The spine is a complex structure that supports the entire upper body. Any damage to it will also cause problems in mobility and flexibility. You need to choose the right doctor who can provide high-quality spinal injury care and deliver the best results. After all, spinal injuries need to be treated with care and precision.
Here is how to ensure you choose the right spinal injury doctor:
1. Verify Their Credentials
Make sure the doctor you choose is board-certified and has plenty of experience treating spinal injuries. Board certification means that the doctor has undergone rigorous training and they are well-versed in the latest tools, techniques, and best practices for spinal care.
You can also look for a fellowship-trained doctor. Fellowship training is voluntary and provides additional expertise in a specific medical area.
2. Research Their Specialization
Spinal injury doctors have different specialties, so it’s important to find out what a prospective doctor’s area of expertise is. Do they specialize in treating sports injuries? Spinal deformities? Are they knowledgeable in advanced spinal technologies? Make sure you can trust the doctor to offer the best care for your particular type of spinal injury.
3. Understand Their Work Philosophy
It’s important to understand the doctor’s approach to treatment. Find out what their philosophy is when it comes to surgery and non-surgical treatments. Do they prefer minimally invasive procedures? Are they open to alternative treatments? These are all important questions to ask to ensure you go with a doctor who matches your preferences.
4. Ask for Referrals
Ask your friends and family members about their experiences with spinal injury doctors. A referral from someone you trust can help you make a better decision.
You can also ask your primary care physician. They may be able to point you to a spinal injury doctor they think can treat you best. They can also coordinate with the doctor to ensure a seamless transition of care.
5. Check Out Online Reviews
For added assurance, check out online reviews of the doctor. Read what other patients are saying about their experiences. It’s also helpful to look at the doctor’s ratings on websites like HealthGrades. These reviews and ratings can clue you in on how the provider treats their patients.
6. Factor In Your Insurance Coverage
Don’t forget to check your insurance coverage. If you have health insurance, make sure the doctor accepts your plan. Otherwise, you may have to prepare for large out-of-pocket expenses when getting treated by them.
In addition to your insurance, check if the spinal injury doctor offers payment plans or financing options. This can help you cover the costs of treatment without breaking your budget in situations where your insurance plan will not cover a specific treatment that you would like to get.
7. Book a Consultation and Ask Questions
Schedule a consultation with any prospective spinal injury doctor you are considering. During the visit, ask plenty of questions about their experience and approach to treatment. You can begin with these:
- What are your areas of expertise?
- How often do you treat conditions like mine?
- What type of treatments do you offer and what are the expected outcomes?
- What happens if the treatment doesn’t work?
- How often do you run into complications?
- What does recovery generally look like?
A consultation is also a great opportunity to get to know the doctor better. Make sure you get a good vibe from them and that you feel comfortable talking to them about your injury.
Also, choose a doctor who listens to you and takes your concerns seriously. This will ensure that the doctor provides you with the care you deserve.
8. Consider the Doctor’s Bedside Manner & Availability
Bedside manner pertains to how the doctor interacts with you. Do they take the time to explain things clearly while being respectful and patient? Are they approachable and easy to talk to? A good spinal injury doctor should be patient and understanding. They should also be willing to answer all your questions in a timely manner.
Aside from bedside manner, you should consider the doctor’s availability. It’s best to choose a physician who is flexible and can accommodate your busy schedule. The last thing you want is to wait weeks to get an appointment. Finally, pick a doctor who practices in a convenient location. This way, you don’t have to go out of your way for appointments.
Spinal Injury Doctor Near You in Rochester Hills, Lapeer, & Bad Axe, MI
At the end of the day, choosing the right spinal injury doctor is an important decision. Take your time to explore your options, do your research, and ask around for recommendations. In addition, ensure that the doctor is board-certified and has a good track record of success. Consider your insurance coverage and look into online reviews to narrow down your list. Finally, factor in the doctor’s bedside manner and availability, and pick a provider you feel comfortable with.
On the lookout for a high-quality spinal injury doctor near you in Michigan? Ahlgren Spine’s very own Dr. Bradley Ahlgren is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon you can trust. As the head of our team, Dr. Ahlgren expertly tends to all sorts of orthopedic spinal injuries. Call our friendly staff today at (248) 215-8080, so we can assist you. You can also opt to submit an online appointment request form to book a visit to one of our offices.
