Is It worth choosing a Doctor?

[Wolf68]

My neighbour has given me the name and contact information for a doctor he said is the best in my area for knee replacement surgery and said once I get a date for my surgery I can request that it is done by this doctor.

I have looked at reviews and references online and they are indeed glowing, however the doctor I am currently seeing in my local hospital also has very good reviews, perhaps not quite as good as the doctor my neighbour recommended but not far off.

The question I want to ask is it worth me requesting a different doctor or will it make my wait even longer?

[piglette]

I always think the number one decision is your surgeon, however there are other things like wait time for example. So if your current surgeon can offer you earlier dates that may be something to take into consideration.

[Runrig01]

Personally if you’re considering this other Dr, you either need to ask your gp to refer you to them, or ask the current surgeon to refer you. It almost certainly will increase your wait time for the surgery. I say that as haven worked as an orthopaedic sister for many years. It’s not as simple as getting the date then asking for the other Dr. The other Dr is almost certainly got his own lists, and will be booked up. They will also be reluctant to do any surgery without haven seen you previously. If your currrnt one also has similar reviews I’d stick with them. However if you’re considering switching you can’t wait till they offer a date, it doesn’t work like that, so you would have to approach gp or surgeon soon.