How to Get the Best Spine Care
If you have had back pain for a while, you probably already know that navigating the healthcare system to find the right doctor or treatment can be challenging. While the process may be frustrating at times, playing an active role by asking pertinent questions and sharing the decision-making process with your care provider can improve your odds of getting great care. Follow these tips to be your own patient advocate: Ask the referring doctor questions There are market forces and personal forces (such as friendships and familiarity) that can influence which physician you are referred to. When you have been referred to a particular specialist or spine surgeon , it’s a good opportunity to ask questions about why he or she has been recommended. For example, a good bottom-line question to ask your physician is “would you have this spine surgeon operate on one of your own family members?” Explore the wide variety of spine specialists There is a wide range of spine specialists w...