How to find the best doctor/surgeon

me_and_my_mom
me_and_my_mom Member Posts: 46 Member
edited August 2022 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I am thinking positive, and hoping my mother will be ready for her debulking surgery in a few months. I keep reading how important the skills of the surgeon are for this operation. She has chosen a surgeon based on nurses recommending her because she is 'so nice'. I want to make sure she is the best one for the job though. I am having trouble finding info on the internet. We live in Massachusetts.
thank u

Comments

  • 2timothy1 7
    2timothy1 7 Member Posts: 345
    #2
    Dr
    The nurses who take care of surgeons patients should know how well the patients do. I have also read surgeons who have at least 5 years experience are better. I also asked my surgeon how long she'd been doing it. Best of luck to you.
  • Alexandra
    Alexandra Member Posts: 1,308
    #3
    How to find the best doctor / surgeon
    I was referred to my GYN/ONC surgeon and did not have much of a choice. But then again I live within Canadian free healthcare system and you don't, well not yet. I assume that your insurance covers all surgeons, because I have no idea how it works in USA.

    MARKET ANALYSIS:
    I would get a list of all GYN/ONC surgeons in Boston or in whole Mass.
    www.bidmc.org; www.massgeneral.org; www.dana-farber.org; other hospitals
    Think about logistics: transportation, visiting, lodging if the hospital is too far.

    EXPERIENCE CRITERIA:
    Hospitals usually post doctor's bios on their web-sites, so filter your list only to the more experienced doctors (over 5 years).

    REFERENCES:
    Then narrow your list down by running their names through www.ratemds.com. Pay attention not just to their rating but to the actual patient's comments and any past lawsuits. You can also include the "oh so nice" surgeon, she may in fact be well qualified.

    AVAILABILITY:
    When you have 3-4 choices left, call them all, talk to them and ask about their availability around the time of your mom's surgery (end February / beg. March). It is safe to operate 4-6 weeks after her 3rd chemo round. Before 4 weeks her blood counts may be too low. After 6 weeks CA125 may start going up again.

    INTERVIEWS:
    Meet with the available doctors. Bring all documents (blood tests, CT scans, chemo protocols, medical history, hospital transcripts, etc.) with you. Question everything including their experience with advanced OvCa patients, number of surgeries performed, types of surgery, mortality rate. Believe it or not: more experienced surgeons have higher mortality rate because they deal with more difficult cases.

    DECISION:
    All short-listed surgeons are well qualified.
    Make your final selection based on your gut feeling.

    Sorry, I know that I am a nerd. And a professional buyer.
  • MJensen
    MJensen Member Posts: 93
    #4
    Surgeon
    I agree with what the others have said. I trusted my Oncologist implicitly and feel he is the best in Santa Barbara. When the time came for my surgery I asked him if it was his wife, who would he want doing the surgery? He gave me the same name everyone else did. I would ask the Dr's and nurses in Boston who they recommend. We also have a website for all local Drs and they all have patient ratings. I refer to that website all the time. I didn't care for my surgeons bedside manor when I met him at first but was told by everyone he was the best. He did both of my surgeries laproscopically which really helped with the recovery time. I really like him now that I have gotten to know him. He may not be warm and fuzzy but he is an excellent surgeon! I am sure your family will make the right choice. So glad your mom is doing so much better! Michele
  • poopergirl14052
    poopergirl14052 Member Posts: 1,183 Member
    #5
    MJensen said:

    Surgeon
    I agree with what the others have said. I trusted my Oncologist implicitly and feel he is the best in Santa Barbara. When the time came for my surgery I asked him if it was his wife, who would he want doing the surgery? He gave me the same name everyone else did. I would ask the Dr's and nurses in Boston who they recommend. We also have a website for all local Drs and they all have patient ratings. I refer to that website all the time. I didn't care for my surgeons bedside manor when I met him at first but was told by everyone he was the best. He did both of my surgeries laproscopically which really helped with the recovery time. I really like him now that I have gotten to know him. He may not be warm and fuzzy but he is an excellent surgeon! I am sure your family will make the right choice. So glad your mom is doing so much better! Michele

    I was referred
    By my primary MD..very happy with my gyn/onc..she truly has seen my insides as well as my outside.
  • desprateinak
    desprateinak Member Posts: 1 *
    #6

    I live in alaska and want to know how to find the best colorectal surgeon in the United States for my husband. I don’t believe that he has to have a colostomy Want to avoid it at all cost. Please anyone?

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,360 Member
    #7

    desprateinak, you may have better luck with colon cancer questions on that discussion board. Along the top of the page is a "Discussion Boards" title, when you hover your mouse over it a full display of the different chat boards will show and you can select "Colorectal Cancer". Prayers for you and your family.

  • TBullwinkle
    TBullwinkle Member Posts: 7 Member
    #8

    Hi there! Sorry for the late post! I also live in Massachusetts. I don't know where you are located or what kind of insurance you have, but I go to Dana Farber in Boston. It is consistently ranked one of the top 5 cancer clinics, especially for women, in the country. The doctors are the best in the business. If you have the ability to travel to Dana Farber, it is worth it.

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