Check Your Surgeon's Record Before Mastectomy Surgery
If you're having mastectomy surgery, you've got plenty to think about. One thing you shouldn't worry about is the competency of surgery. There are a number of steps you can use to put your mind at ease if this is a concern of yours. Just follow the advice below to check your surgeon's record before mastectomy surgery.
Instructions
1. Check with local hospitals. If your surgery is going to be performed at a hospital (as opposed to a private practice), it's especially important to check with that hospital. Find out if the surgeon is approved to perform surgeries.
2. Check with the American Board of Medical Specialties. The ABMS directory can be found at most local libraries, or you can visit the link in the Resources section below. You'll be able to check if the surgeon is certified by visiting the ABMS Web site.
3. Perform a background check. Use Web sites like MD Nationwide and Doctor Background Checks to find out if the surgeon has any blemishes on his record. If there are any negative marks, you may want to consider another surgeon.
4. Check with your state's medical board to find out if the surgeon is certified to practice medicine in your state. Visit the Federation of State Medical Boards Web site to get more information on contacting your state's medical board.
5. Ask other patients. Find out how your surgeon has treated other patients and if they were happy with the results of their mastectomy.
6. Ask the surgeon for the name of a colleague who will give you a second opinion. In talking to their colleague, get a review of the first surgeon.
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