Good Advice On Selection Of A Surgeon

In response to a question of mine on VR.com, here's some great advice from Al, another member of the forum:

"There are several good reasons to start the Surgeon Selection Process early:

1 - To avoid having to select a surgeon from a gurney in an ER somewhere which will greatly limit your choices, i.e. to some surgeon who operates at whatever hospital you landed at and who has an opening in his schedule.

2 - You may want to interview more than one surgeon to find someone you 'feel comfortable with', i.e., so that you are 'prepared' when the time comes.

3 - To have the Timing and Type of Surgery defined by the guy who will actually be performing the operation. The job of your Cardiologist is to make a diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan. Medications can 'postpone' surgery (but may allow damage to progress). Only a Surgeon can FIX a valve problem (i.e. Repair or Replace a defective valve). IMO, Surgeons have a better perspective on WHEN to proceed for the Best Outcome.

4 - It would not be out-of-order for you to ask your Cardiologist for his recommendation of surgeon(s) for you to interview. Just tell him you want to "Be Prepared" beforehand. If he resists, you can do your own search. You will need copies of your Echocardiogram and Angiogram (Cath) Test Reports AND Films / CD's / DVD's. Doctors and Hospitals are required to provide those to patients by law. They may charge a copying fee, but usually waive such charges if it is going to another Doctor. You will need to sign a "Medical Release form"."