How should I go about finding a good orthopedic surgeon?

In My Humble Opinion
1

So I had an MRI a few weeks ago that revealed my recurring, and sometimes sharp shoulder pain is due to having a torn a shoulder tendon and my rotator cuff. Arthroscopic surgery is one of my recommended options, and one I’m leaning towards.

But, I’m not necessarily sure I want the doctor who’s seen me so far to be that surgeon. One, I’ve had a fairly unpleasant experience seeing him so far; I’ve spent 3 hours in the waiting room over two visits for a total of 5 minutes talking to him about my shoulder. Two, I initially picked him out of my HMO’s Big Book Of Specialists because of his proximity to my home; now that I’m faced with something serious like surgery, I feel I should base my selection on something more, I don’t know, more rigorous or objective (like how often he’s done this operation before, or the premises where it would happen).

Any suggestions or recommendations on how to go about selecting one? I’d probably want a pre-op “second opinion” visit with the new orthopod as well.

2

I try to get personal recommendations from friends and family, plus I know a couple of doctors so I ask about a surgeon’s reputation amongst other docs and nurses. That can be quite telling.

I’d hate to pick one cold out of a directory.

3

Do you know any doctors, nurses, anyone who works in a medical capacity? My best recommendations have come from people in the field.

4

I do know someone who serves as a head nurse in the ER of various local hospitals. I’ll check in with her. She knows about my shoulder but hasn’t volunteered any suggestions, perhaps she is waiting to be asked.

5

I’ve always gotten referrals from my PCP. Only once have I been dissatisfied with the person he sent me to. The Ortho he sent me to was top-notch - my hip surgery was by far the best hospital experience I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a few).

Besides, if you’re on an HMO, aren’t you required to have your primary doctor (i.e general/family practitioner) refer you to a specialist? My old HMO worked that way, at any rate.

6

Also, if you know a physical therapist, they’re good for surgeon recommendations. My husband is a PT and he can tell which surgeons do the best work, have good bedside manner, and work well with patients during their recovery. He also knows which surgeons consistently do work that patients have problems with. If you can find a PT, especially one that sees a lot of shoulders, you could probably get a very good recommendation.