How do you find good data to select a doctor/surgeon?

PhillyRae

Hi! I will ask my question first and then provide the back story. How do you research doctors? I'm looking for empirical data instead of just the warm and fuzzy stuff (although that's good too!) I think this comes down to high volume practice, research and good outcomes-- with strong coordinated care/ doctor-to-doctor communication. Maybe you know what makes for a good doctor, a good system or other areas that should be evaluated?

The story: I have what's probably a fibroid cyst but have lumpy, dense breast tissue and will likely have a long term relationship with my breast specialist/ team as we keep an eye on things. I've just moved to Philadelphia and selected a well reviewed gyn through Main Line Health who referred me to imaging center for a mammogram. The mammogram revealed a few questionable things to keep an eye on. A few months later a lump became palpable. I returned to the radiologist who confirmed the change and referred me to a surgeon . The radiologist suggested an ultrasound core biopsy on the lump and possibly a stereo-tactic biopsy on some of the calcifications. The surgeon looked at my film but had no other information... and said he didn't think it was worth a biopsy. After I shared my family history and what had happened over the last six months, decided he could do an biopsy "if you want?" He did a fine needle biopsy but said he was sure it was fine and I should return in six months. I generally rely on my doctors but am pretty suspicious of this guy... at minimum he's not giving me much information to understand his decision making and clearly thinks I'm annoying. If he's just a jerk and is really good at his job, than I guess I can deal with it... but I have no idea if this guy is competent. and the rest of his office is absolutely not efficient nor effective. I want to find a new surgeon so I can start this process over as a better informed patient. Ideally, I'd also like a better system- Main Line Health seems so disjointed- so that doctors coordinate their care and details are communicated effectively. The Penn system seems better from the outside in so am leaning towards their Rena Rowan Center because Penn has one of top 12 cancer programs in the country- but what does that even mean?? And does a "good" cancer program mean that diagnosis or specifically breast health is a quality program too?

djmammo

When my family or I look for someone we see where they went to school, where they did their residency, how long they have been practicing, specialty/subspecialty, articles they have publihed etc. You can usually find that info on line.

You can also go by the reputation of the place they practice as indicated by their accreditation by national organizations:

https://www.acraccreditation.org/accredited-facility-search

https://www.facs.org/search/accredited-breast-centers

http://www.surgicalreview.org/surgeons/accreditation/single-specialty-accreditation/breast-treatment/center-of-excellence/

https://www.breastsurgeons.org/