If your doctor determines that you need orthopedic surgery, such as a knee replacement or hip replacement, you will likely be given a referral to a specific surgery center. However, you have the right to review your options and choose your own facility. In fact, since orthopedic surgery is considered a major surgery to most patients, careful consideration when choosing an orthopedic surgeon and surgery center is highly recommended.

Navigating Surgical Center Referrals

Getting a referral is often required before you can schedule orthopedic surgery at any facility. Unfortunately, doctors often refer all their patients to the same specific facilities, especially if they have a pre-existing relationship with the owner or the staff. However, if you don’t want to be referred to the doctor’s facility of choice and you make your wishes known, you can often get the referral you want.

If possible, ask your primary or specialty doctor to provide an open referral for a surgical center. This will allow you to choose a facility based on your own research, but still, have a doctor’s referral. If the doctor insists on referring you to a specific facility but you ultimately find a different surgical center you prefer, ask about a referral transfer. Orthopedic surgery is a serious procedure, and you have the right to choose your provider.

How to Choose an Orthopedic Surgical Center

When choosing an orthopedic surgical center, the best thing you can do is conduct your own research. Some tips for researching and comparing different facilities are listed below.

1. Confirm Certifications

Governments and professional organizations award certifications and/or licensure to facilities and doctors who meet specific qualifications. The purpose of these credentials is to provide patients with the reassurance of the facility or doctor’s ability to provide quality care. For this reason, choosing a credentialed facility is essential. The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) certifies surgical centers across America, and a certification from the AAAHC is a sign that your surgical center meets or exceeds nationally-recognized standards.

Before scheduling your procedure at any facility, verify that the facility is properly certified on a state and national level and that the professionals conducting the procedure are properly licensed and credentialed.

2. Investigate Online

Take the time to browse each facility’s website, Google reviews, and social media profiles to learn as much as you can about their center and services. If possible, look for reviews that have been published on third-party websites, like Google, Yelp, or Facebook, as these tend to be less biased than testimonials the facility has chosen to publish on its own site.

3. Talk to Past Patients

One of the best ways to learn more about an orthopedic surgical center is to listen to stories from people who have undergone surgery at the facility in the past. If you know anyone who has received care at a given facility, talk to them to learn more about their experience. This is also a good opportunity to ask questions about the facility and its staff so you will know what to expect if you choose the facility.

4. Visit the Center In-Person

Another excellent way to compare your options is to check out different facilities and physicians in person. Before scheduling your procedure at a given orthopedic surgery center, request a tour of the facility and schedule a consultation with the physician who will be performing the surgery. Make a list of questions you want to ask during the tour and consultation so you can be sure you have all the information you need.

Choosing the right surgical center can be a challenge. However, because this choice is so important, you need to spend time considering your options, investigating possibilities, and gathering as much information as possible before you make the final decision.

At Prime Surgical Suites, we provide state-of-the-art, cost-effective musculoskeletal surgical care in a convenient and comfortable outpatient setting for patients of all ages. Located in RiverCrest Medical Park, we are the region's first outpatient center focused exclusively on orthopedics. Our physician-led center will help restore your active lifestyle and well-being with compassion and orthopedic excellence.