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What Do I Look for when Choosing a Doctor Without Many Reviews Available?

asked 8 months ago by RN0611
Latest answer by David Finkle, MD
Question viewed 268 times
Tags: choosing a surgeon

I have met with a Dr who I really liked during the consultation and also impressed with his mommy makeover pictures. However I don't know anyone who has used him and I can't find more than 4 narrative reviews online. He is a board certified PS. His office did not have much decor and appeared a little unorganized. Also, when I asked how far out he was booked, he basically said I could get in when I wanted.

14 answers to What Do I Look for when Choosing a Doctor Without Many Reviews Available?

Choosing the right surgeon

It appears you have done your homework, choosing a surgeon that is right for you depends on many factors, the least of which is his/her choice of art work in his office, or his on line reviews. More importantly check on these factors: Board certified in Plastic Surgery (not cosmetic surgery) Has privileges to perform the same procedures in a local hospital Has good before and after pictures of patients HE actually operated on You have a good report with... more

David Finkle, MD
Omaha Plastic Surgeon

www.bodybyfinkle.com

I think there should also be a comfort zone in your selection

If you have made sure that the doctor is a board certified plastic surgeon. That the procedure will be done in a certified facility, that you will have a licensed anesthesiologist or a certified nurse anesthetist. The doctor should be able to show you ample before and after pictures. Make sure the surgeon is on staff at reputable local hospital. These days you can go on line and check to see if there are any suits or complaints against the doctor. I also feel that a patient should feel... more

William Aiello, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Finding the Right Plastic surgeon

It is good that you know your surgeon is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery. I would also check to see where he does his surgeries, is it a private surgery center? If so, you want to make sure it is accredited and has high standards. Ask for a tour and check for cleanliness. You can also check with your state's medical board on line and see if there are any complaints against the doctor. Further ask to speak to 2 or 3 patients that have had the procedure done. And lastly, I would ask how... more

Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

Choosing your doc

Make sure he/she is Board Certified. Best if he/she is a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Ask to speak to a couple of his/her patients. Check with the State Board of Quality Assurance to see if there are many law suits.

Ronald Schuster, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Choosing a plastic surgeon for your mommy makeover

Hello, You have done your homework and you should be congratulated for that. It seems that the plastic surgeon that you have found meets all of your criteria except the online reviews. One way to side step this is to ask to be put into contact with 2-3 of his prior mommy makeover patients. This will serve as a direct "review" based assessment of your potential plastic surgeon. You may also encourage your doctor to work on developing his online reviews... more

Remus Repta, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

www.aaaplasticsurgery.com

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Online reviews should not make your decision but rather help you .... During your consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, ask to see before and after photos of actual patients who have undergone cosmetic surgery. The surgeon may provide you with a list of patients you may speak to as a reference for the doctor. To enhance your education regarding the surgeon, you may be introduced to some post-op patients as well during your visit with the surgeon. Most patients are willing... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Choosing a plastic surgeon

I would recommend choosing a plastic surgeon that is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Also see if your surgeon is a member in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) as well as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). This will demonstrate high standards of ethics and professionalism. Also ask to see several before and after photos and perhaps ask to speak to a former patient that had the same surgery you are interested in having. I would not... more

William Bruno, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Choosing a doctor.

Reviews may not be usefule since there are lots of spurious things written by competitors or by a single unhappy patient who recruits friends to slam a doctor for whatever reason. Here is a simple checklist: 1) Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery; 2) You need to be comfortable with the surgeon and should feel fully educated about the procedure so that you can make a wise decision; 3) Make sure your surgeon can show you a lot of pictures of his/her own work:... more

Daniel Greenwald, MD
Tampa Plastic Surgeon

bayshoreplasticsurgery.com

The importance of reviews

I would reccomend you use reviews only to confirm and not replace your feelings about your consultation. It sounds like you connected with your surgeon and he/she apears trained and qualified. Since you are unable to find the review that will satisfy you, why don't you ask the surgeon's office to let you speak to a patient that had the procedures you desire. This may put your fears to rest. Good luck with your surgery.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Tips on choosing a plastic surgeon.

Tips on picking a Plastic Surgeon Article by George J. Beraka, MD Manhattan Plastic Surgeon 1) Is the surgeon a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery? Members usually do a lot of cosmetic surgery. 2) Did you sense a commitment to excellence in the office. Did the surgeon spend a lot of time with you? Someone who rushes through the consultation may rush through the surgery. 3) Were you treated as an individual? Did the surgeon present you with a surgical... more

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Choosing a surgeon

I would advise you not to make online reviews a make or break proposition for choosing a surgeon. They are notoriously inaccurate because of the nature in which they are generated and the over representation of bad reviews. My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient... more

Aaron Stone, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Choosing a surgeon -- online reviews or accreditation?

While patient referrals and testimonials are important in choosing a plastic surgeon, certification of the surgeon should be foremost on your list of credentials. Choose a physician who is board certified in plastic surgery. Next, be sure the surgeon operates in a fully accredited surgical center or hospital and has admitting privileges at a hospital in case of an emergency. You should also feel free to ask how often he or she performs the procedure you are seeking. Some surgeons will... more

Donna Rich, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

How important are reviews in choosing a mommy makeover surgeon?

While online reviews are reassuring, their usefulness in evaluating a surgeon is highly debatable. For one, unhappy patients (whether through any real fault of the doctor or not) are often more motivated to post than happy patients. Competitors have also been known to post fake negative reviews, while positive reviews may be aggregated by paid third parties and spammed onto review sites. So the bottom line is that your feeling after meeting with the surgeon is far more important than... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

baxterplasticsurgery.com

Board certification is key

If you met and liked the doctor, and felt comfortable with him, and he is board certified by the american board of PLASTIC surgery (not the cosmetic surgery board, which is not one of the actual true boards) i say go with him. my office is not too fancy either (hopefully NOT disorganized!) but i joke that instead of paying for marble floors, i can pay good staff and make surgery more reasonable economically for people. if you're still hesitant, ask him for some references of... more