Choosing the Right Knee Pain Doctor: Factors to Consider in Singapore
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Knee Pain Doctor
Knee Pain: Consider the location and availability of the doctor. Nobody likes to visit a doctor’s office, and poor experiences in the past can unconsciously lead you to avoid further treatment. Accessibility is especially important following surgery, when it may be difficult to travel. Most importantly, a doctor who is busy may give limited time and attention to each patient. On the other hand, a doctor with too much free time could have availability issues in the future, and this could be a bad sign in terms of reputation. Remember that an initial visit is a sort of interview for the doctor, and you are not required to receive treatment from anybody. Wait times for a consultation are another factor to consider. Consider contact with the doctor outside of normal visits. As appointment times get shorter and shorter, it is getting more difficult to get all of your questions answered during a doctor’s visit. If there are important questions that you have not had answered, ask to speak with the doctor at a time when they are not rushed, such as an early morning or lunch hour. General practitioner doctors are often unwilling to talk on the phone, so consider this when selecting one!
Look for an experienced knee pain doctor Singapore, especially one who has a lot of experience with the specific procedure you are seeking. There is no substitute for experience, and this is proven by the doctor’s results. One common finding in surgical studies that compares outcomes between different surgeons is that patient outcomes are highly correlated with the volume of surgeries a particular doctor has done. Simply put, more knee arthroscopies means better results. Experienced doctors have seen more complications, so they are better equipped to avoid them. Be wary of a doctor who brushes off complications. It may mean he or she doesn’t hear about them very often because they aren’t being referred enough.
First of all, you should look for a specialist in knee pain treatment. General orthopedic surgeons may be able to help you, but a specialist will have a higher level of expertise because of the large volume of patients with knee problems. Specialization can be verified through a training program, and the proof of the fellowship is often visible on the doctor’s wall! Beyond a diploma, be aware of the doctor’s level of interest in knee problems. Do they talk to you about the newest research in knee pain treatment? Do they seem current in their treatment methods? The knee is a more delicate joint than the hip or shoulder, and it can be more difficult to treat because of patient expectations regarding activity level, so seek a doctor who is a true expert.
Doctor’s Specialization in Knee Pain Treatment
A reliable knee pain doctor should be able to diagnose different knee conditions and their different treatments. The majority of knee injuries can be treated effectively without surgery. However, in other cases, a surgeon is needed to consult on the best course of treatment. As one of the largest and most complex joints in the body, it is important to seek a physician or surgeon who is a specialist in their field. Whether it is non-operative care (e.g. physiotherapy, osteopathy, or podiatry) or operative care (e.g. a knee replacement), seeking a specialist is highly recommended. A physiotherapist may have good knowledge of the mechanics of the knee and how to rehabilitate muscle imbalances around the knee, but may have little understanding of specific knee injuries or conditions. If further clarification on your knee condition is required, they should then refer you to a doctor who specializes in musculoskeletal medicine or a surgeon. An accurate diagnosis of your knee condition is crucial, and seeking the right doctor will steer you in the right direction.
Experience and Expertise in Treating Knee Pain
It is said that experience is the best teacher and an experienced doctor will most likely have seen many cases similar to yours. This means that the doctor will be able to foresee potential problems that may occur during the treatment and he will know exactly how to deal with them. In the event that there is any form of complication, an experienced doctor will be able to provide the most effective solution. This is why expertise is also an important factor. A doctor who is more knowledgeable in the field of knee pain treatment will have a more in-depth understanding of your problem. With better understanding, the doctor will be able to explain your situation better and he will be able to provide a more comprehensive treatment.
The experience and expertise of a knee pain doctor is another important factor to consider. An experienced doctor will be able to diagnose your knee problem accurately. This will save time and help make treatment cost effective. In some cases, surgery may be necessary in order to solve the knee problem. An experienced doctor will be able to recommend if and when surgery should be done and will be able to carry out the surgery with a high level of proficiency. Usually, a doctor with more experience will be able to offer a wider range of treatment options and they will be able to tailor treatments to the specific needs of the patient.
