How to Find a Specialist Who Treats Disc Disease

Doctors who treat disc disease--orthopedic surgeons--are required to attain at least 14 years of specialized training past high school. They focus on diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, nerves and tendons. Finding an orthopedic surgeon who will treat disc disease is a simple process. First, you must search for surgeons in your area, then find the ones who specialize in bone or spine problems. Using resources from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the North American Spine Society, the process is easy.

Instructions

Find a specialist who treats disc disease

• 1

  Locate an orthopedic surgeon through resources developed by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the prime professional association representing orthopedic specialists. The AAOS offers patients a convenient search tool to find a nearby doctor who treats disc disease. Consumers can search by city, state or zip code.

• 2

  Use tools created by the North American Spine Society to find a specialist who treats disc disease. The NASS has created a consumer information site--Know Your Back--which features a search function to find a spine specialist, in addition to educational information about disc disease.

• 3

  Talk to your family doctor about your disc disease, and ask for a referral to a specialist. This is convenient for two reasons: Your doctor is familiar with your particular case and your preferences, so he or she can match you with an ideal referral; and your doctor is familiar with the network of doctors in the area, so he can find a specialist for your disc disease more quickly and efficiently than if you search on your own.

• 4

  Ask your health insurance provider for a list of nearby specialists who treat disc disease. By searching your provider's online directories of network physicians, or by calling the customer service line and asking for help, you will be able to find a local doctor who can help treat your disc disease and who accepts your insurance. Contact information is available on your health insurance provider member card or on the company's website.