A general surgeon is a doctor who treats many different conditions in surgery. Individuals must find one if they are experiencing surgery symptoms or have been recommended to surgery by other doctors. You may require general surgery if you experience heart disease, are obese, have stomach problems, liver-related issues, cancer, or have other chronic conditions. If you need surgery, you need to find the best surgeon to minimize the chances of complications. Here are some tips on how you can find the best board-certified in general surgery in Atlanta, GA.
Know the Specific Surgery You Need
General surgery is vast, and several surgeries fall under this category. This means that you need to find a certified surgeon for the specific type of surgery you need. For example, if your surgery is related to cancer and lymph nodes, you should search for a board-certified surgeon specializing in oncologic and colorectal surgery. Don’t just search for “general surgeons,” you need to find a surgeon specializing in your exact type of surgery.
Ask Your Primary Care Doctor for Help
Your primary care doctor can provide you with the names and contact information of specialists practicing in your area. You may ask them to refer you to a board-certified surgeon who practices in general surgery. Usually, a doctor’s office has a list of different doctors practicing in the area. Your primary care physician may have access to this list. You can search for it online or at your local hospital directory if they don’t. Avoid searching on social media websites such as Facebook, though – these listings are usually just for personal reference.
Check Their Credentials
To make sure you’re receiving treatment from a board-certified surgeon, ask your primary care physician for information on their credentials. Ensure that the surgeon is board-certified by checking their website (if they have one) or asking them directly over the phone. You can also check with the American Board of Medical Specialties website. If the surgeon is board-certified, you should find this information on their website.
Take a Look at Their Experience
Another important factor when choosing a general surgeon is experience. You need to know how long they have been practicing and how much experience they have with the type of surgery you are undergoing. This is one of the most critical factors when choosing a surgeon because it directly affects your surgery’s success. You can find information on an individual’s experience by looking at their website, reading online reviews, or asking them personally over the phone.
Research Facility Quality
A general surgeon with a large amount of experience may not mean that they are very skilled. You also need to know how the facility they practice performs because you want your surgery to be done at an above-average facility. You can research this information by reading online reviews or contacting the establishment directly. If there has been a history of patient complaints, you should search for a different surgeon.
In summary, a general surgeon can conduct various surgeries with expertise and precision. Once you know the specific surgery you need, you can find a general surgeon by getting referrals and checking their credentials. Also, go for someone with experience and research the quality of the facility they practice at.