Availability and Accessibility of the Doctor
The proximity and convenience of the clinic in relation to your home may play a part, as you may need to visit the clinic frequently, especially if you are doing physiotherapy. Imagine having to travel a long distance by public transport after a session of intense therapy. Furthermore, some kind of surgical treatment may require a lot of pre and post-operation visits to the doctor to monitor your condition. This may be rather inconvenient if you are staying far from the clinic. In addition, the waiting time for your appointment should also be short and manageable, as you might be unable to sit for too long due to the pain. This can be quite challenging, as the waiting time for public hospitals can range from weeks to a few months. You may also want to consider the opening hours of the clinic and whether the clinic provides urgent appointments, as your condition may worsen at times. A clinic with multiple locations across the country may also be a plus point, as this will make the clinic more accessible to you.
Reputation and Reviews of the Doctor
There are doctors who are knee pain specialists, like a knee surgeon for example. These doctors on knee pain are more knowledgeable on the latest methods of treatment. Whether he is a general orthopaedist or a knee specialist, find one who is more interested and knowledgeable in treating your specific condition. This can be determined when the doctor starts asking more specific questions about your knee pain and the treatment options given are explained in more detail with the pros and cons. Knowledgeable doctors are more able to accurately diagnose your condition and provide an effective treatment plan. This will speed up the recovery process and prevent trial and error methods which sometimes can be costly and ineffective. An effective way to know whether a doctor is a knee pain specialist would be asking if he has taken any courses in knee pain treatment, attended knee pain related conferences or does he have much success treating knee pain in the past.
Cost of Treatment and Insurance Coverage
In Singapore, the cost for a typical consultation with a knee pain doctor in a government or private hospital can range from $30-$150 or more. This is an important starting point for considering the cost of treatment of knee pain. It should also be noted that some patients with rheumatic diseases and moderate to severe arthritis are treated in the polyclinics or government hospitals by rheumatologists or orthopedic surgeons. The consultation fees in the polyclinic are $9-$10 and in the government hospital, it is about $20-$320.
The cost of treatment for knee pain may also be a consideration for those who have insurance coverage and it is significant for those who have no insurance coverage. The broad and varied insurance coverage provided by Medicare can also influence a person’s decision when it comes to the cost of treatment for knee pain. Some people will not let cost influence their doctor selection because they are willing to pay more out of pocket for better treatment.
The impact of the cost of treatment for knee pain can be an important factor that needs to be considered for some individuals seeking to relieve their knee pain. This is due to a number of reasons. Some individuals may have medical insurance (either private or through work) and they want to ensure their treatment and seeing a knee pain doctor is covered by their policy. In this case, it may be necessary or desirable to select a knee pain doctor who is listed as a provider by their insurance company. Failure to do this can result in higher medical expenses as they will have to pay a greater portion of the fees for treatment out of pocket.
Considerations for Choosing a Knee Pain Doctor in Singapore
Doctor’s affiliation with reputable hospitals or clinics It is generally a requirement that a patient has a referral from a GP to see a specialist doctor in Singapore, and many of these referrals are based on word-of-mouth recommendations or the knowledge of the nearest available specialist. Unfortunately, the healthcare system is such that very few patients are able to choose their specialist or the institution they attend based on the best fit for their condition. It is somewhat left to the patient to do their own research. If you have a preference for an experienced doctor affiliated with a reputable hospital or clinic, then it can be worthwhile to seek out a specialist at their private practice within or outside the public healthcare system.
Availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities Singapore is a hub for medical tourism, and many of its hospitals and specialist clinics are well equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities. These facilities can be an important factor in helping to identify the cause and treat your knee pain. Tests such as the full leg weight-bearing X-ray are essential tools in diagnosing the cause of knee arthritis, and they are not widely available outside of orthopedic specialist clinics and hospital settings. Subsequent treatments, such as High Tibial Osteotomy and Total Knee Replacement, have better outcomes when performed with modern techniques and implants, which may not be available at all healthcare institutions.
Availability of Advanced Diagnostic and Treatment Facilities
At OrthoSports, our specialist knee pain doctors are directly affiliated with our group and hence have easy access to our advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities. Our clinical facilities include advanced diagnostic ultrasound and fluoroscopic X-ray (also known as real-time X-Ray). This is a huge advantage in accurately diagnosing both soft tissue and bone-related knee problems. A correct diagnosis is crucial for timely and effective treatment. For example, an ACL tear is a common sports knee injury which can often be misdiagnosed. Fluoroscopic X-ray can help accurately determine whether there is associated bone bruising and provide a clearer assessment of the severity of the ACL injury. This helps determine whether the ACL injury requires surgery or can potentially be treated with conservative rehabilitation. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to unnecessary invasive procedures or early return to sports, risking further damage to the knee. An accurate diagnosis can also help identify knee problems which may require treatment by a specialist knee pain doctor of another sub-specialty, e.g. rheumatologist, orthopaedic surgeon.
