How to Find a Hernia Doctor

Being told that you require specialized care for your hernia can be stressful and frightening. You will feel reassured by finding an excellent surgeon to treat your condition. By following these tips, you will be able to find a well-respected hernia doctor with whom you'll feel comfortable.

Things You'll Need

• Insurance directory of providers

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Instructions

• 1

  Speak to your family practitioner or internist. Your own primary care provider knows you and your health history. He should be able to tell you which surgeons specialize in the hernial problem that you are experiencing and who he recommends. Make a list of the surgeons that he mentions.

• 2

  Look through your insurance directory of providers to see which of the recommended surgeons participate in your plan. Make note of where they are located and the hospitals with which they are affiliated. If none of the surgeons that your primary care provider recommends are in your directory, call your personal doctor back with a list of names from your provider directory. Ask him who, out of those surgeons, he would recommend.

• 3

  Call the surgeons that your personal doctor recommends and who also participate in your insurance plan. Make appointments with each for a consultation to discuss your hernia and the treatment that you require.

• 4

  Bring a list of questions to your consultation appointments. Take notes on what the surgeons say. If you feel comfortable doing so, bring another person along to help you remember what was said and to give you their impressions of the surgeons that you interview. Ask about the procedure itself, hospital policies with regard to your treatment and anything else that you need to know to make an informed decision.

• 5

  Decide which surgeon is the best for you. Call your personal doctor to let him know who will be treating you, and what your treatment plan is.