Plastic surgeons can perform a variety of procedures to help you recover from injury or illness.It can be hard to trust a surgeon with your body.You can make the right choice if you research and talk to different surgeons.Make sure you meet a few people face-to-face so you can choose one who is qualified, works at a good facility, and makes you feel comfortable.
Step 1: Do you know what your insurance covers?
Plastic surgery is more likely to be covered by insurance plans if it is for injuries or defects.Your insurance provider will probably have an online directory of surgeons, and you can ask the provider about what procedures are covered.What are the limits for my coverage?Post-op procedures are also covered.Can there be any special conditions?
Step 2: Ask for a referral.
Qualified plastic surgeons may be in touch with your general doctor.They can recommend one to you.If you like your current doctor, there is a good chance you will make a referral.Ask family and friends if they know of a good plastic surgeon.
Step 3: Ask your friends for recommendations.
Ask your friends, neighbors, and co-workers if they have had plastic surgery.If you can, ask the surgeon if they would recommend him to you for your purposes.You can look for recommendations online.If you are comfortable talking about your plastic surgery with your friends, ask for word of mouth recommendations.Make sure that the surgeon you are considering is verified and specializes in the area you're looking into.
Step 4: You should look for board certification.
You can be sure that a plastic surgeon has gone through a rigorous review.If a surgeon is board certified, they will be listed on their website or in an insurance provider's directory.Depending on where you are, the governing body awarding board certification will vary.You can find certification from the ABCS in the United States.Education and training are required for board certification.To get the certification, surgeons must pass board exams.
Step 5: If the facility is accredited, you should check it out.
Hospitals, private practices, and other facilities can be used to operate plastic surgeons.If you have a list of potential surgeons, check their websites.You can find accreditation from boards that ensure the facilities meet acceptable standards on the website.The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) is one of the agencies that certify facilities in the United States.
Step 6: Schedule meetings with plastic surgeons.
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential surgeons, contact their facilities to set up initial appointments.Don't settle on a surgeon until you've had a chance to speak with several of them and check out their facilitiesYou will ask the surgeon questions about their experience.You will want to get a feel for their bedside manner, whether they help you to feel safe or not.
Step 7: Ask the surgeons about their experience and expertise.
It's important that the surgeon you choose is experienced in the procedure you need.The more practiced they are, the better.When you meet with them, be sure to ask questions such as: How did you train for this procedure?How many years have you been doing this?How many times have you done it?
Step 8: The surgeon should ask you questions.
Good plastic surgeons will want to know a patient's medical history and make sure a procedure is safe for them before they agree to operate.It is a sign that you should look for a different surgeon if they don't ask why you need the surgery.How long has the issue been going on?Do you have a medical history?
Step 9: How does the surgeon make you feel?
This is very important.When you go to a plastic surgeon, you want them to take care of your body.This can make you feel anxious.You have the right to only choose a surgeon that you feel comfortable with.Do the surgeons seem safe?Does the doctor seem to care?Is it okay for you to spend time with them?Do they communicate respectfully?Do they give you time to ask questions?Do they listen to what you have to say?
Step 10: The facility should be fully equipped.
Plastic surgery can be done at home.The procedures can be serious, and a good facility will have life-saving equipment if needed.If something goes wrong, the surgeon should be assisted by a nurse or physician assistant.If the facility's website doesn't show how it is equipped, ask about it.If the surgeon has an affiliation with a hospital, ask.
Step 11: Don't hesitate to talk to customer service.
You will have to talk to receptionists, payment professionals, and other customer service agents if you have a procedure at a hospital, a clinic, or another facility.If you have a good experience, these professionals are also part of it.Provide the information you need quickly.Explain payment procedures respectfully.Offer to work with your insurance company.If you have a question, be happy to answer it.
Step 12: Ask if the facility has a relationship with the hospitals.
You might need to go to a hospital for follow-up procedures if your operation will be performed in a clinic.You want a facility that can work well with surgeons who have privileges in the hospital.Ask customer service if the surgeon did not explain how the facility works.