For many patients, the idea of even considering surgery is a stressful one, let alone the responsibility of choosing the right hospital and surgeon for the procedure. However, this process doesn’t need to be overwhelming, especially if the patient goes about it methodically. This simple guide will point out some of the things a patient should take into consideration when choosing the right surgeon and facility for their medical care.

- The facility’s infection rate

Many hospital rating websites can provide patients with this vital information. Infections can have a significant impact on a patient’s health and can determine whether or not the surgery is a success. Infection rates are also a good way to measure other aspects of a facility’s quality, due to the factors which contribute to them:

- How long surgeries take

The longer the surgery takes, the higher the risk of infection.

- The sterility of the environment

A well-maintained, sterile surgical environment is less likely to result in infection

- Antibiotics pre- and post- surgery

The prescribing of antibiotics, as well as the choice of antibiotics prescribed, can have an effect on the patient’s risk of infectioin

- Number of procedures performed by the orthopedic surgeon

Orthopedic surgeries can be exceptionally complex. Many studies have shown that the more times that a surgeon has conducted a certain procedure, the more likely their surgeries are to be successful. Patients shouldn’t be shy about inquiring as to the number of times their surgeon has performed the procedure in question in the past, as surgeons track these numbers and are willing to share them with prospective patients.

Also, the more times a particular surgery has been performed in a facility, the more likely the facility staff is to be prepared for any emergencies during or following the surgery. Even the most flawlessly conducted surgery is at risk for complications, and while the risk might be slight, it’s best to be in a health care facility where these complications have been anticipated.

- The surgeon’s training and certifications

Orthopedic surgeons go through extensive training, in addition to their medical doctorate, in order to practice orthopedic surgical procedures. This training and certification process may include time at training or research hospitals, fellowships, board certification, and more. By looking the surgeon up on the hospital staff directory (usually available on the internet), patients can see what training the surgeon has, and where they acquired it.

- The facility’s and surgeon’s surgical success rate

The same rating websites which provide information on infection rate also will provide the patient with information regarding the success rate of surgeries performed by that physician and in the hospital in question. The patient can then compare these rates with the average rate of success of the surgery they will be undergoing. The best orthopedic surgeons will have surgical success rates far higher than the average rate of success. By taking these factors into consideration, patients can make an informed healthcare choice.

For Arizona based local information, you should visit the following website:Best Orthopedic Surgeons In Arizona