Choosing the right consultant: why it’s about more than a Google search or AI List

When you’re in pain, facing a diagnosis, or told you may need surgery, the most important decision you make is about who you trust to treat you.

Today, it’s tempting to assume technology has the answers. AI can generate lists of consultants, hospital websites showcase hard-to-separate glossy profiles, and insurers steer you towards their networks. But when your health — and in some cases, your future — is at stake, lists aren’t enough. That’s where The MedicBook comes in.

Why the right specialist matters

On paper, two consultants might look equally well qualified for your needs. For instance, they could both be described as “hip surgeons”. But dig deeper and you discover the difference between:

1. a lower limb trauma surgeon who reconstructs broken hips and knees after accidents; and
2. a hip-only specialist with a special interest in dysplasia — a developmental abnormality in the fit of the ball and socket.

One of our clients was referred to the first. Competent? Absolutely. The right match? Not quite. Their condition — dysplasia — needed the second. The outcome? A treatment plan tailored to their exact needs. Importantly, our recommendation was verified by one of the country’s leading hip replacement surgeons.

When ‘ear, nose and throat’ (ENT) isn’t enough

Another client came to us after five years of worsening tinnitus, hearing loss, and dizzy spells. They’d been referred — via their insurer — to an ENT consultant. Sensible, right? Except that ENT is a vast field.

The referred consultant’s expertise? Noses and sinuses. However, what they really needed was a super-specialist in hearing and balance. So, we provided recommendations, made the appointment, arranged the MRI, and when it comes to treatment, our client will have greater certainty in the path they’re on.

The athlete who needed a ‘Rockstar’ surgeon

Perhaps my favourite story involves an equestrian eventing athlete with ongoing, debilitating spinal pain. She’d already seen three surgeons but didn’t feel confident in their opinions — each one telling her she probably wouldn’t ride again. You can imagine the fear and potential heartbreak.

When she asked me to help, I knew exactly who to call on: a spinal surgeon I’d met who is very highly regarded. My client also wanted two more options. So,  I asked a fellow orthopaedic surgeon who agreed with my initial suggestion, describing him as the “rockstar” — then added “the Jedi knight” and “the professor” to the list.

One consultation with another on the list and she returned to the “rockstar”. He made no promises. He simply treated her with his renowned world-class expertise. Five months later, she was back eventing — pain free.

Why all this matters in the age of AI

AI certainly doesn’t disappoint. It can analyse thousands of profiles in seconds, and it’s already changing how patients search for healthcare. But here’s the rub:

• AI can show you names. It won’t tell you whether a surgeon does 300 hip replacements a year, or just 30.
• AI can give you credentials but it can’t tell you whether those colleagues call him “the rockstar” — or quietly suggest you look elsewhere.
• AI can summarise expertise but it may not quite understand one consultant over another when it comes to sub-sub-specialties.

Part of the problem is that among other things, AI scans reviews and consultants’ profiles, and can even find strength in marketing savvy doctors — which can be misleading. Then, add to this the insurer who may have other ideas for directing their policyholders.  

The level of matching takes human intelligence, professional relationships, and years spent listening to both patients and doctors. However, we’re also able to underpin our recommendations using AI.

How The MedicBook helps

When patients come to The MedicBook wanting greater certainty they’re in the best hands, we don’t just look up a name. We:

• Listen deeply to each client’s history, symptoms, and lifestyle needs.
• Draw on medical intelligence — outcomes data, research, and clinical performance.
• Add human insight — reputations among peers, leadership roles, sub-specialist emphasis.
• Have the knowledge — of latest treatment protocols and technology to place clients in the right hospitals too, objectively.
• Curate choice — usually three consultants of equal standing, unless one is peerless.

It’s not about a list. It’s about the right match.

A final thought

The right consultant is the one whose expertise fits your condition precisely. Who reassures you not with marketing promises, but with credibility, focus, results and a genuine reputation.

Our role is simple, to ensure our clients are in the most capable, safe hands quickly, for what are such important decisions — and remove the time-consuming administration and complexity.

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