A specialist knee pain doctor should have access to cutting-edge technology and medical facilities to help accurately diagnose and treat your condition. This is a key consideration for choosing the right knee pain doctor in Singapore. A doctor with direct access to advanced facilities could mean the difference between accurate and timely treatment and misdiagnosis. Often, the availability of medical facilities can depend on a doctor’s affiliation with a particular hospital or clinic. Hence, it is also important to take note of which hospital or clinic the knee pain doctor is actually based at.
Doctor’s Affiliation with Reputable Hospitals or Clinics
Choosing a doctor who practices in an accredited hospital ensures that the facilities used for your diagnosis and treatment are up to standard. This is especially important if you require complex diagnostic tests or surgery for your knee problem. Reputable hospitals and clinics are more likely to have advanced technology and facilities and offer a wider range of treatment options. If you have health insurance, you may also want to check if the doctor is a recognized practitioner at a hospital that falls under your insurance coverage. This will allow you to receive treatments with lower out-of-pocket expenses.
An affiliation with reputable hospitals or clinics in Singapore is an important factor to consider when choosing a knee pain doctor. The reputation of a hospital or clinic is usually a reflection of the standard of care provided by the doctors working there. A doctor who is affiliated with a renowned hospital or clinic is likely to be more professional and committed to providing high-quality care. Hospitals in Singapore are accredited by the Ministry of Health, which is awarded to public and private hospitals that have met the required standards for registration.
Communication and Language Skills of the Doctor
The ability to effectively communicate with your doctor is crucial for the successful treatment of your knee pain. When meeting the doctor for the first time, ask a question and watch the response carefully. Your doctor should be able to communicate a clear understanding of your ailment and an effective strategy to resolve your knee pain. A good doctor will be able to explain the diagnosis in simple terms that you understand and explain what is wrong with your knee. They should also analyze the short and long-term goals of the treatment. The best way to do this is to ask as many open-ended questions as possible. Open-ended questions allow you to receive more information about your concerns. For example, “What are my treatment options for my knee pain?” produces far more information than “Do I have to have surgery?” It is also important that the doctor asks your opinion and takes time to answer all of your questions. A doctor who is fluent in multiple languages may also be beneficial to you if you are not a fluent English speaker. In our multicultural society, some of us may not be comfortable with expressing our true feelings due to language barriers. This may hinder communication with your doctor and affect treatment. If you feel that this is a concern for you, it is alright to ask the doctor whether they can speak your native language.
Range of Treatment Options Offered by the Doctor
Non-invasive treatment options, such as medication, injections, and physical therapy, are generally aimed at pain relief and improving knee function. Should the success of non-invasive treatments be limited, one may consider surgery. The type of surgery recommended will depend on the severity of the knee condition. If surgery is deemed necessary, the first and most important step is to locate a competent surgeon. Ask your doctor for a referral to a surgeon who specializes in your specific knee condition and who regularly performs the type of surgery you are seeking. It is important, if any, to weigh the risks and benefits of surgery and to have realistic expectations of the outcome in terms of pain relief and function improvement.
There are many options for treating knee pain, ranging from simple medication to surgery. When considering what treatment option is best for you, it is important to have a good understanding of your diagnosis and to have tried various treatment options to manage your condition. It is always advisable to seek more than one opinion from a doctor so that you may compare the different treatment options available to you and weigh the risks and benefits of each treatment option. When assessing the option of undergoing surgery, it is vital to be well informed of the procedure details and to have realistic expectations of the outcome.
Personal Comfort and Compatibility with the Doctor
To ensure a good doctor-patient relationship, the doctor should possess some good personal characteristics such as a good sense of humor, friendliness, empathy, caring, and a reasonable attitude. Treating patients in a polite manner, showing respect, and always taking adequate time to explain the patient’s health condition and treatment plan will also improve the patient’s trust and confidence in the doctor. Choosing a doctor of the same race may contribute to better understanding, and similar cultural backgrounds may also help.
Most of us have heard the assumption that the success of communication consists of only 20% of what is said and 80% of how it is said. The same factor applies to medical communication – patients will most likely be comfortable to communicate and open up about their health problems to those who seem to care and understand them completely.
