2. Choosing a laser spine facility should not only be based on
proximity of the surgical center to your home. Nor should it be
based on the prices charged by the medical organization that
owns or operates the facility. These are factors, of course, but
allowing location and price to be the only guiding principles as
you decide where to undergo spine surgery would be like
ignoring the quality of the food as you decided where to eat
out for a special occasion.
There are a number of other factors you should weigh as you
make a decision about where to have your laser spine surgery.
Start by asking your physician’s advice, as well as that of any
of your friends or family members who might have undergone
spine surgery. Then, move on to the specifics.
3. Check the Doctors’ Credentials
Once you have narrowed your initial search to a particular laser
spine facility or facilities, check into the credentials of the
surgeons who work there. Most facilities will gladly answer
questions about the board
certifications, residencies, education, and experience of their
surgeons. Ask about what organizations and medical associations
the surgeons are affiliated with, and find out if there have been
any malpractice lawsuits filed against them. Lawsuits in and of
themselves are not necessarily a problem, because many
medical professionals are forced to contend with legal issues at
some point in their careers. But it is important to know the
outcome of those cases before consenting to undergo something
as potentially life-changing as spine surgery.
4. Ask About
Patient Satisfaction Surveys
Most reputable laser spine surgery centers conduct patient
research, which usually includes some form of patient satisfaction
survey. The questions they ask of recent patients might include:
• Would you recommend our center to others?
• How would you rate the care you received?
• If you ever needed surgery again,
would you choose this facility?
While no two patient experiences are alike,
you can learn a lot about a laser spine
facility by taking into account how others
felt they were treated when they were
patients there.
5. Go to the Facility Itself
Of course, if at all possible, one of the best ways to determine whether you
should have surgery at a particular laser spine facility is to visit the facility in
person. In general, you should know fairly quickly whether you are interested
in having your surgery in a particular place, or if you ought to look elsewhere.
Whatever you do, don’t let your head be turned when you walk into a
glittering, stylishly decorated lobby. Marble floors and expensive artwork on
the walls do not necessarily translate into quality spine care. At the same
time, a facility should not have a run-down appearance, either. What is
important is that the facility features up-to-date equipment, which is an
indication that the spine and rehabilitation center stays current with the most
advanced technology available. It is also important to examine the post-
operative amenities, as well. Does the center feed you or have a deli or cafe
on site? Is there someplace comfortable for friends or family members to
wait? These are important considerations.
6. Research Success Rates
and Outcomes
Finally, even if the place itself looks great and the
surgeons check out, do not consent to spine surgery
at a laser spine facility until you have checked – and
double-checked – the outcome history for the
particular type of surgery will you undergo. No
surgeon will ever enjoy a success rate of 100
percent, but anything less than 90 percent should
raise an alarm bell. If the center will not provide
data about success rate and long-term
outcomes, go somewhere else.
