Best-kept secrets of surgeons around the world

Surgeons have our lives in their hands, but most of us know more about the people who cut our hair than the doctors who cut our bodies. Here, insider tips to become a smarter, healthier patient – beginning with:

1. To know which doctor is good, ask hospital employees

“Their word trumps a degree, prestigious titles, and charm.” – Marty Makary, MD, author of Unaccountable: What Hospitals Won’t Tell You and How Transparency Can Revolutionise Health Care.

“If they don’t have one, they’re hiding something or haven’t operated enough to have one. No one is immune to complications.” – Arnold Advincula, MD, division chief, gynecologic surgery & urogynecology, Columbia University Medical Centre.

How much you smoke, drink, eat, exercise and whether you use protection during sex or while out in the sun matters. Doctors weigh in on what matters most.

“That’s because they are paid approximately ten times more money to perform surgery than to manage your problem conservatively.” – James Rickert, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in Bedford, Indiana.

No-one looks forward to a health crisis, but our insights and tips will help you get better care, cut costs – and get out alive. Take a look at the 38 secrets hospitals won’t tell you.

“For the same reason, always check if your surgeon is board-certified in his specialty. Many are not.” – Tomas A. Salerno, MD, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Your genes have something to do with your life span, but the doctors we spoke to agreed that simple things can make a big dent in your risk of chronic disease. Follow these 18 rules for a top chance at living to be 100.

“Referrals may be politically motivated or be given because the doctors work within the same multi-specialty group.” – Howard Luks, MD, chief of sports medicine and arthroscopy at Westchester Medical Center and University Orthopaedics.

Our scientific knowledge is continually evolving – don’t forget that 80 years ago, doctors recommended cigarettes. Here’s the latest information on controversial health topics.

“It’s like getting references for a babysitter.” – Marc Gillinov, MD, author of Heart 411: The Only Guide to Heart Health You’ll Ever Need.

Wondering if your neuroses, phobias and eccentricities are normal? Never fear; you’re in good company, according to our panel of experts.

“I’ll see patients who were told they needed an open hysterectomy, even though it could be handled laparoscopically. That’s one reason it’s good to get a second opinion.” – Arnold Advincula, MD

Have you ever noticed some people never get sick? Just what is their secret, apart from good health?

“You want to hear ‘I will see you on a regular basis until you have recovered fully.’ Often it can be residents or physician’s assistants. Sometimes it’s not anybody, especially after you’ve been discharged from the hospital.” – Ezriel “Ed” Kornel, MD, clinical assistant professor of neurological surgery at Cornell University.

Natural doesn’t always equal safe when it comes to your body. Take a look at the 11 trusted home remedies that will only make you worse.

“Lots of doctors go away for the weekend and won’t be around to make sure you’re OK. If you go in on a Friday, and then on Saturday or Sunday something icky is coming out of your incision, you’re going to get someone who’s covering for your surgeon.” – General surgeon who blogs under the name Skeptical Scalpel

We asked experts for true stories and odd human body facts. What they told us might surprise you.

“The consultants may want the practice to sell equipment like knee braces or walkers at a markup. They may want the doctors to buy or build a surgery centre to capture facility fees. They usually want orthopedic surgeons to get an in-office MRI. Every time a doctor does this, he becomes more financially conflicted. As soon as you put in an MRI machine, you order more MRIs so you won’t lose money on it.” —James Rickert, MD