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Choosing a surgeon to perform a chest operation is an important decision. Together with your primary physician, you should consider who will perform your surgery and where. Not all doctors or hospitals are alike, which means that an evaluation of factors that contribute to the best possible surgical outcome is essential.
When you need specialized care it is essential that you consider the surgeon's qualifications, as well as certain measures of the hospital's services. National standards have been established for physicians and healthcare facilities by professional organizations. The following measures of quality provide a starting point from which to base your decision.
A chest (general thoracic) surgeon is a fully trained physician who, after medical school, has completed five years of training in an accredited general surgery program, plus an additional three years in a subspecialty program to learn the specialized skills of a thoracic and cardiac surgeon. Following this training, the surgeon then chooses to become board-certified and specialize in either general thoracic surgery or cardiac surgery, or sometimes both.
Board certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties is an indication of a surgeon's competence. Certification assures you that he or she has completed years of residency training in thoracic surgery, and has demonstrated knowledge and competence by successfully completing a thorough examination.
If you do not know your surgeon's qualifications, ask your family physician, or contact the hospital where your surgery will be performed, or your local or state medical society.
Ask how many chest surgeries have been performed in the past year by the surgeon you are considering. Knowing if the surgeon has the expertise you need is essential. Also, find out if the surgeon is part of a multi-disciplinary team of health care professionals who will care for you before, during and after your surgery. The collective expertise and experience of such a team may contribute significantly to your entire surgical experience and recovery.
Ask your primary care physician for a recommendation of a chest (general thoracic) surgeon, or a friend or family member who has had chest surgery and has been satisfied with a particular surgeon. This may be a useful and reliable option. Another way is to find a specialist who has a positive reputation in your community. Keep in mind that even a recommendation does not guarantee the same experience. Training is an especially important consideration.
Choosing the hospital or medical center to which your surgery will be performed is another important consideration. Hospitals or ambulatory surgery centers may voluntarily seek accreditation by such organizations as the Joint Commission or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
These organizations are national authorities that survey and monitor hospitals and other health care facilities to encourage the highest standards of patient care. Accreditation is a positive sign that the facility is committed to providing the best possible care.
If you cannot find a chest surgeon through your primary care physician or referral by a friend, there are several other resources that may help.
The nearly 400,000 physicians recognized as specialists by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) are listed in many telephone directories throughout the United States, noting their specialty or subspecialty. You may call the ABMS toll-free at (800) 776-2378 to verify a physician's certification.
There are directories available at medical societies and at your public and hospital or medical school libraries. Here are a few to get you started:
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