You've narrowed your choices to a few board-certified colorectal surgeons who are within commuting distance and accept your insurance. The next step is to leave the comfort of the Internet and start making some phone calls to find out more information about your potential surgeons.
A big question: How much experience does each surgeon have performing the type of surgery you need? For example, if you need a colon resection, it's a good idea to ask how many colon resections the doctor has performed during his career and during the last six months or so. Other useful questions:
- What stage colon cancer does he usually see?
- What percentage of his time is spent doing the particular type of surgery you need?
- What percentage of his time does he spend treating the colon? (Remember, he's a board-certified colorectal surgeon, so he may work in a highly-specialized environment that allows him to focus on rectal surgery.)
Though there are many skilled surgeons who don't have time to publish research, you may want to investigate whether or not a colon surgeon you're considering has published work. What does the research focus on? If he's written extensively on the procedure you're getting, that can be extra assurance that he's very familiar with it.
Try plugging the surgeon's full name into a search engine, or ask the receptionist or doctor's assistant when you call the office. Remember, though, a surgeon having published research on the surgery you're planning to get is icing on the cake. Not having it shouldn't be a deal breaker.
Return to How to Find a Colon Surgeon: Seven Questions to Consider.
