If you are suffering from a severe back problem, your primary care physician may recommend seeing a spine doctor. Also known as orthopedists, spine doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of spinal conditions and injuries.
With the spine being an integral part of your body, you want to pursue the services of the best spine doctor near you. To know how to choose which one, be sure to read and follow the guide below.
Check The Details Of Your Insurance Plan
Before selecting a spine doctor, it’s essential to check your insurance coverage. Doing this will save you time and money in the long run.
Some insurance providers require you to sign up with a primary doctor or a group of providers. From there, your primary care physician can refer you to a spine doctor.
Other insurance plans offer coverage for the services of healthcare providers within their network only. A list of doctors that are a part of this plan should be available to members. You can find the details of your coverage by contacting your insurance company.
You can also check the websites of spine doctors near you or give their offices a call to verify if they accept your insurance plan.
Make A List Of Your Preferred Spine Doctors
After checking your insurance plan, you can start making a list of spine doctors that catch your interest. You can ask people you trust, such as friends and family, for recommendations, too.
In addition, you can use the internet to find doctors to include in your list. You can look them up on the following websites:
- American Medical Association’s Doctor Finder
- American Board of Medical Specialties Certification Matters
- MedlinePlus
Look At Their Credentials
With your list of doctors, it is time to check if they are experienced and board-certified. A board-certified spine doctor has spent years perfecting their craft to provide the best care. That should be one of the most significant factors to consider.
You can verify their credentials by browsing their website. The American Board of Medical Specialties also offers an online database of board-certified doctors.
Read About The Treatments They Offer
All spine doctors have similar training. However, the kind of treatments they specialize in for spinal conditions and injuries may differ from doctor to doctor.
For instance, they can treat herniated discs through many methods, like nonsurgical treatments such as corticosteroid injections and surgical procedures such as discectomy and laminectomy. Not all spine doctors offer all types of treatments.
If you prefer to avoid surgery, look for someone offering other back injury treatments and narrow down your list accordingly.
Consider Their Office’s Location
When you have spinal problems, traveling becomes a challenging undertaking. Therefore, it is vital to consider the location of their office when choosing the right spine doctor.
Try to prioritize doctors who are close to you. This will save you time and energy when having to travel to your appointments.
In addition, some health plans restrict you to healthcare providers within your area. Choosing a spine doctor that accepts your insurance and is close to you is likely the best option.
Book A Consultation With Them
Now that you have a list of suitable doctors, it is time to schedule consultations with each one.
Meeting them in person lets you observe how they and their staff interact with their patients. Don’t be afraid to ask them for any special training and certifications they may have received. Of course, you may also ask them about your condition and their experience treating similar cases.
Pay attention to the way they communicate with you. Do they show compassion and empathy? Are they comprehensive in their explanations? Do they make sure you are aware of all your treatment options? These factors are important, as they determine how well you can communicate with the doctor and can signal whether you will be satisfied with the services and care you receive in the future.
Spine Doctor Near You In Plantation, FL
Are you struggling with spinal problems that are holding you back from living your best life? If the answer is yes, Baylis and Brown Orthopedics in Plantation, Florida, is the place to go for treatment. Our leading spinal care specialist, Dr. Christopher Brown, is board-certified and fellowship-trained in spine surgery. Rest assured, we will provide you with nothing less than a comprehensive treatment plan suited to your specific needs.
To get answers to your questions or to book an appointment with Dr. Brown, call our clinic at (954) 476-8800. You can also fill out our online request form. We look forward to serving you!
