Proper orthopaedic treatments can empower life-changing improvements to pain and injuries, helping you to get back on your feet and regain your quality of life. However, making the decision to see an orthopaedic surgeon can be both a blessing and a cause of anxiety at the same time due to the myriad of clinics and treatment options available.
If you are looking for an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore to explore the possibility of undergoing surgery or simply to seek an accurate diagnosis and conservative treatments, knowing how to pick the right doctor from the list is crucial.
Here are some tips that will help you to make an informed decision – read on to find out more.
1. Ask for referrals
Asking your friends, family, primary care doctor or healthcare professionals for referrals is one of the easiest ways to start your search for a dependable orthopaedic surgeon. Word-of-mouth recommendations by people you can trust are undoubtedly more reliable than a list of doctors you have found online, for instance.
These people will be able to share more about their experience at the clinic, how the consultation went, and the treatment process with you to help you narrow down your choices. Even the simple feedback on clinic waiting time, front desk staff , appointment booking and post-surgical follow up care will shape your experience.
2. Research the surgeon’s credentials
Just like how you would scour the internet to find as much information as possible before making a big purchase, the same should be done when it concerns your health. Hence, always research the orthopaedic surgeon’s credentials before making a decision.
You want to be sure that the surgeon has the appropriate certifications and has no history of malpractice. The Singapore Medical Council website is a good platform to start with to ensure the surgeon you are considering is a registered specialist doctor, while the clinic’s website will offer valuable information about the surgeon’s credentials. Some specialists may claim to have had post basic training and it is important to research on these to ensure that the specialist has had the relevant hands-on sub-speciality fellowship training and not just an observership.
3. Consider the surgeon’s experience
An orthopaedic surgeon who has been in practice for longer will be able to provide better advice and may even achieve more successful post-surgery results thanks to their years of experience. They will also be well respected by their peers with an extensive network of ancillary service providers like physiotherapists and insurance industry partners – which may make your patient journey smooth and pleasant.
Certain surgeons also specialise in different areas of the musculoskeletal system – for example, if you require bunion surgery, visiting a foot and ankle specialist may be more beneficial for you. It is always advisable to choose a surgeon based on your current needs to receive optimal care and fulfil your desired outcome.
4. Read reviews
While word-of-mouth recommendations are oftentimes more trustworthy than online reviews, the latter is still able to provide some insight into what you can expect from the clinic and orthopaedic surgeon. Take a look at reviews left on the clinic’s social media platforms and Google to have a clearer idea of what the overall experience is in terms of the doctors bedside manners, professionalism, surgical outcomes. It is important to note that these reviews are unsolicited and a clinic or its specialist may get both a good or a bad review – both of which are equally important in choosing a specialist.
These factors play a part in shaping your treatment experience and should not be overlooked.
5. Check for insurance coverage
Lastly, remember to check if the orthopaedic surgeon you have chosen is on the list of panel doctors your insurance covers. Different insurance providers have varying lists of panel doctors, so it is essential to ensure you are covered by the insurance before making an appointment.
Most clinics can help to check on your coverage if you provide your insurance details over the phone or email. If that particular provider clinic is on an extensive panel of corporate and personal insurance panels, it means that the clinic is a trusted partner of the insurers with an excellent track record with the payers. The insurances generally have a strict criteria for empanelling doctors which includes parameters like charges, surgical outcomes and patient feedback.
When in doubt, simply make a call to the clinic and the staff should be able to advise you.
Make an appointment with Specialist Orthopaedic Centre today
If you are looking for an experienced and trusted orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore, consider making an appointment with Specialist Orthopaedic Centre.
Our resident doctor, Dr Kannan Kaliyaperumal, is a recognised surgeon in multiple insurance panels with a 5-star Google rating. Let him help you to relieve pain and get back to enjoying what you love today!