CHOOSING A SURGEON

There might be some choices that are easy to make. This definitely isn't one of them

- Richard Glover

How do you choose a surgeon for a big operation? I ask everyone I know, and each person gives me a different answer.

First up is the friend who notes you don't get to choose your surgeon unless you have overpriced health insurance, so I should abandon the insurance, accept who I'm given, and wallow in the ongoing savings.

OK, but I've paid the premium for years, and I don't want to limp around waiting for my turn.

Next up, a friend who says that, even though it's medical, you should still be a tough consumer. “Just get in there and ask them how many of these operations they've done. If one surgeon has done the operation 1379 times, that’s better than the surgeon who's done it 1378 times. And no way do you want to be their patient number 127. Or...” he says ominously, “... his first.”

Fair enough, but frankly, I'd rather limp than ask such pointed questions.

Then, finally, an idea I can embrace. A friend says, search through everyone you know until you find an operating theatre nurse. Ask them who is the best doctor. The nurses know everything. The nurses see everything.

So I ask a nurse of my acquaintance and am given a list of three “terrific surgeons”. Fine, but which is best of the best?

“They are all excellent.”

I'll have to make the final selection.