Any medical treatment success is always partially due to the patient’s improvement of participating with the doctor in their best interests – which is directly linked to how comfortable the patient is with the doctor. When we speak about several medical professionals or physicians, it’s always easy to observe that they pretty much all have similar competencies such as clinical exercises, experiences, and certain specialties. But the one dissimilarity that makes most of the medical professionals appear to have different degrees of success rates is their capability to create their own good relationships with their patients.
Questions to Ask When Selecting a Knee Pain Doctor
It is important that the doctor explain your specific knee problem, and that you understand what the doctor is explaining. A good doctor-patient relationship is essential. Patients should be seen as partners in their own medical care. This concept requires that patients take an active role in learning about their specific knee problem and their treatment options. A well-informed patient will often make the best health decisions. So, selecting a doctor who encourages patient involvement and asks for patient input is a wise choice.
Experience is important. Generally, the longer a doctor has been treating knee problems, the more successful the treatment results. It is helpful if the doctor is specialized in treating knee problems. Ask the doctor about his/her experience with treating your specific knee condition. Find out whether the initial consultation will be with the doctor, or with a staff member who will later report to the doctor. If you are not comfortable with the staff member being involved in your consultation, you may need to continue searching for a doctor.
What is your experience in treating knee pain?
Doctors such as Rheumatologists, Orthopedic surgeons, Sports Medicine Doctors, Physiatrists, and Radiologists may all involve themselves in treating knee pain. Ideally, you should be looking for a doctor who has a specialist interest in musculoskeletal medicine and whose practice is dedicated to the non-surgical management of knee pain.
What is your experience in treating knee pain? This is a very important question for you as a knee pain sufferer to ask. Although it seems that it would be common sense to have a knee pain specialist treat your knee pain, there are many general doctors and even specialists from other areas, such as gynecologists, who may provide treatment for knee pain. It is important to ensure that you are seeing a true knee pain specialist. There are many types of medical professionals who may advertise themselves as “knee pain specialist”. When in fact it may be a doctor who has taken a short course on knee pain, or has a strong reputation in putting needles into joints guiding by x-ray and thus advertises himself as a knee pain specialist. As a consumer, you need to ask the right questions. A relevant question to the above scenario might be “What specific training have you undertaken in knee pain, and what experience do you have?”.
What treatment options do you recommend for my specific condition?
Treatments for OA can be classified into non-pharmacologic, pharmacologic, and surgical modalities. Non-pharmacologic modalities consist of patient education, lifestyle modifications, physical and/or occupational therapy, and mechanical aids. Patient education programs have been shown to promote self-care and effective communication with health professionals, both of which are essential in the management of OA. Weight reduction and exercise play key roles in improving the symptoms of OA. Weight reduction decreases the load borne by a joint, resulting in improvement of symptoms and prevention of further joint damage. Aerobic, muscle strengthening, and water-based exercises have all been shown to improve physical function and decrease pain in those with knee OA. Adequate therapy facilitates the patient’s independent management of their condition. Ambulation aids can reduce joint stress and minimize further damage.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic, progressive condition which leads to disability. No treatment has been proven to slow the progression of the disease. The goals of treatment are to relieve pain, maintain or improve joint mobility, decrease disability, and preserve an optimal quality of life.
How accessible are you in case of emergencies or follow-up appointments?
In order to prevent frequent and often unnecessary visits to the accident and emergency department with knee problems, it is important for patients to feel that they can easily contact their knee physician or his team for advice and to be certain that they can be seen quickly in an appropriate setting if required. The best way of achieving this is to have a named hotline for knee problems, staffed by experienced health professionals, which patients can access to arrange rapid review and investigation as required. This would be particularly useful following knee injury in the first few days when it may not be clear how severe the problem is, and at times of flares of chronic knee arthritis. A back-up from this service to an acute knee clinic staffed by knee specialists and with next day investigations available would provide patients with the best possible care for urgent knee problems. Times and methods of contacting the knee doctor can then be a more flexible mix of telephone, email and face-to-face consultations, with knee surgeons reserving surgery sessions for those patients whose problems can only be resolved by operation. Email and telephone consultations can be particularly useful for follow-up of minor problems, preventive advice for knees at risk of injury and advice on management of systemic medical conditions that affect the knees. An annual review by a patient with severe arthritis and multiple co-morbidities may well involve interaction with a rheumatologist and the GP as well as the knee surgeon in order to achieve the best possible holistic management, and minimizing face-to-face visits to the knee surgeon in this situation is likely to be more time and cost effective without compromising patient care. Email consultations and mentoring are also means by which the next generation of knee physicians can learn from their seniors in the early phases of their career.
