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On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a Hand Surgeon in Atlanta, book an appointment, and see the Hand Surgeon within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Hand Surgeons in Atlanta who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for an Atlanta Hand Surgeon who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.
Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Hand Surgeons in Atlanta and book appointments instantly. You can search for Atlanta Hand Surgeons by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.
When you search for Atlanta Hand Surgeons on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Hand Surgeons in Atlanta who match your preferences.
On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for Atlanta Hand Surgeons with availability after 5 p.m.
You can use Zocdoc to find Hand Surgeons in Atlanta who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.
Hand Surgeons in Atlanta on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Hand Surgeons who offer video visits.
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Hand Surgeons in Atlanta who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Hand Surgeon who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.
Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Hand Surgeons in Atlanta. Many Hand Surgeons offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.
The human hand is a multi-purpose organ. From basic tasks like brushing teeth and picking up things to sensing different textures, humans use their hands in almost every life activity. If a hand injury occurs, these daily mundane activities may seem undoable. In some instances, one may require hand surgery to recover and attain the functionality of their hands. Congenital disability, inflammation, or pain are also reasons one may require hand surgery.
This is where the assistance of a hand surgeon might be helpful. They are orthopedic, plastic, or general surgeons specializing in treating hand, wrist, or forearm issues. In addition to surgical procedures, a hand surgeon may recommend several non-invasive therapies. They can direct you to a qualified hand therapist or suggest treatments like splints or injections to control your discomfort. Hand surgeons can treat various injuries, including bone breaks, dislocations, and jammed fingers.
A four-year bachelor's degree and a medical degree are prerequisites for a career as a hand surgeon. The next step for an aspiring hand surgeon is to sign up for a residency program in one of the following subspecialties:
Qualified surgeons must also undergo at least a year of extra training in hand surgery after the compulsory residency of 5-7 years in their subspecialties. Here, they devote much of their time (often at least 70%) to treating issues involving the hand and upper extremities.
After training, they must apply for certification in hand surgery from the relevant medical board to get board-certified. The American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS) approves orthopedic surgeons, including hand surgeons, to start practicing.
Hands are complicated structures composed of several bones, muscles, and ligaments that allow movement and agility and, therefore, require a specialist to treat various problems that may arise due to occupational factors, deformities, or injuries. Visit a hand surgeon near you for the following conditions:
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually arises from a combination of factors, with studies indicating that women/elderly people are more likely to develop the condition. Several risk factors can increase susceptibility to carpal tunnel syndrome. Heredity plays a significant role, as the carpal tunnel could be naturally smaller in some people, or they may have anatomical differences that reduce space for the nerve—traits genetically passed down within families.
Repetitive hand use is another factor; performing the same hand and wrist movements over an extended period can strain the wrist tendons, causing swelling that places pressure on the nerve. Activities requiring extreme bending or stretching of the hand and wrist for long periods can elevate nerve pressure. Pregnancy-related hormonal changes may also lead to swelling in the wrist, increasing nerve compression.
Some health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid imbalances, are also linked to carpal tunnel syndrome, as they may contribute to inflammation or changes in nerve function.
Symptoms of CTS include numbness, tingling, burning, and pain, primarily affecting the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers and frequently waking people up at night. Some individuals experience occasional shock-like sensations that radiate to these fingers and pain or tingling that extends up the forearm toward the shoulder. Weakness and clumsiness in the hand are also common, making it difficult to perform fine tasks, such as buttoning clothing. Many patients report dropping objects due to a combination of weakness, numbness, and a loss of proprioception (awareness of hand positioning).
Usually, symptoms develop gradually without a specific injury, initially coming and going. However, with the progress of the condition, symptoms may occur more frequently. Nighttime symptoms are particularly common, as many people sleep with their wrists bent, often causing them to wake due to discomfort. During the day, CTS can trigger symptoms when holding objects for extended periods with the wrist bent forward or backward, such as when using a phone, driving, or reading. Many individuals find that moving or shaking their hands can help alleviate their symptoms temporarily.
The hand surgeon may try less invasive treatments like physiotherapy and occupational therapy before resorting to surgery. Depending on your condition, a visit to your hand surgeon may include the following:
The hand surgeon may recommend surgeries depending on the type of condition and diagnosis. They are primarily skilled in the following types of surgeries:
The connective tissue that links muscle and bone is called a tendon. Due to its nature, tendon repair surgery is complex. Infection, trauma, and spontaneous rupture are all potential causes of a tendon injury. There are three types: primary repair, delayed primary repair on a few days old open wounds, and secondary tendon repair.
