How to Select a Brain Surgeon

If you are having symptoms where a brain tumor is suspected, your primary care doctor will likely be the one to refer you to a neurologist. Your insurance plan may limit your choice to a doctor within the plan network. If you prefer a doctor outside your network, consider paying the difference to select a brain surgeon that suits your needs. Read on to learn how to select a brain surgeon.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Understand your insurance policy and the restrictions regarding your option to select a brain surgeon. If you have a policy where you must choose a doctor within your insurance plan network, your choices may be limited. A neurosurgeon who is qualified and experienced in brain surgery may not be readily available through your plan in your local area, so prepare for the possibility of traveling for surgery.

2. Select a brain surgeon who has a complete surgical team of experts. You should have access to those experienced in neuroanesthesiology, speech pathology, computer engineering and language interpreters, if needed.

3. Ask friends or family members who have been through brain surgery in your local area. Find out what they liked and what they didn't like about the neurosurgeon who did their procedure. Evaluate their likes and dislikes with your criteria to find a brain surgeon.

4. Contact the hospital of your choice and ask about the number of brain surgeries done on a monthly basis. Ask for the names of the neurosurgeons who do the most surgeries. Two or three surgeries a year is not sufficient experience to stay on the cutting-edge.

5. Visit the office of a prospective doctor for brain surgery. This will help you get a feel of the character and care of the support staff. Is the office atmosphere calm or chaotic? Does the receptionist make you feel welcome? While this may have no bearing on the quality of the surgeon, it will be a factor if you need emergency or financial information during the recovery process.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have an insurance plan that allows you to select your own brain surgeon, evaluate experience in relation to the length of time in practice in one location and the number of procedures performed on a monthly basis. You must have confidence in the skills and care provided by the neurosurgeon.
• Trust your instincts if you feel something is just not right about a doctor or his staff.

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