When you need help with your bones and your joints who do you turn to? Starting with your regular physician is a great place to start but even if it抯 just to get a referral to an orthopedic surgeon.

If you抳e ever had a bad break then you know what it抯 like to have pins put in your bones. It can be a painful recovery and then while the bones may heal just fine it will always seem like they are never the same. But putting bones back together might not be the only thing you need an orthopedic surgeon for. If you need a joint replaced, hand surgery, or even removal of a bone tumor then you might need to have one of these names handy.

What does an orthopedic surgeon do? Well the name says it all. This is a doctor that specializes in surgery that deals with the musculoskeletal system. Bad breaks, sports trauma, joint reconstruction even carpal tunnel syndrome will be addressed by one of these fine physicians. Finding one isn抰 as tricky as you might think.

Like with most doctors your first move is to contact your insurance company. Some insurance companies have strict policies concerning specialists. If this is an emergency, say a sports accident or other cause for a bad break or dislocation your insurance is going to be a little more flexible. If this is for something you have a little more warning about such as a knee replacement or carpal tunnel surgery then you will need to find out their policy. If you are required to get a referral then speak with your doctor about making an appointment.

Having a referral is actually a great way to find an orthopedic surgeon. Your doctor is going to know more about you and how you prefer to be treated than some insurance representative. He can help you find a physician in your insurance group that has many of the same bedside manner attributes that he has. He will be able to give you some background on his colleague as well. This should give you more peace of mind when you actually go for your appointment. He can also help you get an appointment if the doctor is exceptionally busy.

If you don抰 have to have or can抰 get in to see your doctor to get a referral then ask friends or family who they suggest. If no one has any options for you then take your search to the internet. This way you can find some patient comments and get a feel for the doctor before you make your first appointment.
Finding an orthopedic surgeon shouldn抰 be worse than having bone surgery. You should have confidence in your doctors abilities and feel comfortable that he is the doctor that should be help you during your time of need.