Can you provide references or testimonials from previous patients?
As of right now, there are no guidelines given from ACE on how they should choose a chiropractor or physical therapist, so I will make my recommendations for them, which will also be in line with the suggested questions to ask your doctor about knee pain. I feel that this guideline is important, and patients with knee pain should first ask the physician that they are seeing this question. The reason is that it is important for people with knee pain to get services from a skilled M.D., physical therapist or chiropractor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of knee injuries. This is important because knowledge of the knee and its function is imperative for proper diagnosis and treatment of knee pain. Specific training in the treatment of knee injuries, and a strong record of successful outcomes also indicates that you are seeing a provider who is experienced in dealing with this type of problem. He or she is more likely to be able to apply the best treatments and techniques to your care. This will increase the length of time that the provider will spend treating the tendon at each visit. If information is not readily available, I feel that it is ok to ask a physician whether they know of a qualified professional who may be a good reference. ACE manual suggests to this as well, “If he or she is not clear in his or her advice or you’re uncomfortable with the suggestion, ask for another recommendation or consult a doctor who might be more knowledgeable about the treatment of knee injuries.”
What are the expected costs and insurance coverage for the treatment?
It is important to ask the knee pain doctor about the expected costs for the treatment that they are recommending. It should be broken down into the different types of treatment, and have an estimate for each type. The cost of recommended medications should also be examined. After understanding the cost, it is good to ask whether the expected treatment can effectively cure the knee pain, as spending more money does not necessarily mean a better treatment.
Understanding the expected costs, especially in Singapore, is important for the treatment of knee pain. There is generally a wide range of treatment costs, depending on the type of treatment and the medication that is prescribed. Simple treatments such as physiotherapy may cost $50 per session, and medications such as anti-inflammatory pills can cost less than 50 cents per pill. MRI scans and injections are considered moderate costs, while surgeries are very costly. Private hospitals in Singapore are generally more costly than public hospitals, and some knee medications and treatments are not subsidized by the government.
Additional Considerations for Knee Pain Treatment in Singapore
Most people prefer quality over the risks and benefits. The success rates and patient outcomes are the key factors in determining the effectiveness of the treatment and satisfying the patients. Knowing the doctor’s success rates and patient outcomes helps patients make informed decisions when choosing a doctor to treat them. Measures to determine the doctor’s success rate and patient outcomes usually involve obtaining statistics from the doctor or hearing from other satisfied patients. Success rates also provide assurance to the patient that the treatment will be effective. Success rates and patient outcomes are subjective evaluations, but they define the extent to which the desired goal is achieved.
Availability of Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Up to 26% of patients with knee OA will not respond to non-operative treatments and will ultimately require TKA. There is now a general consensus in the orthopedic community on the best practices for the treatment of knee OA. Random initiation of surgical and invasive treatments has given way to supervisory and stepwise care that only incorporates these more invasive modalities if the patient has failed to improve adequately with previous treatments. This is important to the total joint surgeon in that it is important to recognize the indications for the varied treatments for patients with knee OA in order to facilitate shared decision making and to assure that an optimal patient-centered approach to the management of knee OA is supported. Simulation modeling studies have indicated that the current care for patients with knee OA may underutilize the non-operative modalities and time often inappropriately moving to more invasive surgical treatments. This is concerning given that the population of older adults is increasing and the number of persons living with knee OA and its associated disability is expected to rise. This indicates that the current capacities to treat persons with knee OA will need to be expanded and that there will be an increasing need for total joint surgeons to manage knee OA in a supervisory or case management capacity.
Exercise therapy is an important part of the treatment of knee OA. It can reduce pain and improve physical function and reduce disability. Range of motion exercises also can improve function and reduce disability. Supervised exercise therapy has greater efficacy compared to home-based exercise.
Non-surgical management, including weight management, physical therapy, pharmacological treatment, and use of alternative medicine, is the preferred initial approach for knee pain therapy and has been shown to be effective. Weight loss has a strong and consistent effect on reducing pain and improving function in patients with knee OA. It is one of the least expensive and most cost-effective methods to reduce pain and improve function in the moderate to high-risk overweight person with knee osteoarthritis (OA).
