Patients in the Tampa Bay area of Florida who are exploring the possibility of orthopedic surgery or other treatments have no shortage of options when looking for a group practice. As a major metropolitan region with an active population and many retirees, some of the top orthopedic medical groups can be found in the Tampa Bay area. Deciding the practice and surgeon that is right for your needs can be an overwhelming prospect, especially if you are living with chronic pain and mobility problems.
To help you narrow down your search for the best orthopedic medical group in Tampa Bay, we’re happy to share this informative article. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to help you learn more or answer any questions you have, please feel free to reach out at any time.
1. Ask Your Friends and Family if There is a Practice They Highly Recommend
No matter the type of treatment you’re seeking, from physical therapy to orthopedic surgery, family, friends and people in your extended network can be excellent resources to ask for recommendations. Try to get advice from people you trust and reach out to see if anyone you know with a similar problem has been able to find lasting relief.
Internet reviews can add to your information as well
Once you make a list of highly recommended prospective providers or a group practice, you can call to ask questions or make consultative appointments or ask any questions you may have.
2. Review the Credentials of any Prospective Orthopedic Practice
There is a long list of basic credentials to look for when researching orthopedic medical groups and surgeons. In addition to looking at licenses, medical degrees, residencies and surgical fellowships, one of the most important credentials to seek is board certification. Board Certification can be the biggest indicator that a physician or surgeon has the necessary education, training, skills and experience to provide exceptional orthopedic care. Orthopedic surgeons should be certified by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
You should also do research regarding malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. Always ensure that the online resource you are using is reputable and objective.
3. Relevant Experience Matters if You’re Considering Orthopedic Surgery
Any search for an orthopedic practice should be centered on your specific condition. Whether you have arthritis, a sports-related knee injury or a hip problem, it’s important to find a practitioner who has a proven record of success in helping people in a similar condition find relief. A practice that takes a holistic approach is important here too. You can have a surgeon who has successfully performed orthopedic surgery on thousands of people, but having a commitment to the rehabilitation process and other important steps is also critical to achieving lasting relief and improved function.
4. Read Online Reviews — But Make Sure You’re Getting a Representative Sample
When researching a prospective orthopedic surgeon or orthopedic medical groups online, don’t let one or two negative or positive reviews sway you. Realize that even reading 10 reviews will represent a small fraction of the total number of patients that an experienced group practice has served. Try to get as big of a representative picture from online reviews as possible, while still weighing these opinions against objective criteria like experience and credentials.
Ultimately, everyone is different and has different patient care needs. Once you’ve narrowed it down to one or two prospective orthopedic surgery or other care practitioners, don’t be afraid to trust your own instincts and personal preferences as you explore your options.
5. Check out the Clinic, Surgery Center, Hospital and Any Other Facility the Orthopedic Medical Group Uses
The location where any orthopedic medical group practices is also important, and Tampa Bay offers the potential for beautiful and state-of-the-art facilities that can make a meaningful difference in your treatment. When you go to meet with a surgeon or physician, how does it make you feel? A waiting area or clinic that is designed to make patients feel at ease and calm can be an important and often-overlooked indicator of a practice that truly cares about helping patients. This is especially true for orthopedic practices, where patients are very often dealing with chronic and severe pain.
6. Communication Counts — Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Connection
Medical care is about more than diagnosing injury or illness and treating it with surgery or medication. Patients and health care professionals are both human beings, and the human element should never be lost in any form of care, including orthopedic surgery. You should expect warm and friendly greetings from everyone you encounter while being treated with patience, courtesy, and respect.
When meeting with a surgeon, consulting physician, therapist or any other provider, he or she should take the time to thoroughly explain your condition, your proposed treatment options and answer any questions you have. You should never feel pressured into a particular form of treatment, but you also need to feel confident that it is the right choice for you.
7. Evaluate Cost Considerations Early in the Process
Don’t wait too long to start asking about cost. While it shouldn’t be the first thing you discuss or the first question you ask, it should be part of the conversation early on. Make sure that any orthopedic medical group or practitioner works with your insurance provider or accepts medicare. Like any other type of treatment, the cost of orthopedic surgery should be weighed carefully against other factors, including the ongoing costs of postponing or avoiding surgery.
Outpatient Joint Replacement Center of America — A Leading Orthopedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay
For more than 20 years, AAOS board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Philip Clifford and his experienced team have been helping patients dealing with chronic pain and joint damage return to a healthy and active lifestyle. For Tampa Bay patients and people across the country at any stage of treatment, OJRCA will work with you to design a personalized treatment plan for your cost and lifestyle goals.
Learn more by contacting our team today online or calling us at (813) 492-4412.
