Orthopedic services Crestview include orthopedic surgery. When searching for an orthopedic surgeon, it is very important to ask plenty of questions. You are the patient and the doctor should be willing to answer any questions you have over the orthopedic services Crestview they provide. There are many questions to answer and you still should get a second opinion, even after consulting with the initial foot surgeon you’re referred to.
- Be prepared with the questions you want to ask the foot surgeon.
- Get a second opinion.
Make a list of questions to ask your foot surgeon before the procedure. You will likely be referred to the foot surgeon by your primary care physician or foot doctor. You should go into the consultation with no reservations about your health. You must be willing to ask extensive questions. This will give you an idea of how you communicate with this doctor and how you feel about them performing your procedure. Think of the following questions as key points that will allow you to get to know the doctor and how they work with patients.
- How long will I be out of work?
- How many surgeries like this have you performed?
- Is there video or written material about this procedure that I can see before the surgery?
- How much pain will I be in following the surgery?
- Will I need physical therapy after? If so, for how long?
These questions help you and your family prepare for the future. You may be in pain for quite some time following the procedure and physical therapy is usually a regular part of your life, at least for a few weeks. Some people must continue with physical therapy for several months – it just depends on the case. You want to clarify all of these things with your doctor up front so you can feel comfortable with the surgery. Be warned that not everyone can stomach a video on the procedure, however if you want to know exactly what will happen to your body during the surgery video footage is the best way to find out.
You should also get a second opinion. No two doctors treat a procedure exactly the same, which is why having a second opinion is beneficial. For foot surgery in particular, there are various techniques and methods for handling the same problem. Give yourself options when choosing your foot surgeon.