Your visit with an orthopedic surgeon is an important meeting that can be most effective if you plan ahead. It is important that you give your doctor the information he or she needs and that you understand what your doctor is recommending.
The following checklist will help you get the most out of your visit:
Before Your Visit
- Please review our COVID-19 Advisory for the most recent updates on our protocols for keeping patients and our staff comfortable and healthy.
- Are you a new patient or have a new injury? If you are a new patient or being seen for a new injury and have not completed the Phreesia online pre-visit interview questions prior to your visit, please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to complete the Phreesia pad interview and additional forms. This information – including insurance information, past medical history, and details of the current problem(s) – provides valuable information for the physician and will enable us to establish a history and administrative file for you.
- Have you already completed the Phreesia online pre-visit interview prior to your appointment? Then please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to fill out the additional practice forms.
- What should you bring? For the best appointment experience, please bring all necessary X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, medical records or list of medications to your visit relating to your ailment.
- Do you need a translator during your visit? If you need a translator, ask another adult to come with you, please do not rely on a child to translate.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN FORT COLLINS
Plan to arrive 20 MINUTES EARLY for your scheduled appointment time.
During Your Visit
- Be honest and complete in talking with your doctor. Share your point of view and do not hold back information about issues such as incontinence, memory loss, sex, weight loss or gain, or other issues that you might consider embarrassing.
- Take notes on what the doctor tells you, and ask questions if you don’t understand the meaning of a word or the instructions for taking medications.
- Ask your doctor for handouts, brochures, references and websites for you and your family to review at home. You can find great patient education and videos of your conditions on our website.
After Your Visit
- Call the office and speak to a member of your health care team if you have further questions or if you did not understand something from your visit. We are here to make you a more informed patient in order to improve on your outcomes.
- Take the full course of medication and make sure you follow the prescribed diet/exercise routine. Remember, you are a part of your healthcare team as well!
- Keep your doctor informed of any changes in your condition.
- Common questions to ask if your doctor recommends surgery
- Why is the procedure being recommended? Are there any alternatives?
- What are the risks involved?
- What is the procedure called? How is it performed? Do you have any video examples?
- What will happen if I don’t have the surgery now?
- If I want a second opinion, whom can I consult?
- How many similar procedures have been done by my surgeon? What are the patient outcomes?
- Will I need any tests or medical evaluations prior to the surgery?
- What kind of anesthesia will be used?
- What hospitals does my surgeon operate out of? What is their infection rates?
- What kind of implant or prosthesis will be used? How long will it last?
- What is the recovery process? How long will I be in the hospital?
- Will I need physical therapy after the procedure is completed? How long is the rehabilitation process?
- When can I return to work?
- When can I drive my car?
- When can I have sexual activity?
- Are there any brochures / handouts / references that further explain the surgical procedure?
- If you decide to go ahead with the surgery, check with your insurance company to see if your coverage requires you to obtain a managed care medical evaluation or clearance before the surgery. You should also verify that the surgery is covered by your policy and find out how your claim will be handled and paid.