more time in the operating room and in recovery but also allows for the most flexibility and coverage of the problem.
4. Ask your personal physician to recommend or refer you to the appropriate surgeon. This method is certainly the easiest way to select a surgeon for your hysterectomy. A doctor's referral may not give you the widest choice of surgeons, though.
5. Give the American Medical Association a call to get a list of surgeons who are board certified in the type of operation you need. You can also visit the national website and use the Doctor Finder (see Resources below).
6. Consult your insurance provider to see which surgeons are on the lists of preferred providers or within the health maintenance organization (HMO).
7. Solicit suggestions for surgeons amongst your friends who may have had hysterectomies. A little woman to woman exchange can give you an insight into a doctor that other doctors and generic lists may not provide.
8. Call the offices of several surgeons and ask for printed information or website addresses. Most doctors can provide brochures which will explain their approaches to surgeries, the types of procedures they offer and payment policies.
9. Check out a doctor's credentials after you have visited with him. Even if you have an immediate rapport with a doctor, it is a wise idea to check educational and professional references. Ask if there are any of his patients who would be willing to speak with you.
10. Consider the hospitals at which the doctor practices. You may find that even though you are comfortable with certain doctors you are not comfortable with the hospitals at which they have privileges.
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