Once it has been determined that you will undergo minimally invasive back or neck surgery, the next step is to decide on a surgeon and a surgical center. Be sure to ask your primary care physician whether you might be a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure. These endoscopic procedures carry far less risk and generally require a shorter period of recuperation than open back or neck surgery.

If you are a candidate, it is vital that you find exactly the right surgery center for you. Here are a few items to consider:

– Is the facility you are considering accredited through a reputable organization such as the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)?

– Is the center appointed with the latest in laser surgical technology?

– Does it have a comforting vibe in the examination rooms, the medical imaging labs, the operating rooms, as well as the public waiting room and lobby?

– Does it have helpful, friendly, courteous, informative employees in the lobby, on the phone, and behind the scenes?

– Is it well-appointed with amenities for patients and their companions?

Where to Look

Some of the items on the list above can be discovered online. In fact, the Internet is the ideal place to conduct your research, because you can learn a great deal of information in a relatively short amount of time without having to leave your home.

Go online to your favorite search engine, and input the type of surgery you anticipate undergoing. That should display a number of facilities, which you can search for separately using additional, modifying terms such as, [patient comments], [online reviews], [complaints], and [certifications]. Do not make the mistake of crossing off a particular facility based on one or two poor reviews. Instead, try to find a pattern in the comments and reviews. Remember that one disgruntled patient or former employee can produce thousands of words demeaning a medical facility, making it seem as if there is a major problem. However, many negative reviews from many sources should give you pause.

Other Sources of Information

You should first ask your primary care physician to suggest a surgery center. After that, follow up with questions for neighbors, friends, or family members who have undergone similar procedures. Word of mouth can teach you a lot about a surgical center, especially when you talk to those who have actually gone through the experience themselves. If you feel comfortable sharing news about your health with your friends and acquaintances on social media, crowd-source a general question about the topic. You might be surprised how many people have been in your shoes, and how helpful they can be.

Research the Surgeons

In addition to learning everything you possibly can about the surgery center itself, you’ll want to choose the right surgeon to perform your procedure. Many of the same research methods you use to find the facility can be used to find a surgeon. However, be sure to use many of the same precautions about not believing everything you read on the Internet. In addition, you should take the time to interview several surgeons before you give your consent. Skill, experience, and certifications are important factors, but it is also vital that you pick a surgeon you are not intimidated by. An unsocial personality does not mean someone is not a good surgeon, but a positive mindset is important for a patient. A gentle smile and reassuring words from the surgeon go a long way toward helping a patient relax and feel confident.

How to Approach the Interviews

Speaking of confidence, be sure of yourself during the interview process. Learn as much as you can about your condition and the procedure before talking to the surgeons, so you can ask the right questions and understand the answers. If there is anything during the interview that you don’t fully understand, do not hesitate to ask. Don’t be afraid of seeming ignorant in the eyes of a surgeon or medical staff. Of course it’s all new to you, and any reasonable, well-intentioned surgeon or medical staffer will gladly encourage you ask as many question as you need to.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to spine surgery centers.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer insight into a multitude of topics, including spine surgery centers. http://www.lsiphysicianrelations.com/

Author Bio: Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to spine surgery centers.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Spine surgery, surgery centers, minimally invasive spine surgery