Best Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Lincoln

Introduction to Cardiothoracic Medicine in Lincoln

Definition and scope of cardiothoracic medicine

Cardiothoracic medicine is a specialized field that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and chest. This medical specialty combines elements of cardiology and thoracic surgery, addressing a wide range of cardiovascular and respiratory issues.

In the realm of healthcare, cardiothoracic medicine plays a significant role in managing and treating complex conditions such as heart disease, lung cancer, and congenital chest abnormalities. The expertise of cardiothoracic specialists is essential for providing comprehensive care to patients with these challenging health concerns.

Overview of cardiothoracic medical services in Lincoln

Lincoln, Nebraska, offers a range of cardiothoracic medical services to its residents. While the city may not be as large as some major metropolitan areas, it still provides access to qualified specialists and modern medical facilities. Patients in Lincoln can find cardiothoracic care through various hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Selecting the appropriate cardiothoracic specialist is a key decision for patients seeking care in this field. The right doctor can significantly impact the quality of treatment, patient comfort, and overall health outcomes. In Lincoln, while options may be more limited compared to larger cities, it's still important for patients to carefully consider their choices and find a specialist who best meets their individual needs.

Navigating the Doctor Selection Process in Lincoln

Factors to consider when choosing a cardiothoracic specialist

Qualifications and experience

• Review educational background (e.g., Dr. Hughes graduated from Baylor University Medical School in 1971)
• Check specializations (e.g., General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery for Dr. Hughes)
• Look for board certifications and ongoing training

Patient reviews and ratings

• Examine overall star ratings (e.g., Dr. Hughes has a 5.0-star rating)
• Consider the number of reviews (e.g., Dr. Hughes has 1 review)
• Read detailed patient feedback when available

Hospital affiliations

• Research the quality of affiliated hospitals
• Consider proximity and accessibility of these facilities

Communication and language

• Check languages spoken by the doctor (e.g., Dr. Hughes speaks English)
• Consider the importance of clear communication in your care

Resources for researching doctors in Lincoln

Online platforms

• Utilize Healthgrades for comprehensive doctor profiles
• Explore other reputable healthcare review websites
• Check official medical board websites for verification of credentials

Local medical resources

• Consult with primary care physicians for referrals
• Contact local hospitals for cardiothoracic departments
• Reach out to Lincoln's medical associations for recommendations

Top-Ranked Cardiothoracic Specialist in Lincoln

Dr. David Hughes

Background and Qualifications

• Medical Education: Baylor University (1971)
• Specialties: General Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery

Patient Satisfaction

• 5.0-star rating on Healthgrades
• Based on 1 patient review

Practice Information

• Contact: (402) 483-3255
• Gender: Male
• Languages: English

Online Presence

• Healthgrades profile available for more information

Considerations When Evaluating Dr. Hughes

Strengths

• Extensive experience (graduated medical school in 1971)
• Dual specialization in General and Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Perfect 5-star patient rating

Limitations of Available Data

• Limited number of reviews
• Lack of information on hospital affiliations
• No listed board certifications in the provided data

Additional Considerations for Choosing a Cardiothoracic Specialist in Lincoln

The importance of personal comfort and communication

Value of a good doctor-patient relationship

• Discuss the significance of feeling at ease with your cardiothoracic specialist
• Highlight the importance of clear and open communication for effective treatment

Scheduling consultations

• Encourage patients to meet with Dr. David Hughes before making a final decision
• Suggest preparing a list of questions and concerns for the consultation

Understanding the limitations of online rankings

Potential biases in online reviews

• Explain that Dr. Hughes' 5-star rating is based on only one review
• Discuss the importance of considering multiple factors beyond online ratings

Using multiple sources of information

• Encourage patients to consult local medical associations in Lincoln
• Suggest seeking referrals from primary care physicians or other trusted healthcare providers in the area