Questions to Ask Your Surgeon 

Below is a letter from a plastic surgery medical coordinator that offers important questions that patients should ask when searching for the right surgeon. We hope this answers some of your questions.

Dear Merle,

I noticed that many of your subscribers have complained about getting incompetent medical care or asking advice about a doctor’s qualifications. I have some advice that might be useful for your clients.

Below is a letter from a plastic surgery medical coordinator that offers important questions that patients should ask when searching for the right surgeon. We hope this answers some of your questions.

Dear Merle,

I noticed that many of your subscribers have complained about getting incompetent medical care or asking advice about a doctor’s qualifications. I have some advice that might be useful for your clients.

Board certified: Many times a doctor’s yellow page ad will read that the doctor is board certified–but does not say what board. Just ask. It’s a perfectly legitimate question to ask a potential physician. Many board specialties are now doing cosmetic surgery–ENT, dermatology. Basically any doctor can limit their practice to cosmetic surgery–so research their qualifications.

Also, check a doctor’s medical record with the state board. For example, here in California we have the Medical Board of Quality Assurance. Any licensed physician’s record is public knowledge and you can access their record by either calling the Board in Sacramento at 916-263-2382 or through their website–www.calboard.org.

I am certain that other states have the same service. You can find out whether the physician has any complaints against their medical license.

Also, when you interview a potential surgeon, ask how many gynecomastia surgeries her performs in a year. Also, ask the practice if former patients who have undergone the procedure will call you directly to discuss their experience with you.

I have been a patient coordinator in plastic surgery for five years and these are all valid questions for potential patients to ask.

Hope this helps.

Best,
Pamela Jeffrey
Patient Coordinator