Should You See An Orthopedic Surgeon?
Orthopaedics is the branch of surgery that deals with problems of the musculoskeletal system. It aims to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spinal diseases, sports injuries and degenerative and congenital disorders. Orthopedic surgeons can diagnose and treat these conditions through various surgical and nonsurgical methods.
Frequently asked questions
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your joints, you may be wondering if you should visit an orthopedic surgeon. Orthopaedic surgeons have extensive training and expertise in the treatment of various ailments of the musculoskeletal system. Often, you can visit your primary care physician who will refer you to an orthopedic doctor.
It is essential to choose an orthopedic surgeon carefully. They have years of training and education in this medical specialty and are specialized in treating musculoskeletal conditions. Choosing the right orthopedic surgeon can be a difficult and stressful process. When you find the right surgeon for your needs, you can be confident that you will receive excellent care.
Board certification
A surgeon must first complete a residency program and pass a written examination to obtain Board certification in orthopaedic surgery. This program usually takes a minimum of two years. Candidates must complete a high-stakes written examination that tests their general knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and their ability to diagnose and treat disorders of the system. After completing the written examination, they must pass an oral examination. The Dr Navi Bali process also involves submitting a log of their surgeries to the American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery for review.
If a physician has successfully completed their initial certification, they can recertify with ABMS, ABOS, or AOA. For more information, contact the ABPS.
Residency training
While pursuing a residency training in orthopaedics, the physician must be familiar with the various types of orthopaedic surgeries. This training is not straightforward. It involves extensive didactic and clinical training. In addition to the clinical training, the physician must complete several educational courses.
One of the most important components of residency training is research. Residents are required to complete a research project before graduation. These projects may be clinical or basic science-based. The work must be of a high quality and be suitable for presentation at national meetings or publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Treatment options
If you’re suffering from joint pain, a doctor can prescribe a variety of treatment options. These treatments can include cortisone injections to reduce pain and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can also help patients relieve pain. Other treatments may include lifestyle changes to prevent injury or aggravation.
An orthopedic doctor’s evaluation will include a medical history, physical examination, and X-rays. During this time, treatment options will be discussed and any associated risks are explained to patients. Often, insurance companies offer coverage for certain treatments or procedures, but these coverage options are not universal. Patients with limited or no medical insurance can also get help through Medicaid.
Cost
The cost of orthopaedic services is a significant part of the total healthcare budget. Joint replacements, for example, accounted for more than 1.1 million surgeries in 2012, and the demand for joint replacements is expected to increase by ten to fifteen percent annually. However, payments for orthopaedic services vary widely. They also don’t correlate with the quality of care. The average cost of a hip or knee replacement procedure under Medicare is $18,762, and the same procedure at an outpatient facility costs $10,615. This large difference suggests that hospitals could improve their cost efficiency and provide better care at lower costs.
Many orthopedic surgeons accept insurance, which can make the costs of orthopedic services affordable. However, you should check with your insurance company to see if the plan covers this procedure. In some cases, Medicare or Medicaid will cover the cost of the procedure.