How to Find a General Surgeon

Finding a general surgeon is a necessity for anyone who is facing a health care situation that may require surgery. According to the American Board of Surgery, "general surgery is a discipline that requires knowledge of and familiarity with a broad spectrum of diseases that may require surgical treatment". A general surgeon has completed residency experience in many fields and is expected to be able to diagnose and treat the full spectrum of disease.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Telephone
• Insurance information

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Instructions

• 1

  Primary Care Physician

  Consult a primary care physician. A primary care physician can refer a patient to a general surgeon, based on the particular needs of a patient as well as the primary care physician's knowledge of general surgeons who are well equipped to handle a patient's needs.

• 2

  Talk to friends and family

  Ask friends and family members to share their knowledge of any general surgeons they may have had experience with.

• 3

  Determine if a specific general surgeon is covered by the patient's insurance company. Insurance companies have varying plans, benefits and provider lists. A current insurance card is a necessity, as it will contain the insured's name, policy number and important phone numbers. The current insurance policy will explain, in detail, the covered list of services, policy benefits and limitations.

• 4

  Hospital choice

  Verify which hospitals the general surgeon practices. Depending upon a patient's specific needs, hospital choice can be a determining factor in the choice of general surgeon.

• 5

  Determine if the chosen general surgeon meets expectations. Make an appointment and ask questions. Discuss why the surgery is needed, how long is the operation, what are the risks associated with the procedure, the length of recovery and follow up care.