Having an operation is an overwhelming and stressful experience. This is even scarier for patients who will be undergoing surgery for the first time. When done wrong, the surgery can end the patient’s life. Even after the surgery was successfully administered, there are complications that might appear right after the operation, though this is not always the case. There are a lot of successful operations done by professionals every day. However, checking for a surgeon’s credentials is a good way to make sure of your surgeon’s skills before undergoing an operation. All surgeons can hold a surgical scalpel and most are qualified to do your surgery. It is always best, however, to search for the very best surgeon you can.
Reasons To Check Your Surgeon Before Your Operation
It is a right as a patient to learn everything about the operation, especially information about the individuals who will administer said surgery. But unfortunately, things do happen in the hospital operation table, even if the procedures are done right. If you want the best surgery for you or your loved ones, checking your surgeon is one thing to consider, and for four good reasons.
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Hundreds Of Thousand Dies Because Of Medical Mistakes Every Year
According to a report from a recent Johns Hopkins study, more than 250,000 people die in the United States alone every year because of medical errors. Other reports even raise the number higher to 440,000. Death through medical errors is the third leading cause of death while heart disease and cancer come in front of the list.
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In The Medical World, Track Record Means Experience
As a patient, it is one of your rights to know the track record of your surgeon. Is the surgeon recommended by his or her peers? How many years does this surgeon have doing his profession?
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Opt For A Second Opinion
Before undergoing surgery, a second opinion is recommended by a lot of doctors. Diagnosis might or might not be correct, so it is better to gather the opinions of other doctors in order to avoid misdiagnosis.
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Check For Better Treatments And Options
There are times when even the doctors are not suggesting for an operation, especially if the patient is too weak, too old, or too young to undergo surgery. Before giving a green light to the operation, look for other alternatives. Check for better medical professionals that can raise the chance of survival before, during, and after the surgery.
How To Research And Confirm A Surgeon Credentials
- Check The State Medical License
State medical licenses are given to certify that a certain medical professional is qualified to practice in the state, as well as delivering quality and ethically correct services. There are sites for state medical license which can show you information about the status of the license as well as the doctor’s history in other states. -
Check For Board Certification
State licenses and board certifications are not the same things. All physicians in the United States must have state licenses, but for specialized operations, a board certification is necessary. The current number of boards in the country right now is three, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (AOABOS), and the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS).
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Check For Society Memberships (For Plastic Surgeons)
A doctor’s society membership also offers huge information about him or her. When it comes to plastic surgery, a patient could check the American Society of Plastic Surgeons as well as the Member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for your doctor’s records. Since plastic surgery is sometimes a voluntary operation, there are non-profit organizations that provide a framework for standards to ensure the quality of service as well as the focus for the patient’s safety.
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Check For Professional Reprimands
The Federation of State Medical Boards offers records of reprimands and sanctions patients can check before their surgeries for a fee of $9. Just like in any industry, a lot of doctors have bad medical and ethical habits. The FSMB database should serve as a warning when a surgeon’s record is not clean. What makes this service more convenient is it also has records of doctors from any state.
