How do you choose a surgeon for a big operation? I ask everyone I know, and each person gives me a different answer.

First up is the friend who notes you don’t get to choose your surgeon unless you have overpriced health insurance, so I should abandon the insurance, accept who I’m given, and wallow in the ongoing savings.

OK, but I’ve paid the premium for years, as I suffered through endless good health, and believe it’s my one chance to wreak revenge on NIB. And besides, I don’t want to limp around for the next 100 years, waiting for my turn. So I reject that friend’s advice.

Do you like your surgeons serious or self-deprecating?Credit: Getty Images

Next up, a friend who says that, even though it’s medical, you should still be a tough consumer. “Just get in there and ask them how many of these operations they’ve done. If one surgeon has done the operation 1379 times, that’s better than the surgeon who’s done it 1378 times. And no way do you want to be their patient number 127. Or,” he says ominously, “his first.”

Fair enough, but how am I meant to ask such pointed questions? It’s like an episode of Hard Quiz, in which I’m cast in the role of Tom Gleeson and their special topic is my dodgy knees. Frankly, I’d rather limp than ask such bald questions.

Then, finally, an idea........

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