5 Tips to Prepare You for Your Orthopedic Appointment

An orthopedic doctor specializes in issues, diseases, and injuries pertaining to the musculoskeletal system. These doctors play a critical role in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions. They handle everything from minor issues such as sprained ankles to complex procedures and surgeries such as a hip replacement. Deciding that it’s time to see an orthopedic surgeon can be a relief and a cause of anxiety all at the same time. Here are some tips to prepare to ensure you get the most out of your appointment.

1. Arrive early:

It is best to arrive 15-30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to fill out necessary paper work, especially if you are a new patient. For your convenience, a lot of practices are starting to make their forms available online so that patients can be extra ready for their appointment.

2. What to wear:

It is important to dress accordingly to the body part you are having trouble with so it can be easily examined or X-rayed. If you are attending for a knee, hip or spine problem, please wear or bring shorts to your appointment.

If you are having shoulder or elbow problems, please wear a singlet or a top that has few buttons. Ladies, please ensure that underclothing is worn to allow the shoulder to be examined with the outer garments removed.

3. What to bring:

  • Government issued photo ID
  • Insurance card
  • Copies of all your medical records, scans, etc.
  • If you have seen a physical therapist, please bring a progress letter from the therapist.
  • If you have had surgery elsewhere, please bring a copy of your operation report
  • A list of all medications that you are currently taking and their doses
  • A list of any known drug allergies and the symptoms you may have from taking these medicines
  • Any medical information or reasons for admission to hospital
  • Your health insurance information
  • Your claim number if it is a workers’ compensation injury

4. X-rays are usually arranged as part of your scheduled orthopedic appointment preparation, but please bring in any X-rays of the relevant body part which have been ordered by other doctors.

5. Cancelling Appointments: Please cancel at least one day ahead so that your appointment time can be allocated to another patient who is seeking treatment.

To see one of our experienced orthopedic surgeons, call Orthopedic Associates of Central Maryland at (410)644-1880.