If you have been told that your best option for overcoming back or neck pain is surgery, be sure to ask your primary care physician or back specialist to recommend a reputable surgical center. If possible, also ask whether your condition can be treated using a minimally invasive procedure. There are many surgery centers nationwide that offer minimally invasive, outpatient treatment for degenerative spine conditions, and it is incumbent on anyone who considers undergoing such a procedure to conduct thorough research into the options available.

What to Look For in a Surgical Center

Minimally invasive spine procedures carry far less risk and generally require a shorter period of recuperation than open back or neck surgery. If you are a candidate for one, it is vital that you find exactly the right laser spine facility, preferably one that is accredited through the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC); is stocked with the latest in laser surgical technology; has a comforting vibe in the examination rooms, the medical imaging labs, the operating rooms, as well as the public lobby; has helpful, friendly, courteous, informative employees in the lobby, on the phone, and behind the scenes; and is well-stocked with amenities for patients and their companions.

Where to Start Looking

Once it has been determined that you are a candidate for laser-assisted minimally invasive back or neck surgery, one of the first steps is to research a potential surgical center, and the Internet is a good place to begin that research. Simply go online to your favorite search engine such as Google or Bing, and input the type of surgery you expect to undergo in the search field. That alone should produce a number of facilities, which you can search for separately using qualifying terms such as, [patient comments], [online reviews], [complaints], and [certifications]. Do not make the mistake of eliminating a particular facility based on one or two poor reviews. Rather, try to discern a pattern in the comments and reviews. Quite often, one disgruntled patient can produce thousands of words belittling a medical facility, making it seem as if there is a major problem. On the other hand, many negative reviews from many sources should give you pause.

Who Should You Ask?

You also should ask your primary care physician to suggest a surgical center, and follow that up with questions for neighbors, friends, or family members who have undergone spine surgery. Word of mouth is a powerful way to learn about a surgical center, especially from those who have actually gone through the experience first-hand. If you feel comfortable sharing your condition 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 want to be.

Ask Questions About the Surgeons

In addition to learning everything you possibly can about the surgical center where you’ll undergo your procedure, you’ll naturally want to pick the right surgeon to perform it. Many of the same research methods you use to find the facility can be used to find a surgeon, with many of the same caveats about believing everything you read on the Internet.

Added to that is the chance to interview several surgeons before you give your consent. While skill, experience, and qualifications are the most important factors, it’s also crucial to choose a surgeon you feel comfortable talking to. A bad personality does not mean someone is not a good surgeon, just as a good personality cannot make up for poor past results. Still, a positive mindset is important for a patient, and a friendly smile and reassuring words from the surgeon go a long way toward helping put a patient at ease.

Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to surgical centers.

Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on many topics, including those pertaining to surgical centers. http://www.healthgrades.com/group-directory/pennsylvania-pa/wayne/laser-spine-institute-9961d422

Author Bio: Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to surgical centers.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Surgical centers