Choosing a Heart Surgery Specialist? Check These Tips
According to the Singapore Heart Statistics, about 1 out of 3 deaths in Singapore is caused by cardiovascular disease in 2018. The numbers do not lie and cardiovascular disease is something you should not neglect.
That being said, if you are diagnosed with the medical condition, it is best to ask your heart surgery specialist if you need to undergo heart bypass surgery. But before having one, practise due diligence and check the background of the medical professional who is going to perform the heart bypass surgery. Take note of the tips and pointers here if you need help in finding the right heart surgery specialist.
Get referrals
A list of referrals is a good place to start your heart doctor or heart surgery specialist hunt. Contact your friends, family, and loved ones, among others, for their primary specialist. If you can’t obtain a list from your friends, then go online for recommendations. Next, refine your list by checking their credentials, which brings us to our next point.
Research credentials and experience
The credentials of a heart surgery specialist are important. They pretty much show that the specialist has undergone necessary education, and training. Also check for a history of malpractice and disciplinary actions undertaken against him/her.
Experience also plays a crucial role. The more experience a specialist has, the higher the chance of a successful surgery. Before hiring a heart surgery specialist, ask how many treatments he/she has experience in. In line with this, enquire about his/her complication rates. By getting acquainted with them, you can gauge your risks of encountering complications.
Check the hospital
Take note of the quality of care that the hospital offers. Remember, this matters as top-rated and credible ones have lower risks and better survival rates. Also, consider the location since you may require frequent trips back to the hospital after your heart bypass surgery.
Put a premium on communication
Communication with your heart surgery specialist is key when it comes to ensuring the efficacy of your operation. Find a specialist you’re comfortable to speak to and meets your need for urgent and extensive information. To test him/her, make an inquiry and discern how he/she responds. Do you feel that he/she is engaged? Find someone who places utmost importance to his/her client’s inquiry.
Summing up
By taking note of these straightforward, yet essential tips, your heart bypass surgery will be effective, efficient, and safe. Practise due diligence when looking for the right heart surgery specialist. This is one of the best things that you can do for yourself and your loved ones.
