How to Find the Best Hip Surgeon in Brooklyn, New York

Posted on: March 19th, 2025 by Our Team

Finding the best hip surgeon in Brooklyn, New York, requires careful research and consideration. Hip surgeries typically are significant procedures that can impact your mobility, quality of life, and long-term health. Whether you are seeking treatment for a labral tear, femoroacetabular impingement, ischiofemoral impingement, an abductor tendon tear or another condition requiring surgical intervention, choosing the right hip surgeon can make a significant difference in your recovery and overall experience.

1. Start with Trusted Recommendations

The first step is gathering recommendations from your primary care physician, or another trusted medical professional such as physical therapist. They base referrals on their knowledge of skilled hip surgeons in the area. Additionally, speaking with family, friends, or colleagues who have undergone hip surgery can provide valuable insight into their experiences with specific doctors.

2. Check Board Certification and Credentials

A crucial factor in determining a surgeon’s expertise is their certification and credentials. The best hip surgeons in Brooklyn should be board-certified in orthopedic surgery and have additional training in hip preservation procedures, like hip arthroscopy. Board certification ensures that the surgeon has undergone rigorous training and meets high standards set by the medical board.

Fellowship training in sports medicine is an added advantage, as it indicates specialized expertise in advanced surgical techniques, particularly minimally-invasive approaches.

Many top surgeons also participate in research and clinical trials, which demonstrate their commitment to staying up to date with the latest advancements in orthopedic care as well as confirms their role as a thought-leader in the world of hip surgery.

3. Evaluate Experience and Specialization

Not all orthopedic surgeons specialize in hip surgery. When researching potential candidates, look for surgeons who focus specifically on hip preservation, or hip arthroscopy, depending on your condition. Experience is a key factor—surgeons who have performed a high volume of hip surgeries tend to have better outcomes.

For patients requiring a minimally invasive hip procedure, like hip arthroscopy with labral repair and cam decompression (femoroplasty), finding the best hip surgeon should include finding a hip surgeon that performs these surgeries regularly.  You can inquire about how many hip surgeries they perform annually and their success rates.

4. Assess Hospital Affiliations and Facilities

The quality of the hospital where your hip surgeon operates is just as important as the surgeon’s expertise. Reputable hospitals often have higher standards of care, state-of-the-art equipment, and specialized orthopedic units. Surgery requires a team of highly-skilled individuals, working in-concert to help the patient have the best possible outcome.  Top-tier institutions, like NYU Langone Orthopedics, can offer the highest quality anesthesiologists, nursing staff, and systems available to help make hip surgeries and recoveries go smoothly.  The best hip surgeons typically work at the best institutions.

5. Review Patient Testimonials and Surgeon Reputation

Online reviews and patient testimonials provide insight into a hip surgeon’s bedside manner, communication style, and overall patient satisfaction. Websites such as Google Reviews, Healthgrades, Vitals and Zocdoc can help you learn about other patients’ experiences.

While no surgeon will have a 100% positive rating, the best hip surgeons will have consistently high reviews, particularly regarding expertise, communication, and post-operative care, are good indicators of a high-quality hip surgeon.

6. Schedule a Consultation

Once you have narrowed your list to a few potential best hip surgeons, schedule a consultation. During the appointment, consider the following factors:

• Communication style – Does the surgeon listen to your concerns, answer your questions clearly, and explain the procedure in a way that makes sense to you?
• Treatment approach – Are they recommending the most up-to-date surgical techniques, such as minimally-invasive arthroscopy, same-day surgery options
• Post-operative care – Do they offer a clear rehabilitation plan, including physical therapy options and an easy way to communicate with the doctor postoperatively.

A top hip surgeon should provide personalized recommendations based on your unique condition and lifestyle. If you feel rushed or unsure after your consultation, consider seeking a second opinion.

7. Understand Insurance Coverage and Costs

Hip surgery can be expensive, so it is essential to verify that the hip surgeon accepts your insurance and that the hospital is in-network. Contact both the surgeon’s office and your insurance provider to confirm coverage for surgery, hospital stay, anesthesia, and post-operative rehabilitation. For patients without insurance or those considering an out-of-network specialist, ask about payment plans, financing options, or cash-pay discounts.

 8. Compare Surgical Techniques and Recovery Plans

• Different hip surgeons may have varying approaches to hip surgery. Some may offer minimally invasive techniques and more modern techniquesDistraction Options – Are they using a traditional perineal post for distraction (which may lead to nerve injury) or postless distraction, which does not put pressure on nerves
• Anesthesia Options – Does the hip surgeon and his team use peripheral nerve blocks to help control postoperative pain and limit opioid use?
• Complication risks and success rates – What are the potential risks associated with hip surgery, and how does the surgeon mitigate them?

Choosing the best hip surgeon in Brooklyn requires a balance of expertise, experience, hospital quality, and patient satisfaction. By thoroughly researching qualifications, experience, and hospital affiliations, and by scheduling consultations to discuss treatment options, you can make an informed decision about your care.

Your hip health is vital to maintaining mobility and independence, so taking the time to find a skilled and experienced orthopedic surgeon such as hip surgeon Dr. Daniel Kaplan will ensure the best possible outcome.

Contact Dr. Daniel Kaplan to schedule a consultation to meet and evaluate him. He will listen to your concerns and discuss your needs and goals. You will always be treated with dignity and respect.