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Checklist for Choosing a Carpal Tunnel Doctor

Dr. Z • Aug 10, 2020

Choosing a Carpal Tunnel Doctor

You're probably reading this because you're thinking of choosing a carpal tunnel doctor in your area. So it's likely you suspect you have carpal tunnel syndrome. In fact, you may be feeling the warning signs of carpal tunnel like pain, numbness or tingling in your hand or fingers. 


Do one or more of those symptoms wake you up at night? Does your little finger feel normal? Are symptoms worse when your hand is at rest? If you answered yes to any of these questions then it’s probably carpal tunnel syndrome.


And if these symptoms are intense during the daytime, then you almost definitely have this disorder. And so do almost 5 million other people in the USA.


So choosing the right doctor is a good first step. Here are some important tips on how to do that.


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Carefully select a carpal tunnel doctor

A carpal tunnel doctor is a hand specialist or orthopedic doctor who specializes in problems of the hand. In fact, today their most common finding and most often diagnosed problem is carpal tunnel syndrome.


Remember, doctors are people. Some are great at what the do and others aren't. And there's nothing more regrettable than getting the wrong carpal tunnel doctor.


So how do you go about choosing the best carpal tunnel doctor? How do you know which is both knowledgeable and experienced with this disorder? Here are some steps you can follow to avoid a nightmare, and insure the doctor is the very best in your vicinity

First try treating symptoms yourself

Most hand pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness are signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. In fact, it occurs in 5-10% of the US population. And every national health organization - particularly the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons - says you need to do one thing first. That is, before spending time and money on tests or carpal tunnel surgery, try treating the symptoms yourself. 


Carpal tunnel syndrome responds extremely well to non-surgical treatments like rest, night bracing, stretching exercise, and myofascial massage. These are time-honored remedies you can use at home and for very little cost. And they work for most patients!


If these non-surgical remedies fail, then earnestly begin choosing a carpal tunnel doctor.

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Where to start choosing a carpal tunnel doctor

There are many resources available to patients seeking a hand specialist. Remember that all medicine is a highly profitable and competitive business.


Therefore, many resources readily give you lots of information in the hopes of driving more business to their member doctor or hospital. So take advantage of that!


Once you settle on the right doctor, don't forget to ask him or her the "hard" questions. For instance, a recent review by CNN suggests asking questions like:


"What will my daily life be like immediately after surgery?"

"How about 3 or 12 months after surgery?"

"How much help will I need, and for how long?"

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Hospital Referrals

A hospital is an excellent way of choosing a carpal tunnel doctor in your vicinity. In fact, one of services most local or regional hospitals provide is a “referral service”. Hospitals are usually trustworthy and this is the best way to find a good carpal tunnel doctor. 


A reliable referral from a hospital has other advantages. Let’s say a carpal tunnel doctor develops a bad reputation. (Yes, it happens!) Then his or her patients wind up in the hospital because of complications. Therefore, that doctor will have a negative reputation in the community of doctors. 


Hospitals never tolerate incompetence or distrust. As a result, such doctors are removed from the hospital referral service list. 


Most hospitals encourage using their referral service. The information is always free and always readily available. Take advantage of this little-known but valuable service!

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Insurance Referrals

This is a great starting point if you already have health insurance. Insurance companies always encourage you to call them for advice. Tell them you're in the process of choosing a carpal tunnel doctor and ask them for referrals in your area. They can give you information about local hand specialists who the insurance company supports. 


Does Medicare cover carpal tunnel surgery?


If you’re searching by yourself, be aware that most insurers will not provide support if you go to a doctor who is not in your plan. Therefore, always check with your insurer. Make sure the information you get is current because doctors come and go from the list of approved providers.

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Online Directories

Some municipalities and states have searchable databases to make choosing a carpal tunnel doctor easy. But it depends on the state. One of the most comprehensive national databases is from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Their database will let you find an orthopedist according to your city or town. Unfortunately, they provide no "rating" for those doctors.


On the other hand, many other databases have a section for comments by patients. Some may even have a rating system within the comments. This lets you see what other patients say about a certain doctor. It can be very useful when choosing the doctor. It’s always helpful to discuss experiences with former patients before you decide on a particular doctor.

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Medical Schools

If there is a medical school close by, it can be useful to check with them. Usually, a carpal tunnel doctor is associated with a nearby medical school. In fact, medical schools are always willing to take new patients. For this reason, they usually offer lower prices compared to a doctor not connected with the medical school. 


Also, the school’s carpal tunnel doctor usually has more openings. That's due to the many residents they have available.

ABMS

The American Board of Medical Specialties

The American Board of Medical Specialties provides a free service for reports on board certified doctors. Think of it as a report card. To have board certification, a doctor must pass all exams involving best medical practices.


This is very important when choosing a carpal tunnel doctor since you want to make sure you settle on one with up-to-date skills. That insures he or she brings the most experience to your problem.

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There’s NO substitute for experience

Obviously, hand surgery is quite complex and delicate. If the hand surgery goes right, chances are good you will be happy. But so many things can go wrong. If they do, it will be a miserable - and often permanent - experience. 


First and foremost, when choosing a carpal tunnel doctor, make sure he or she offers state-of-the-art diagnoses and treatment. Surgical technology changes rapidly, so the doctor must be current on all aspects of non-surgical treatments and hand surgery techniques. It all boils down to determining if the doctor has a lot of experience. 


This means asking your doctor one big question: before settling on him or her, ask how many successful carpal tunnel operations they've performed. The answer should be in the thousands. You'll pay extra for a seasoned surgeon but your hand’s future is worth it.

Conclusion

It's not difficult choosing a carpal tunnel doctor who's right for you. Many resources can help. But first - as recommended by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons - try treating carpal tunnel syndrome on your own. If that fails, find a doctor with a lot of experience.

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