Every year in the United States, about 3.6 million hospital visits are due to orthopedic injuries. Almost a million people must stay in the hospital due to an orthopedic injury, and more than half a million need emergency surgery.
Although your insurance may dictate who you can partner with when you need orthopedic surgery, you always do your research. Also, consider going out of network if that’s what it takes to get optimal care in Houston, Texas.
David Lintner, MD, is an expert orthopedic surgeon and the head team physician for the Houston Astros. At our Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine clinic in Houston, Texas, he specializes in throwing injuries as well as restoring mobility and strength to those who want to stay active, no matter their profession or age.
If you’re in need of an orthopedic surgeon, we want you to find the best in Houston. The following are five tips to help you do that.
Professional athletes don’t have time to waste on orthopedic surgeons who aren’t at the top of the game and don’t offer the latest technologies and techniques. If you want to know who the top orthopedic surgeons are, look at the front-office page of websites for professional teams you follow.
As outlined in a recent article in the Houston Chronicle, Dr. Lintner has been the Houston Astros’ team physician for 30 years and currently serves as its head team physician.
His aim is to do more than repair an injury. It’s to also create a rehabilitation protocol so complete that the athlete can return to play and resume their career. That’s the kind of experience and dedication you want to look for — whether you’re an athlete or not.
Any orthopedic surgeon should have an online biography outlining their education, accreditation, specialties, and experience. You can find Dr. Lintner’s bio on the Houston Methodist Hospital website, including his education and certifications.
A biography also gives you a sense of their values and approach to medicine. For instance, on his private practice website, Dr. Lintner’s biography makes it clear that he’s happy to refer patients to other physicians who specialize in regenerative therapies if he thinks they’d benefit from that more than from surgery.
Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find an orthopedic surgeon who’s right for you. If you or your child plays team sports, find out who has successfully treated injuries for other players.
If you’ve experienced a work injury, check in with your co-workers. If you’re having trouble moving due to arthritis or other disease of aging, ask your friends or primary care provider for referrals.
You can also use consumer websites to get an idea of patient experience. Many hospital websites also feature their surgeons and reviews. Finally, find an orthopedic surgeon near you on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) website.
If an orthopedic surgeon is a leader in their field, they publish in their field, too. Research your physician and the papers they’ve written or book chapters they’ve edited to get a sense of their standing in the medical community. You can search doctors by name on the PubMed website, where you’ll find Dr. Lintner’s articles.
A top-notch orthopedic surgeon doesn’t just repair damage and move on to the next patient. They’re with you as you rehabilitate your injury and train gradually and safely so you can return to play. Dr. Lintner posts his extensive rehab protocols online, so you know he’s given deep thought to the kinds of exercises you need.
You should be picky when it comes to choosing your orthopedic surgeon.
Meet with Dr. Lintner so you can see for yourself how his years of experience help him understand your injury, diagnose it accurately, and create a customized treatment and recovery plan. Feel free to get more than one opinion and take more than one consultation.
Are you searching for the best orthopedic surgeon to help you get back in your game — whether that’s sports or just living your best life? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lintner today by phone or online form. If you’re not in the Houston area, send Dr. Lintner an MRI for a second opinion or treatment recommendation.
