Determining a Quality Neurosurgeon

Many citizens in the Houston area must choose a neurosurgeon for a variety of reasons, whether to treat a slipped disc from back injury or treat osteoporosis treat chronic pain in the limbs. Typically, a patient's family doctor will provide a name or several names of neurosurgeons in Houston area when the need for a neurosurgeon has been identified. If not, then a patient can contact their insurance provider or HMO for a list of neurosurgeons that are covered under the patient's plan. However, it is important to recognize that doctors and insurance agencies often recommend specialists based on familiarity, location, or as part of a business transaction. The prospective patient should do their own research and investigation to determine the qualifications of a potential neurosurgeon by following the guidelines presented below.

Credentials and Experience

When researching a neurosurgeon, by either visiting a medical institute's web page or by contacting his or her office, the doctor's credentials should be immediately available. A quality neurosurgeon is board certified, has been licensed and practicing at legitimate establishments for several years, and is distinguished within his or her profession as a member of multiple professional medical organizations, such as the Congress of Neurological Surgeons or AANS. A prospective patient may find this information online, but it is best to find out as much as possible from the neurosurgeon personally through an interview. A one-on-one interview also helps determine whether a particular neurosurgeon fits a patient's needs. For example, a prospective patient in need of lumbar-peritoneal shunt should find a surgeon that routinely performs this particular operation, as it is not as common as other neurological surgeries. A good neurosurgeon should not only be proficient in experience of performing multiple surgeries, but also should be able to demonstrate a specialty within neurosurgery and have a specific area of research.

The office of a good neurosurgeon might also prominently display awards received, either from professional medical organizations or from organizations from the Houston community. It would not be inappropriate to ask a neurosurgeon if he or she has been recognized with any awards and how they were earned. Again, this information is easily attainable, but during a consultation it is important to establish as much information as possible.

Overall Patient Satisfaction

As with any decision before hiring a specialist, looking up reviews of past clients is a smart way to assess a potential neurosurgeon. While this should not be the only factor in determining the quality of a physician, it can reveal significant factors beyond what the doctor or his staff can inform you. For example, most satisfied patients of neurosurgeons in Houston will rate their experience at a medical institute based on the professionalism of their office. Patients should feel comfortable, have all of their concerns addressed, and trust that their doctor is giving them his or her full attention. Going in for neurosurgery is a naturally frightening experience, and a good neurosurgeon and medical institute will understand that. More important than comfort, though, reviews of a neurosurgeon should mention the success of the treatments received. Success can be defined differently from a doctor than their patient, so a quality surgeon will have patients that feel that their doctor did the best job possible.

In short, quality neurosurgeons should demonstrate their experience and success through their office and their patients, as can easily be determined by their prospective patients.

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