1. Check Your Insurance Service Area
Health insurance plans limit where people can access care with their paid-for coverage. If you have insurance, check the service area. You won’t accidentally spend time talking with spine surgeons who can’t accept plans with your provider, which will help you get more affordable treatment faster.
Experts estimate that 1.5 million fewer people got health insurance through the ACA marketplaces in 2025. If you also don’t have insurance, that’s something to prioritize. You’ll need to research potential facilities with resources for self-pay patients. Larger facilities, such as hospitals, may also offer options that cover part of your surgery costs if you qualify.
2. Talk With Your Doctor
Let your primary care physician know when you want to start looking for spine surgeons. They may recommend a nearby surgeon who specializes in your condition. A referral might also help you get an appointment faster.
Your doctor may even help you determine what you need in a potential surgeon. They’ll explain the expertise the surgeon needs to effectively treat your condition. Your health history could also influence the training necessary to plan and complete your treatment.
3. Compare Facility Reviews
Once you know where your insurance is active and get potential recommendations from your doctor, start reading about nearby facilities. Check whether the surgery you need is on each facility’s service roster.
You can also check each site’s reviews to see what previous patients experienced there. Knowing if previous patients struggled to schedule their surgery within a short time frame could influence your decision.
According to the American Medical Association, “A recent survey found Portland, Oregon, has the highest average new patient wait time at nearly 46 days. But patients in other major cities say it’s not unusual to wait a month or even longer to be seen for medical care.”
4. Research Specific Surgeons
You might have a list of three to five potential spine surgery facilities after your research. Explore their staff pages to see which medical professionals work there. You’ll know you’ve found the top spine surgeons in Southern California who can consult on your case if the biography pages have information about their medical backgrounds.
Signs You’re Talking to an Ineffective Surgeon
You may wonder if you’re missing any potential red flags during your consultation if you can’t speak with the top spine specialists. You’ll know a surgeon isn’t meeting the highest standards if you experience the following.
They Don’t Allow Second Opinions
Patients are allowed to consult multiple physicians. Research shows that one in five people gets a second opinion after visiting their doctor. Everyone has different priorities regarding their health concerns. Doctors bring individual perspectives to consultation appointments. Some may not be the best match for patients who need specific things. If a spine surgeon doesn’t allow other consultations, they aren’t using a patient-centered approach to their practice.
They Avoid Discussing the Details
People often feel better when they learn more information about an upcoming surgery. The best surgeons freely discuss every detail they can provide about treatments, techniques and outcomes. Surgeons who don’t provide detailed responses to your questions or connect you with someone else may not prioritize your mental health well.
The Conversation Feels Rushed
People discuss sensitive information during a turbulent time while getting consultations for spine surgery. An excellent doctor will listen with compassion and let you talk about what’s on your mind. If you feel rushed or unheard, you may feel the same while discussing things during your recovery.
The Washington Post notes, “Most doctors would like to sit down and have an in-depth conversation with patients and their families. Instead, your unpleasant visit may be the result of productivity pressures and administrative burdens, often shaped by health care systems, payment models and policy decisions that influence how care is delivered.”
Rushed appointments may feel impersonal, but it’s possible to have great conversations with health care providers who take the time with each patient. A good surgeon will make you feel comfortable throughout your experience, regardless of systemic pressures.
Top Spine Surgeon in Southern California: Dr. Rojeh Melikian, M.D.
Anyone looking for an excellent health care provider can meet with Dr. Rojeh Melikian, M.D. He specializes in minimally invasive surgery to reduce patient pain and help patients recover faster. The glowing customer reviews speak for themselves. Many patients receive life-changing care from Dr. Melikian after a variety of surgeries, like niche procedures such as neck disc replacement.
People also appreciate the doctor’s communication skills and pain-free outcomes. His consistent care comes from a patient-first mindset. Dr. Melikian’s approach creates outstanding experiences from consultation to operation. He also has a zero rate for patients who contract methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, which puts patients at ease as they prepare for procedures.
Key Features:
Melikian is fluent in English, Armenian and Spanish.
- Patients enjoy the patient-centered approach to each appointment because it builds lasting trust and confidence.
- While Dr. Melikian prioritizes minimally invasive procedures, he has extensive experience in numerous spine treatment options.
Things to Discuss During Your Consultation
You’ll have a better experience at your consultation appointment if you know what to ask. List anything specific to your case, and prepare some common questions to decide which surgeon is best for you.
The Surgeon’s Experience With Your Condition
Explain your current spine concerns and any existing conditions. The consultation doctor will need to fully understand your background to gauge the best solutions. If they have limited experience with similar situations, you may need to speak with someone else.
Your Likely Recovery Plan
Some surgeries, like spinal decompression and fusion, require four to 12 weeks before you can get back to your normal activities. Top-tier doctors check in with patients during recovery, but many leave patients to the facility’s nursing staff or their primary care doctor. Either situation can support good recovery outcomes, but you may prefer one or the other.
Any Relevant Certifications
Surgeons should freely talk about their certifications during consultation appointments. They can explain whether they have board certification and where they attended medical school. If they have any affiliations, that could reveal whether they’re a well-respected leader in their field. Someone with limited certifications and affiliations may not have the experience you want.
Contact the Top Spine Surgeon in Southern California
Understanding how to identify the best spine surgeon in Southern California will make you feel confident when booking consultation appointments. You can also start with the leading spine surgeon in the region by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Melikian. If you feel comfortable during your appointment and get the applicable health insurance coverage you need, you’ve likely found the best doctor for your health care needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about finding minimally invasive spine surgery.
How can you tell if a surgeon is good?
You can tell a surgeon is good if they have board certification, excellent communication skills, great patient reviews and a natural way of making you feel comfortable in their clinic.
What questions should you ask when choosing a surgeon?
You should ask about a surgeon’s credentials, training and experience with your specific surgery during your consultation appointment. If you’re unsure what they mean, take notes and research their answers later.
What is the most important factor to you in selecting your surgeon?
Qualifications are the most important factor when selecting your surgeon. They should have board certification, an active medical degree and specialty training to provide the best possible care.
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