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I was referred to this neurosurgeon by my daughter's doctor. I am very nervous about the surgery my daughter needs to remove a tumor from inside her spinal canal. If anyone has had experience with this doctor please let me know, it might help me relax a little.
Well, I know Dr. Koeleveld (fellow parents of similarly aged kids...not good friends or anything) and he is a really nice guy, if that helps. But I am no help with his reputation...although I have not heard anything bad (and you know how Moms can talk sometimes)...so thats something...I guess.
Do you trust her doctor? I have had good luck with recs from doctors I know and trust. Hope you get some good info (and good results!)
I have not heard of him but that doesn't mean anything. Here's what his practice web page has Raleigh Neurosurgical (http://www.raleighneurosurgical.com/physicians-koeleveld.htm - broken link)
He has an impressive education, highly rated schools! Residency in neurological surg at Tufts. It states he's board certified, that's a good thing, a must! I'd double ck that you can find him as board certified, see the abms site and search for him News Release:How to Select a Doctor (http://www.abms.org/News_and_Events/Media_Newsroom/Releases/release_HowToSelectADoctor_07022009.aspx - broken link)
Did you ask your doc why he recommended this one, done the op before, good reputation? Always a good idea to find out what he/she knows of the doc they are referring you to.
Can I suggest you ck that your insurance doesn't require 2 or even 3 opinions before you select a surgeon. Once you select the surgeon, ask him/her how many of the same ops they've done. They'll tell you the risks, etc..
Don't forget, your work isn't done when you've selected your surgeon, you need an anesthesiologist, he/sh MUST be board certified, DO NOT use one that isn't. Your surgeon or the hosp will help you with this if you need help. You normally get to meet with them before the op, a wk or a few days to go over your daughter's case.
My sister-in-law was recently diagnosed with a tumor and her doctor husband did a lot of research before he decided on the surgeon who removed her tumor. Some things he looked at - reputation among other doctors, how often does the dr do similar surgeries, and outcomes of each. He found a group in Charlottesville who does these surgeries several times a month as opposed to maybe once a month, so he took her there for the surgery. My point is - making sure the dr you choose is a specialist, who does these medical procedures frequently, and is considered to be excellent among his peer group.
If the doctor gives you a vague answer or refuses to answer or tries to brush you off when you ask how many of these types of surgeries he/she has performed...this should be considered a big red warning flag. Should also ask what the success rate is, depending on what benefit the surgery is supposed to carry.
I work in the healthcare field-- know Dr Koeleveld personally and professionally. While I've not used him as a surgeon- he is one of 2 I would use when I will need him in the future for my herniated disks in my neck.
While I used to work with him in the OR, it was always a pleasure and he made sure everyone in the room during the procedure knew that the patient was the highest priority. Since I no longer work in the OR setting, I now see his patients at my office post op -- and they all have great results and wonderful things to say about him.
So-- with my opinion- I'd use him as a surgeon and will probably need to in the future with my neck.
FYI: The other Surgeon I'd use is Dr. Lacin..
Thanks everyone we are going to meet him today! The info is helpful and makes me feel so much better. Her doctor highly recommended him and said he would take his family to him if needed.
Looks like I'm a little late to the party, but Dr Koeleveld did some surgery on me a while ago. He answered all my questions, was honest in his replies without being blunt, all in all I'd have to say he's a nice guy who knows his stuff and does an excellent job. If I needed his services again I'd have no problem placing my trust in him.
I can't recommend Dr. Koeleveld enough! He worked with my wife several years ago, and after about 6 months of non-surgical approaches, some of which provided some relief, but never completely resolved her issues (disc pressure), he went in and fixed it surgically. Her recovery was remarkably fast and complete. Further, he made a point of including her in each step of the process, and continually asked "Do you understand?' and "How do you feel about this?" type of questions.
Talent AND compassionate kindness in a surgeon. He's just the best!
Regards,
Streamer1212
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