First and foremost, if you don't like your surgeon, move on. There is nothing more important than your confidence in that surgeon.

Nothing beats experience, the more experience the doctor, hospital and staff have, will usually translates to a smoother surgery and recovery.

Use a specialist that does just spine care. Spine surgery is a very specific specialty. Some one that does one complex case a month does not have the same expertise. Surgeons should be fellowship trained in spine surgery for consistency.

Ask the surgeon for his rate of complications and success.

Ask to speak to patients that have had similar surgeries.

Ask medical professionals who they would recommend.