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

Posted on: March 19th, 2025 by Our Team

Finding the best shoulder surgeon in Brooklyn involves research and consideration of factors that ensure you receive high-quality care including credentials, experience and patient outcomes.  Choosing the right shoulder surgeon can have a significant impact on your recovery and your outcome. Follow these steps to find an excellent shoulder surgeon in Brooklyn.

1. Seek Referrals

One important step is to begin with a referral from your primary care provider or another trusted medical professional. These professionals can provide insight based on their familiarity with the local medical community and the top shoulder surgeon’s history of patient care. Additionally, consulting with family, friends, or colleagues who have undergone similar procedures may offer valuable first-hand experiences.

2. Review Professional Credentials

After gathering initial recommendations, it is advisable to review the professional credentials of potential shoulder surgeons. This includes verifying board certification in orthopedic surgery or a related specialty, ensuring that the surgeon has received appropriate training and maintains an active practice in shoulder and sports medicine. Fellowship training indicates specialized expertise in advanced surgical techniques.

Hospitals and medical centers often provide online directories that list affiliated surgeons, along with details about their education, areas of expertise, and any specialties within their practice. These directories can also indicate if the shoulder surgeon is involved in ongoing research or clinical trials, which may reflect a commitment to staying current with advancements in treatment.  Participation in research also suggests the shoulder surgeon is a thought-leader among their peers and on the cutting-edge of shoulder surgery advancements.

3. Evaluate Experience and Specialization

Not all orthopedic surgeons specialize in shoulder surgery. When researching potential candidates, look for surgeons who focus specifically on shoulder replacement (for shoulder arthritis), rotator cuff tendon tears, shoulder instability, frozen shoulder and more depending on your symptoms and conditions. Experience is a key factor—surgeons who have performed a high volume of shoulder surgeries tend to have better outcomes.

For those requiring a total shoulder replacement (THR) or a minimally invasive shoulder procedure, finding a top shoulder surgeon who regularly performs these surgeries increases the likelihood of a successful operation. You can inquire about how many shoulder surgeries they perform annually and their success rates.

The best shoulder surgeons 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.

4. Read about patient testimonials and outcomes

Patient experience ratings can indicate how well a hospital delivers positive experiences for their patients during a hospital stay. Patient outcomes and satisfaction ratings can be accessed through reputable sources such as state medical boards, independent review websites, and hospital performance reports. Websites that review doctors based on patient evaluations include: Google Reviews, Healthgrades, ZocDoc, Yelp, WebMD and RateMDs.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the nation’s hospitals work collaboratively to publicly report hospital quality performance information on Care Compare on Medicare.gov. Additionally, check if the shoulder surgeon has any malpractice claims or disciplinary actions by visiting the New York State Department of Health website.

5. Understand Insurance Coverage and Costs

Shoulder surgery is expensive, so it is essential to verify that the surgeon accepts your insurance and that the hospital is in-network. Contact both the top shoulder 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.

6. Schedule a consultation

While these resources can provide a broad overview of a shoulder surgeon’s reputation, they should be considered alongside direct consultations. Once you have narrowed your list to a few potential best shoulder 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 robotic-assisted surgery shoulder replacement?
• Post-operative care – Do they offer a clear rehabilitation plan, including physical therapy options?  Is there a clear plan to communicate with your physicain post-operatively?

7. Compare Surgical Techniques and Recovery Plans

Different surgeons may have varying approaches to shoulder surgery. The best shoulder surgeons may offer minimally invasive techniques and computer-assisted techniques Ask about:

• Surgical options – Are they using the latest techniques, such as robotic-assisted total shoulder replacements, which help put implants in the perfect position for each patient
• Hospital stay and recovery – How long will you need to stay in the hospital, and what does the rehabilitation process look like?  Many of the best shoulder surgeons offer same-day shoulder replacements, meaning you do not have to spend the night in the hospital
• Complication risks and success rates – What are the potential risks, and how does the surgeon mitigate them?

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

By combining referrals, credentials verification, outcome reviews, and personal consultations, you can develop a well-informed perspective that aligns with your specific needs and ensures that you select a Brooklyn shoulder surgeon with the appropriate expertise. A top shoulder 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.

Contact shoulder surgeon 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.