Questioning competence of medical surgeons

[Murrmurr]

I gave you what you asked for, what you said didn't exist. However in no way, shape, or form did I offer my endorsement of it as a tool to judge surgeons.

To be fair (to me), I didn't ask for online reviews (which are written anecdotes), but it wasn't a bad move.

Well, I mean...I've seen worse.

 

[debodun]

Many times when a patient tries to find a good surgeon, they are booked up, so get fobbed off on a less competent doctor. The patients don't often have a choice.

 

[Tommy]

I've learned that, when possible, never schedule a procedure for a Friday . . . or the day before a holiday . . . or the day before the doctor is leaving on vacation. Try not to be the last patient of the day.

 

[Aunt Bea]

I think that if I had multiple procedures, with unsatisfactory results, by different surgeons I would look beyond the competence of the people involved.

It could be that my expectations are too high or that my overall health, lifestyle, or post surgery self care and exercise don’t support a positive outcome.

I’ve seen many situations where an older person simply doesn’t have the will and strength to fight their way through a painful and frustrating period of rehabilitation after knee or hip replacement.

I get it.

If that’s the case, it may be better to skip the surgery and adapt to the limitations of old age.

 

[Twostep]

Many times when a patient tries to find a good surgeon, they are booked up, so get fobbed off on a less competent doctor. The patients don't often have a choice.

Then the patient has to make a decision. I am sorry to hear about your mishapps. Medical services here in flyover country are first class.

 

[Pepper]

At least your surgeries weren't for cancer, like mine were. Also surgeries for blood clots. You don't know when you have it good deb.

 

[debodun]

You don't know when you have it good deb.

Yes - I can still walk without mobility aids and when I leave the house, I can find my way back. Some people younger than I am can't do that.

 

[Muskrat]

As another person who hasbeen in various parts of the medical profession I can say a few things. Pick your physician for their skill…not their office personnel or personality. My shoulder surgeon had several negative reviews…one said “she only saw him for the surgery itself” so what…that is what I paid him for. The second said he was “arrogant”…so what…I paid him because of his skill. Make sure your surgeon is fully aware of your expectations and current/past abilities. My girlfriend had a massive and complicated break of her ankle…She made sure the surgeon understood she hiked…and a 10 mile hike was NOT unusual. Pick your insurance carefully. Be prepared to wait if you can.

 

[Murrmurr]

Age and experience is how I check up on who cuts on me.

To research a doc I call and ask: What his/her infection rate is for this procedure and all procedures they have done; how many SUCCESSFUL procedures have you performed of this type on (men or women; their age groups). Then I want to know how old the doctor is. I don't want someone less than 5 years out of their fellowship; and I don't want one that is "father time" - there comes a time when eyesight and hand steadiness becomes pretty darn important in surgery....LOL

If your medical group has a website, you'll probly find a write-up/profile about each doctor and specialist that includes their education and degrees, years in practice and where they've practiced, their general philosophy or approach to care, etc.

I chose my primary caregiver based on her profile saying she values her patient's input, and it was accurate.