One way to repair damage to the hand is through a skin graft, which means transfering healthy skin to the injured area. It is the most common outcome if a patient loses a fingertip or has surgery to repair an injured one. To perform a skin transplant, surgeons remove a section of healthy skin from a different part of the patient's body (the "donor site") and stitch it onto the wounded area.
The nerves of the hand are particularly vulnerable to trauma. In severe cases, this might lead to complete insensitivity in the affected hand. However, in some cases, nerve damage can heal by itself. For some, surgery is a necessity. Surgery needs to take place between three and six weeks after the injury.
When a limb, such as a finger, hand, or toe, is severed from the body, reattachment surgery is necessary to restore full functionality. Microsurgery is used during a replantation procedure. This complicated surgery requires tiny tools and a microscope to help see better. Multiple surgeries may be necessary for the most severe cases.
In situations of severe arthritis in the hand, a particular kind of surgery, also known as arthroplasty, typically occurs. It consists of replacing the affected joint with a prosthetic joint.
As mentioned above, arthroplasty entails surgically replacing a damaged or deteriorated joint with artificially produced materials. It helps restore the function and mobility of the affected area. Your healthcare practitioner may use metal, ceramic, or heavy-duty plastic to make the prosthetic joint (prosthesis). The replacement prosthetic appears and moves similarly to the natural joint.
Surgeons can replace joints in any body region, including your hands, but hip and knee replacement are the most prevalent types of arthroplasty. The recovery time for joint replacement surgery can vary from person to person. Your age and lifestyle, as well as the type of treatment and the joint replacement you are undergoing, will determine recovery time.
Your arthroplasty will ideally occur in an outpatient facility or a hospital. Your surgeon's procedure differs based on the kind of surgery and the joint that needs replacing. Shortly before your treatment, an anesthesiologist will sedate you. This ensures that you do not experience any pain during the arthroplasty procedure.
The surgeon makes incisions (cuts) during the surgery, to remove the injured joint and replace it with an artificial joint. The surgeon closes the incisions with stitches, staples, or surgical glue and then bandages the joint area. The patient may also need a brace or sling.
Surgeons can perform some joint replacement procedures using minimally invasive techniques. These methods require fewer incisions and specialized instruments. Additionally, minimally invasive procedures may require less recovery time than standard procedures. Your surgeon will advise you on the best course of treatment for you.
Joint replacement surgery allows you to move about without discomfort or stiffness. Many people can resume activities they once enjoyed after having a joint replacement. Arthroplasty significantly improves people's quality of life and general health by allowing them to lead an active lifestyle.
Regular checkups with a hand surgeon can help detect even the most subtle symptoms of illness, including those that could prove fatal if left untreated. The search for a competent hand surgeon can be time-consuming and difficult. You can save time and money at the clinic or hospital by scheduling an appointment in advance through Zocdoc.
To find a hand surgeon, visit Zocdoc.com and enter the symptoms, condition, type of specialist, and preferred date in the search bar. You can also select the insurance carrier or plan you prefer to filter out in-network providers. After that, you can view a directory of hand surgeons in your area. You can gauge other details, such as:
Our online patient help center can help you find hand surgeons who accept your insurance. On Zocdoc, you can connect your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans directly to your account; however, please note that you can use only one insurance plan per appointment.
If you have multiple insurance plans, don’t worry—you can include your secondary insurance details in the appointment notes. Additionally, if your provider uses Zocdoc’s Intake forms, you can easily enter your secondary insurance information to simplify the process.
You can learn more about the clinical experience, education, certifications, awards, and licensures of each doctor on Zocdoc, allowing them to make a more informed decision. Additionally, you can refine your list by choosing a provider based on our verified patient reviews and ratings. Depending on the provider's schedule, you can also book appointments with a hand surgeon on the same day or in advance.
Booking in-person or online appointments with hand surgeons near you on Zocdoc is simple, 100% free, and secure!
According to a study released by The Journal of Hand Surgery 2015, there were nearly 2,707 active hand specialists in the U.S. In the same year, Georgia reported almost 65 hand specialists, constituting almost 2.4% of the state's population. Hand specialists in Georgia contribute to 3.2% of the U.S. population.
According to an annual health report published by the United Health Foundation for 2021, an astounding 24.3% of Georgia's population had arthritis in one form or another. Rheumatoid arthritis, a persistent autoimmune disorder, can affect many body organs, including the hand.
A study published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the total number of fatal work injuries in Georgia in 2020 was 193. Most of these workplace injuries occur to workers' hands and feet.
According to the Gerber and Holder Workers' Compensation Attorney firm in Georgia, 60% of all injuries to the hand are lacerations, making them the most prevalent type of hand injury. This only emphasizes the importance of contacting a hand surgeon for any emergency.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons[1]
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons[2]
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons[3]
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.