When searching for a neurosurgeon, most patients start with the internet or with referrals from friends, family, or other physicians. While this often results in a long list of names from which to choose, patients often don’t know how to narrow the field.
One of my biggest tips for patients who encounter this challenge is to prioritize two key things when selecting a physician:
- Medical expertise in treating your condition and unique needs
- Deep compassion and a personalized approach
Finding the Right Neurosurgeon: Medical Expertise
Neurosurgery involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the brain, spine, and nervous system. The highly skilled field requires years of education, training, and experience in order for physicians to be able to provide patients with the best care possible.
Yet many neurosurgeons, such as those at New Jersey Brain and Spine, subspecialize in key treatment areas, enabling them to gain additional experience and skills that can benefit patient treatment.
That’s why I always recommend that patients seek out an individual who subspecializes in treating your condition. To identify these neurosurgeons, read through the physicians’ bios on their practice website, or call the practice and ask directly about the physician’s subspecialties.
It’s also key to seek out a neurosurgeon or neurosurgery practice that readily shares information related to their treatment results. If these aren’t featured on their website, or aren’t readily discussed if you inquire during a consult, that may be a red flag.
Also, look for positive patient testimonials on the practice’s website, particularly those that relate to your condition or needs.
Finding the Right Neurosurgeon: Compassion
While skill and experience are key in selecting a neurosurgeon, there’s an additional factor to consider: Compassion. This is because the best physician-patient relationships are built on compassion, empathy, and understanding.
How can you determine if a neurosurgeon is compassionate? Set up a consult, and see if the neurosurgeon checks all of the following boxes:
- They listen to your concerns about treatment and explain everything in detail.
- They take time to talk with you about all treatment options to help you make the best decision for your situation.
- They treat the office staff well and respectfully.
If you aren’t 100% sure that the neurosurgeon is right for you, don’t hesitate to seek out another consult or a second opinion. Trust your instinct- if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t right. This additional time spent up front in finding the right doctor for you, will pay off significantly in the long run.
Combining Medicine with Compassion Leads to Recovery
When it comes to neurosurgical conditions, our team is trained in the art of treating the patient as a whole. This means that we consider physical, emotional, and social factors when deciding on a treatment plan. To learn more about our physicians—and which might be right for treating your unique needs, contact us today.