Success Rates and Patient Outcomes of the Doctor
A final way of finding out about a doctor’s success rates is to simply ask the doctor. This should be done after using the mentioned methods of research as asking the doctor alone may provide biased information. If the doctor is confident with a high rate of success and results sound promising, this is a good sign.
Published data and research provide the most concrete evidence of success rates and outcomes of knee pain treatments with specific doctors. This may be hard to find, however, it is a good indication of the legitimacy of the success rates a doctor claims to have had. If research has been published in reputable medical journals, this is a good sign. If a doctor is unwilling to help with providing data from a study or research, this indicates that data may not be supportive.
Patient testimonials are one way of finding out about the success rates and outcomes for a specific treatment with a doctor. Testimonials can often be found on the internet or at the doctor’s practice in the form of letters and audio-visual displays. If a doctor is hesitant to provide patient testimonials, this may not be a good sign.
There are some methods of gauging the success rates and outcomes for treatments and doctors. Recommendations from friends and family that have had experience with a doctor or treatment is one of the best ways of gauging the success rate of a treatment. If a close friend or family member has had a positive result with a similar knee injury or treatment, the likelihood of a good result is higher.
When selecting a knee pain doctor in Singapore, it is important to take into account the success rates and patient outcomes for the doctors and procedures being looked at. This will give an indication of the likelihood of a successful treatment and an idea of what to expect in terms of improvements in knee pain and function. Success rates and patient outcomes for a specific doctor and their treatments may be difficult to find, however, these are important factors when choosing the right treatment and doctor for knee pain.
Integration of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Programs
Doctors who are willing to integrate physical therapy and rehabilitation programs are well aware of the fact that arthritis is a degenerative condition. In the management of knee arthritis, conservative therapy can do a lot to slow down the progression of the condition, maintaining function and reducing the need for eventual joint replacement. A surgeon who is quick to operate without considering the “tried and tested” methods of therapy is one who may be driven by other factors such as surgical revenue or lack of knowledge in the therapy available. Physiotherapy can be of benefit at any stage of knee arthritis. A good program will begin with an assessment of lower limb biomechanics and function. This is important as abnormalities can be identified and corrected to reduce stress on affected joints. Gait re-education with a focus on offloading affected compartments can be beneficial for those with joint malalignment. Muscle strengthening of the quadriceps, hamstrings, calf, and gluteal muscles has a multitude of benefits. Studies have shown that quadricep strength is associated with a decreased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis and those with the condition can experience a slowing of disease progression and symptom relief with hamstring and quadricep strengthening. Aerobic exercise not only has general health benefits but can lead to improved joint mobility and symptoms. Post-exercise cryotherapy can provide short-term relief of pain and stiffness. Static bicycling and aquatic exercises can be continued as they are relatively low impact on joints. The therapist may use hands-on techniques and adjuncts such as electrical stimulation. A recent Cochrane review suggested that there is evidence for short-term improvements in pain and function with the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on knee osteoarthritis. This is only a brief overview of some of the therapy available, but it highlights the importance of a physician who understands knee arthritis and the available therapy.
Supportive and Responsive Medical Staff
The abilities and behaviors of the medical staff are often reflected by the work culture and environment in the clinic. A study revealed that a positive medical staff work culture and environment provides much confidence and security for patients. Security feelings are vital in the situation when a patient is deciding on an optional surgery to resolve a non-life-threatening but discomforting medical condition. Satisfied staff reflect happier working experiences and transfer this experience to patients, reflecting overall increased satisfaction in every aspect of medical care. This would also include the medical secretary who is the initial gatekeeper and image of the clinic. An efficient secretary who is able to quickly arrange multiple appointments and procedures with various other medical departments at patients’ convenience impacts greatly on patient satisfaction with the medical staff.
Findings from a study revealed that certain characteristics in clinic staff can lead to patients seeking more involvement and seeking a greater depth of information on their medical condition. Depth of information is important because it creates a better understanding for the patient of what they should expect in their recovery process, making the medical situation less ambiguous for them. Depth of information, compared to clear and consistent information explained by knowledgeable staff, is one of the significant factors that contribute to malpractice prevention.
After a knee surgery, patients often have many concerns and having access to medical staff who can satisfactorily address these concerns and provide emotional support is a definite plus. A study demonstrated that patients who had good rapport and were provided clear explanations about their medical status/recovery plan had better emotional health and well-being compared to those who did not.
