You’re ready to find solutions for your back pain, but where do you turn to find the right back doctors for these treatments?
Your primary care physician or family doctor would likely refer you to see a back specialist: a provider with unique training specifically for diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the back and spine.
As you choose a back doctor, consider the quality services available here at Orthopedic Associates. Our team of expert back doctors offers a wide range of expertise. We provide full-service solutions to help with your treatment and recovery stages.
Back Conditions Treated by Orthopedic Doctors/Back Doctors
How do you know if you require services from a back specialist? If you are experiencing any type of back pain or functional concerns, our team of back doctors is here to help.
Back doctors can assist with a variety of spinal disorders, including:
- Herniated discs
- Osteoarthritis
- Scoliosis
- Osteoporosis
- Spine injuries
- Tumors
- Spinal deformities
- Fractured vertebrae
- Congenital abnormalities
- And more
The first step is to identify the underlying cause of your pain and discomfort. Then, we create a personalized treatment plan to offer immediate relief and long-term results.
Do You Need to Talk to a Back Surgeon?
Our back doctors offer surgical solutions, but these treatments aren’t always necessary for patients. So instead, we prefer a minimally-invasive approach whenever possible.
Just because you are meeting with a doctor with surgical training doesn’t mean that you will be rushed to the operating room. We offer full-service solutions for back treatments, helping you find the ideal treatment plan based on your unique needs.
Working with an orthopedic surgeon means you have access to a back specialist who can provide the ideal treatments for your condition.
Tips to Choose a Back Doctor
What things should you consider when it’s time to choose a back doctor? As a patient, you have the opportunity to be involved in your medical care plan, including your choice of doctors.
Here are a few suggestions to ensure you pick the right medical provider:
Board Certified Doctor
Make sure the doctor you are choosing has achieved board certification. This certification means that they completed the standard residency requirements, then continued their education and experience with at least an additional year of specialty training.
Board certification is a great way to ensure your doctor is skilled and experienced in the services you need. This extra step demonstrates the doctor’s advanced knowledge in their specialty.
Spine Specialist
There are times when it makes sense to visit with a general orthopedic surgeon. But if your pain and symptoms are affecting the back specifically, then it’s best to see a doctor who focuses on the spinal area of the body.
When the doctor primarily sees spine patients, it means they will be more up-to-date on the latest techniques and information in this industry.
Personality and Comfort
It’s a personal choice to select a doctor who is working closely with your treatments and recovery. So, it makes sense to choose someone you can trust.
Consider the doctor’s personality and bedside manner, as well as communication during your consultations. Make sure you can build a good doctor-patient relationship. Here are a few questions to help with this decision:
- Is the doctor open to a second opinion?
- Can you get in touch with the doctor when needed?
- Does the back doctor answer your questions and listen to your concerns?
- How much time does the doctor spend with you?
- Are you receiving sufficient information about the condition and treatments?
Available Technology and Treatments
Another factor is whether you have access to the latest treatments and technology in the medical clinic. For example, choosing a doctor with in-house imaging equipment is more convenient, so you don’t have to go to the hospital when digital images are necessary.
Ask your doctor and the office staff about access to technology and how these tools are used to improve diagnosis and optimize your service.
Treatment Options
Find out about the various types of treatment options that are offered. At times, spinal surgery might be the only viable solution because of a physical issue that needs to be corrected. But most patients want to avoid surgery if possible.
Choose a clinic that offers a range of treatment solutions, including injections, physical therapy, and other minimally-invasive treatments.
Insurance Coverage
Minimize your out-of-pocket expenses by choosing a back doctor who is covered under your insurance plan. You can reach out to the office staff to find out what is covered with your insurance plan. Also, we can assist in helping you estimate the amount of money you will need to pay for the consultation and treatments.
Keep in mind that pricing can vary depending on whether the doctor is in-network or out-of-network. Usually, copays and out-of-pocket costs are lower for providers who are in your insurance network.
Read Online Reviews
Not only should you read online reviews about the doctor, but also look for reviews about the healthcare clinic. Websites like HealthGrades can be great resources to find feedback from other patients.
Read these reviews with a grain of salt. Remember that these websites can reflect the good and bad experiences. The reviews can influence your decision but shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor.
Additionally, you can ask local friends and family for reviews and referrals.
Premium Services from a Team You Can Trust: Orthopedic Associates
At Orthopedic Associates, our back doctors are experts in treating a variety of spinal and back conditions. We created our clinic to offer local, convenient services for families in the area. Services are available for people of all ages.
We are re-imagining healthcare services by working with patients on an individual basis – offering state-of-the-art technology to optimize outcomes. So rest assured knowing that you are in good hands when choosing one of our skilled doctors for your back treatments.
If you want to learn more, reach out to Orthopedic Associates to book a consultation. We can help with chronic pain, acute injuries, and everything in between. Contact us to schedule an appointment, or call us at (972) 420-1776.