How to Get a Knee Surgery Consultation

A consultation with a surgeon prior to deciding upon knee surgery addresses several important areas. During a consultation you will discuss particular procedures and the problems they may alleviate. You will also learn about recovery, rehabilitation and payment policies.

Instructions

Learn About Knee Surgery Consultation

1. Discuss your knee pain with your current doctor to learn some of the options available for knee surgery.

2. Get a referral from your primary care physician to an appropriate knee surgery specialist.

3. Consider asking your doctor for referrals to more than one surgeon. You may want to talk to a doctor who does less invasive arthroscopic knee surgery and one who does full knee replacement.

4. Inform your insurance company about your plans for a knee surgery consultation. Many times referrals must be pre-approved for payment.

5. Network with patients who have had knee surgery to get an idea of which doctors they prefer.

6. Call the surgeon's office ahead of time to ask for brochures explaining the types of procedures the surgeon does and other aspects of surgery.

7. Take stock of what you want from knee surgery. Having an idea of what you want your surgery to accomplish will help you get the surgeon who is right for you.

8. Ask the doctors if there are patients they have operated on who would be willing to speak with you.

9. Find out about the support services offered by the surgeon's office.

10. Meet with members of the doctor's staff who will be overseeing your rehabilitation.

11. Visit the hospitals where the doctor has admitting privileges. Some doctors practice at more than one hospital. Find out where your procedure would be done.

12. Consult with the doctor's insurance department as well as with the doctor. Discuss payment options and the way in which they file their insurance claims.

13. Walk through the rehabilitation facility with which the surgeon is associated.

14. Know that you do not have to make a decision the same day that you consult with a surgeon.

15. Resist pressure to have surgery that you are not certain you need or want. Do not consent to using a surgeon with whom you are uncomfortable.

Tips & Warnings

• Some arthoscopic doctors work mainly with athletic knee injuries, so you may consider these types of surgeons if you play sports.

• Some knee replacement surgeons gear their practices entirely toward older patients, so elderly people should look for these types of surgeons.

• Knee replacements have become increasingly sophisticated with several different types of joints available.

• During your initial consultations with your knee replacement surgeon ask about the different types of knee replacements available.

• Choose a joint which complements your age and activity level.