What to Consider When Choosing a Hand Surgeon

Posted on 05/17/2022

If you are experiencing severe or chronic pain in your hands, or if you are suffering from issues with mobility in your fingers, hands, or wrists, it’s always a good idea to consult with a specialist. The hands are made up of many tiny bones and joints, and only highly qualified and trained hand surgeons have the comprehensive knowledge and experience needed to correctly diagnose and treat issues affecting this part of the body. So, how do you know which hand surgeon is right for you?

Here's what to consider when choosing a hand surgeon.

 

Ask for Recommendations

Before you do anything else, if you know someone who has previously visited a hand surgeon, ask them who they saw and if they would recommend them. If they’ve had a good experience, you may be able to narrow down the wider search immediately. Alternatively, they may be able to tell you who to avoid and why.

 

Specific Qualifications, Accreditations, & Experience

One of the biggest mistakes that people make when choosing a hand surgeon is failing to check whether their preferred surgeon has any accreditations beyond simply having a medical degree and general surgery training. The hands are extremely complex structures, and since we rely on them so heavily, it’s always best to choose a hand surgeon with the greatest amount of education, training, and number of accreditations possible.

 

Our surgeons have completed advanced education and training. Dr. Chin has also trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery, orthopedic surgery, and microsurgery, giving him a wealth of experience with which he can approach upper extremity problems, as well as being able to apply a variety of cutting-edge techniques from each surgical field. He is a recognized authority on upper extremity disabilities. Meanwhile, Dr. Lau is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a respected leader in the Bay Area plastic surgery community, and has performed more than one thousand reconstructive hand surgery procedures.

 

Assess the Quality of the Surgery Center

It is important to consider the quality of the facility where your surgery will be performed too. This is because patients who are treated at top-rated medical facilities tend to experience fewer complications and feel that they have received a higher level of care. Make sure that the location is convenient for you, and, if you can, visit it in person to check out how clean and sterile the premises looks and what the staff seems like.

 

Check with Your Insurance

Your insurance coverage may be a practical matter, but it is important to consider if you aren’t planning on paying out of pocket for your hand surgery. Ensure that your chosen hand surgeon participates in your healthcare plan by checking with your insurance provider.

For more tips on what to consider when choosing a hand surgeon or why to choose East Bay Hand & Upper Extremity, please contact us at our office in Oakland, California at 510.904.1100 today.