Finding a surgeon to perform your vascular surgery can be difficult, but it’s important to find someone you’re comfortable with who will make the process as painless as possible. For many patients, it’s equally important to find a surgeon who has a great bedside manner and is qualified to perform the specific treatment they need. Below, we discuss a few things to look for to help patients narrow down their options for a vascular surgeon.
Your primary care physician should be able to give you a list of surgeons whom he recommends. From that list, see who he’s worked with before, and who he feels is best to handle your needs. You can also ask friends, family members, and coworkers for any advice they have. Chances are they know someone who has needed vascular surgery, and can recommend a particular surgeon in the area.
Surgery is a highly specialized skill, and vascular surgeons are required to train specifically to treat blood vessel conditions and diseases. You should ask about a particular surgeon’s education and background—vascular surgeons most be licensed to provide care, and most work for at least five years in a surgical residency position, with an additional two years of training. You can also check the American Board of Medical Specialties website to see if a surgeon is certified by the American Board of Surgery.
You wouldn’t eat at a restaurant if it had bad reviews, would you? The same careful consideration should be used in choosing your surgeon. Today, most information is online, and patients are able to leave reviews about their experiences. Check out what’s online for the surgeons you’re considering, and don’t hesitate to ask how much experience they have with the particular procedure you need.
If you need to have surgery in your area, and will require follow-up visits, you should confirm that the surgeon you’re considering has worked in your local hospital before. See if he or she is comfortable with a particular place, and has a general knowledge of the staff and environment.
Your surgeon’s personality is obviously not as important as his skills, but it will factor into your comfort level. You should meet with your choice for surgeon to get a feel for him and his style. A good surgeon will try to put you at ease before your procedure, and do his best to explain everything so there’s no confusion and misunderstanding. Find a vascular surgeon who has the ability to handle your procedure smoothly from start to finish.
Surgical Associates of Palm Beach County / Boca Care (SAPBC) is the oldest and largest Multi-Specialty Surgical group practice in South Palm Beach County.
