While all colon surgeons must meet certain requirements to practice, some surgeons are better than others. That's why finding the right colon surgeon is one of the most important steps you can take as a colon cancer patient.
Helping someone find the right colon surgeon is also a great way for friends and family to help a loved one who has just been diagnosed with colon cancer. Answering the seven questions below will help guide you through this time-consuming, but rewarding process.
- Does the colon surgeon have a good reputation?
- Where is the colon surgeon located?
- Does the colon surgeon accept your insurance?
- Is the doctor a board-certified colorectal surgeon?
- How experienced is the colon surgeon?
- When can the colon surgeon operate?
- Does the colon surgeon communicate well with you?
Finding the right colon surgeon is like hiring an employee who's going to have a lot of responsibility right away. This is because you're hiring someone to perform an important job with little margin for error; you're hiring someone to operate on your colon.
If it seems like a lot of work, well, it is. But researching and interviewing potential colon surgeons is time well spent because it helps ensure you choose the person who's best suited to operate on you or your loved one.
