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With so many options and sources of information, how do you find a highly skilled orthopaedic surgeon to treat your musculoskeletal condition, injury, or disease? This article offers tips on how to search for the right doctor, including important questions to answer before scheduling an initial appointment.

Request a Referral

Your primary care physician may refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon they know and trust. It may be helpful to request more than one name in case a recommended doctor isn't accepting new patients or there is a long wait for an appointment.

Keep in mind that some insurance plans require you to see a surgeon within your network or a specific hospital system for your care to be covered. It is a good idea to confirm coverage with your insurance provider before calling to schedule an appointment.

Get Personal Recommendations

If you are looking for a surgeon on your own, seek recommendations from family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Ask questions about the doctor, staff, and office, such as:

• Does the surgeon involve patients in treatment decisions?
• How well do they explain things?
• What type of personality does the surgeon have?
• Is the surgeon responsive to questions or messages?
• Are the nurses and support staff capable and helpful?
• Are there multiple locations and, if so, does the doctor see patients at all of them?
• Are the clinical spaces clean and comfortable?
• Is the office easily accessible (e.g., close to public transportation, offers valet parking, accommodations for people with disabilities)
• Is it easy to schedule an appointment? How long are the wait times?
• Were you satisfied with the care and outcome you received from this surgeon?

Hearing about firsthand experiences with a surgeon from someone you trust can help you make an informed decision about whether that surgeon is right for you.

Search Hospital or Orthopaedic Websites

Most hospitals now have "Find a Doctor" tools on their websites that allow you to view physician profiles and search for specific specialists based on a number of criteria.

Many sites also include consumer (star) ratings, so you can see what other patients say about the quality of care they received. However, be cautious when reviewing star ratings; make sure the site you use is reputable and publishes only verified reviews.

You can also search for orthopaedic surgeons using the websites of orthopaedic associations, like the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), that feature a searchable directory of member surgeons.

Do Your Research

For any surgeon you are considering, it's important to look at their professional experience and expertise, including:

• How long they have been practicing
• Their training — are they fellowship-trained and board certified, and do they have professional designations like FAAOS that indicate a commitment to continuing education, professional development, and quality care?

If you see the FAAOS letters or digital FAAOS badge (bottom) after a doctor's name, it means they are a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). The FAAOS is the world's largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists and the trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal health.

• How much experience they have treating your condition
• Whether they have subspecialty training relevant to your condition.
• How many procedures they perform each year — when it comes to orthopaedic surgery, experience makes a difference; research has shown that the more a surgeon performs a procedure, the better the outcomes tend to be
• Surgical outcomes measures — like infection and readmission rates
• Their involvement in research, including clinical trials, and clinical innovations (treatments they helped to develop or test)

Learn how to prepare for your initial consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon and what to expect during the appointment: Your Visit With an Orthopaedic Surgeon