How to find a surgeon in Birmingham

How to choose the best surgeon

Our step-by-step guide aims to help you find a qualified and reputable surgeon in England’s second city.

1. Identify your needs

Before you start your search, it’s important to clearly understand what type of surgery you need. Surgeons typically specialise in specific areas such as:

• orthopaedics
• cardiology
• general surgery
• ophthalmology.

Your GP can provide guidance on what kind of specialist you need.

During the research phase, you should keep an eye out for consultants who are members of specialist surgical societies. Another tip is to look out for surgeons who have published research on the surgery you need. This can be an indication of their level of expertise in the field.

2. Research hospitals

The hospital where a surgeon operates can be an indicator of their quality and reputation. Research which Birmingham hospitals the surgeon is affiliated with and consider the hospital’s ratings and reviews.

3. Qualifications and experience

Experience is crucial when choosing a surgeon. Surgeons who have performed lots of procedures similar to yours are likely to have more refined skills, not to mention a better understanding of potential complications.

Ensure that any surgeon you consider is properly qualified and certified. In the UK, surgeons should be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and should have the necessary qualifications and training. You can check a surgeon’s credentials on the GMC website.

The key credentials to look for are:

• GMC registration
• specialty training
• membership to professional bodies.

4. Results and success rates

Evaluating surgical success rates can give you a better understanding of a surgeon’s expertise. Because, at the end of the day, the better the surgeon, the more likely you are to have successful surgery. During your consultation, ask the surgeon about their personal success rates with the procedure.

The success rate of a hospital can also reflect the quality of care you will receive. Research the hospital’s overall success rates for surgeries and any specific metrics related to your procedure. Private hospitals in Birmingham with high success rates often have robust protocols, experienced surgical teams, and state-of-the-art facilities.

Success rates can be measured in different ways. The most common metrics include:

• Short-term success: Immediate postoperative results, such as low complication rates and positive initial recovery
• Long-term success: Outcomes over months or years, such as recurrence rates, long-term function, and patient quality of life
• Complication rates: Frequency of surgical complications, both minor and major
• Patient satisfaction: Self-reported satisfaction with the surgery and overall care

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Did you know?

99% of patients would recommend Practice Plus Group!

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5. Accreditation

Don’t forget to check that the hospital where your surgery will take place is accredited and has a good reputation for quality of care. Check the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website for information on hospital accreditation and ratings. Look for hospitals with high ratings for patient safety, cleanliness and quality of care.

6. Reviews and referrals

Word of mouth can be a very useful way of gaining valuable information. Which is why it’s a great idea to talk to friends, family, or colleagues who have undergone similar procedures. You never know, they may have recommendations you haven’t thought of. And it’s a great excuse for a catch-up over a cup of tea!

Patient reviews and testimonials can also provide insights into a surgeon’s bedside manner, skill and overall patient satisfaction. Websites such as Doctify and Google Reviews can be extremely helpful resources.

7. Costs

Surgery costs can vary depending on the surgeon and hospital. It’s important to carefully consider the cost of private surgery, as well as any associated costs. These can include hospital fees, general anaesthetic, and follow-up appointments. At Practice Plus Group, we pride ourselves on being open and honest. This means the price you see is the price you pay – there are no hidden costs or charges.

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Did you know?

Practice Plus Group were the first provider to achieve a clean sweep of ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ CQC ratings for all secondary care services!

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8. Insurance coverage

If you already have health insurance, make sure the surgeon and the hospital accept your insurance plan. If you are paying out-of-pocket, inquire about the costs and any available payment plans. Take a look at Practice Plus Groups list of approved insurance providers.

9. Consultation

Meeting with a surgeon before making your decision is essential. During the consultation, you can discuss your medical history, the details of the procedure, and your expectations. This meeting also allows you to gauge the surgeon’s communication style and comfort level, as well as giving you an opportunity to ask questions about your surgery.

At Practice Plus Group, our consultations cost £95 and include any necessary tests. There is no patient obligation to proceed to treatment.

10. Aftercare

Post-operative care is a crucial part of the surgical process. Ask about:

• the surgeon’s follow-up care routine
• how often you’ll need to visit for check-ups
• who will be available to address any concerns during your recovery.

11. Communication

It’s important to feel comfortable with your surgeon and confident in their abilities. A good surgeon should be able to:

• communicate clearly
• address your concerns
• provide comprehensive answers to your questions.

12. Get a second opinion

Don’t hesitate to seek second opinions from other surgeons. Comparing their success rates, approaches, and recommendations can give you a more comprehensive view and help you make an informed decision.

Questions to ask your surgeon

Below is a non-definitive list of questions to ask during consultation. Remember, there’s no such thing as a stupid question, so feel free to fire away.

• What are your qualifications and experience with this procedure?
• What are the risks and benefits associated with this surgery?
• How many times have you performed this specific surgery?
• What is the expected recovery time?
• Can you provide before and after photos or patient testimonials?

What makes our consultants in Birmingham different?

At Practice Plus Group Hospital in Birmingham, all our specialists are:

• highly-qualified
• experienced in their specialisation
• well-reviewed by patients
• up-to-date with the latest technologies and healthcare guidance
• caring and compassionate.

Types of Birmingham surgeons and consultants

Consultant surgeons are experienced and highly trained professionals who are often leaders in their field. Private surgeons operate in private healthcare facilities rather than public or government-run hospitals. They work with patients who have private health insurance or want to pay for their healthcare to access more control over their experience and the timing of their surgery

Birmingham offers a diverse array of highly skilled surgeons and consultants across multiple specialties. These include:

• Orthopaedic surgeons in Birmingham
• Best knee surgeons in Birmingham, UK
• Birmingham hip surgeons
• Cataract surgeons in Birmingham
• Carpal tunnel surgeons in Birmingham
• General surgeons in Birmingham
• Bariatric surgeons in Birmingham
• Foot and ankle surgeon in Birmingham
• Hand surgeons in Birmingham
• Eye surgeons in Birmingham
• Shoulder surgeons in Birmingham
• ENT consultants in Birmingham

Find surgeons near you

Our consultant page allows you to search by language, treatment, and location to find experienced local surgeons near you. Filter surgeons by the location ‘Birmingham’ to see a list of skilled and qualified consultants in your area.

Each profile will show you their qualifications, medical council number and approved insurers, along with a biography about their specialisations.

Remember, your health and well-being are important, and taking the time to find the right surgeon is an investment in a successful and safe outcome.