The knee is the single largest joint in the body, and its why people can walk, run, climb steps, bend down to pick up objects-the list goes on. Unfortunately, there are instances where problems with the knee arise. When these issues become too much to deal with or hinder day-to-day functions, a person needs to see a knee doctor. But how does someone choose the right one? And what are some steps they can take along the way to make sure they’re getting the best care possible?
- Look for clinics that specialize in knee care.
- Consider online ratings, reviews, and testimonials
- Take into account where you live and which features will work best for you
- Ask your primary care physician or specialist for a referral
- Learn about the qualifications of the physicians and staff who will be providing care for you
- Make sure to bring a friend or family member with you during check-ups and appointments
- Look at the clinic’s hours and availability of appointments
- Research the fees
- Find out what types of insurance plans are accepted
- Know your rights as a patient under HIPAA [reference only, do not add to article]
- Check out the credentials of who will be providing care for you
Look for clinics that specialize in knee care.
In some instances, a person will have to see a general physician first, referring them to a specialist. The most common knee doctors are orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists, or sports medicine physicians. All of these specialties involve diagnosing and treating pain and problems associated with the knee. However, an orthopedic surgeon specializes in the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, joints, and bones. Orthopedic surgeons provide medical care for sports-related injuries or other trauma. Still, they also offer routine maintenance like physical examinations, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases/damages related to bones and joints. A rheumatologist specializes in treating arthritis, bone deformities, muscle and joint pain, and sports injuries. They perform clinical tests to identify problems with joints, muscles, and bones. A sports medicine physician specializes in treating issues related to overuse of a body part or sudden injury from playing sports or exercising that leads to pain/injuries.
Consider online ratings, reviews, and testimonials.
While online reviews are left mainly to subjective opinion, they can still give people an idea of what to expect when seeing a doctor. A reputable medical practice will take the time to respond to negative or positive reviews to ensure their patients are receiving adequate care and attention.
Take into account where you live and which features will work best for you.
Some people live in major metropolitan areas that bring a large number of physicians to the table. Others may be located more remotely, where there are only one or two clinics nearby. Consider what would work best for your needs-do you need someone who can see you on short notice, or will you be able to get in for an appointment at your convenience? Do you want to get to a local clinic quickly, or would you prefer someone who may offer after-hours care, so there’s no waiting around during the day?
Ask your primary care physician or specialist for a referral.
Whether you choose to see a general physician or another type of specialist, they should be able to refer you to a knee doctor and provide information about their own experiences with the clinic.
Learn about the qualifications of the physicians and staff who will be providing care for you.
Before making an appointment, check out the credentials of the doctor and the staff. There should be a member of the clinic’s medical team responsible for scheduling and advance appointments, and it’s essential to make sure they will be easy to work with in terms of setting up an appointment time that works for you.
Make sure to bring a friend or family member with you during check-ups and appointments.
Having a friend, family member, or significant other join you during an appointment can be beneficial because they will be able to provide additional insight and information about your symptoms and how you’re feeling. They can also offer assistance in terms of getting around and even assist the physician if needed.
Look at the clinic’s hours and availability.
If you have a full-time job, the last thing you want is to be stuck waiting around at a medical clinic or to miss work for an appointment. Look up the hours of operation and find out if there are any days/times where the clinic may already be closed by the time you’re finished with work. This way, you won’t have to worry about getting stuck without medical care because someone forgot to schedule an appointment during regular business hours.
Research the fees.
Before making an appointment, many people assume they only have to worry about the cost of co-pays and lab tests. However, it’s essential to consider things like medication costs and treatments as well.
Make sure your health insurance plan covers the clinic.
If you’re insured, make sure the clinic accepts your type of insurance. In some cases, you may be able to see a specialist outside of your area and still have your costs covered by your insurance provider.
Make follow-up appointments.
Whether you’re checking up on the progress of an injury or illness or seeing a doctor for ongoing treatment and check-ups, it’s important to schedule follow-up appointments. This way, you’ll be able to track your progress and stay on top of treatment plans and medications that may need to be changed or adjusted due to unexpected developments in your condition.
Know your rights as a patient under HIPAA.
It’s important to note that as a patient, you have certain rights under HIPAA laws. These include being notified of all costs before receiving care, being treated with dignity and respect at all times, and being able to choose your doctor within a clinic.
Ask about any additional services offered by the clinic.
Depending on your needs, a clinic may offer additional services you may not be aware of. For example, some clinics may perform specialized tests or provide advanced treatment options that can help improve your quality of life.
Wrap-up
Take the time to ensure that you’re choosing the best knee doctor near me by asking family and friends for referrals, researching the clinic’s hours and availability, looking at the fees, and finally making sure your insurance provider cover you. By following these steps, you’ll be able to ensure that your knee health is in good hands.
