Utilize the Internet to Find the Top Orthopedic Surgeons in Chicago

Start your search for top orthopedic specialists in your area. Be specific, include the relevant body part or orthopedic specialty and include your geographic region. For example, searching the “Best Shoulder Surgeon in Chicago”, “Top Northshore Sports Doctor” or “Best Sports Medicine Surgeon in the Northwest Suburbs” is a good start. From here you are likely to get a number of different advertisements, but you should also find a number of different surgeons. Online reviews, comments and patient stories can be helpful resources for seeing patient interaction and outcomes with the surgeons you are considering. Illinois allows you to look-up a physician’s medical board license and they also file monthly reports including grievances, complaints and legal issues regarding physicians.

Review the Surgeon’s Credentials

The top orthopedic surgeons and specialists will always post their resume and biography on their website. Many third party companies such as Doctor.com and Healthgrades can help to confirm the information you see on a surgeon’s website. Personal websites (such as the one you are reading right now) are often written by surgeons or digital marketing companies and are therefore, not validated. Always be sure to confirm information you find on a private site with other sources. Institutions will often contain profiles for all of their physicians, and this information is vetted to ensure accuracy. You can also use the “Contact Us” page on a website to ask questions or validate information before scheduling an appointment.

The Surgeon’s Affiliations

The best orthopedic surgeons in Chicago are often associated with the best institutions in Chicago. Of course, this is a generalization and not a rule, but just like in other industries, the top medical organizations tend to recruit and retain the best surgeons. Luckily, there are multiple renowned medical institutions in and around Chicago. There are many considerations when selecting where to receive your care, but choosing a practice that specializes in orthopedic surgery is always a good choice. The top orthopedic surgeons in your area will also proudly display their former training programs. Just as the top medical practices recruit the top doctors, the top orthopedic training programs recruit the best orthopedic surgeons-in-training. Knowing that your surgeon trained at a reputable institution is one step towards being more comfortable with your decision.

Ask Your Primary Care Physician for a Referral

Primary care physicians often know the surgeons in their area well and they can be a great resource for connecting you with a specialized surgeon. If you are seeking the best sports medicine surgeon, the best shoulder replacement surgeon or just looking for an evaluation, your primary care doctor can likely make you a direct referral. Primary care physicians know their patients well and see their patients before and after surgical procedures. Experienced primary care physicians have seen many great, and unfortunately, many poor surgical outcomes. For this reason, they can often direct you to the best orthopedic surgeon in your area.

Take Word-of-mouth Seriously

Word-of-mouth may be considered old fashioned in comparison to the internet, but it can be incredibly valuable when choosing a doctor. If a family member, friend or other close acquaintance had a great experience with a surgeon, it can give you comfort that you likely will as well. Likewise, if someone you trust shares a negative experience about a particular doctor, it may be a good idea to find care elsewhere. The best orthopedic surgeons generally have many happy patients in their community.