Before a patient sees an orthopedic surgeon, I fully understand their fears and concerns. It is possible to be afraid that you will find out you need surgery. It is possible to believe that a sports medicine specialist will tell you you cannot return to your sport or your exercise routine. Some injuries
These are well worth a look.
A visit to the Best Orthopedic Doctor for pain or joint injuries can be frightening. You should see an orthopedic surgeon if you are referred by your doctor. Make the most of the time you have with the surgeon to discuss your injury or pain. These six tips will help you make the most of your next visit.
Individualise a Medical Surgeon That Specializes Your Type of Problem.
The field of orthopedic surgery has become highly subspecialized in recent years. General orthopedic surgeons do exist. Many have completed fellowship training in a subspeciality of orthopedic surgery. This includes joint replacement, trauma, and sports medicine. They are more likely to concentrate on problems within their subspecialty.
Find the orthopedic surgeon who is experienced in treating the problem you are having. If you have severe pain or swelling in your thumb from a fall while jogging, an orthopedic surgeon may be able to help you. Ask your primary care physician if you are not sure which surgeon is right for you. Your primary care doctor should be able to point you in the right direction.
If You Have Seen a Doctor or Another Orthopedic Surgeon, Please Bring a Copy of the Visit Notes.
It is possible that you have been to another doctor for the same problem. Give your orthopedic surgeon the best opportunity to fully understand the results of all the treatments and studies you have received up to now, it is a good idea if you have. A copy of your records may be helpful if you are seeking a second opinion from an orthopedic surgeon.
If You Have Seen a Doctor or Another Orthopedic Surgeon, Please Bring a Copy of Any X-Rays or MRIs Performed.
An orthopedic surgeon will need x-rays to complete a musculoskeletal examination. You can get a copy if you have had X-rays taken at your primary doctor’s office, an urgent care facility, or hospital for this issue, as well as any other orthopedic surgeons. The images can be burned onto CDs by the office that can be taken to an orthopedic surgeon. Similar rules apply to other studies such as CTs or MRIs.
You should also try to obtain the actual images, not the radiology report. The orthopedic surgeon will be able to accurately diagnose the problem and plan treatment if the films are brought. It also avoids the possibility of repeating the studies.
Before You Visit, Check Medical Questionnaires & Other Forms.
A lot of information is required by physicians to enter your medical record. This is especially true if you are a first-time patient.
Talk to this doctor. Doctors often ask for this information by asking patients to complete medical history forms. These forms can take quite a while to complete. It is much easier to fill them in ahead of time and get you into the exam room faster than waiting. It also allows you to access information that you may not be able to recall immediately, such as specific medication dosages.
When you schedule your appointment, ask the person who will send you the forms. Then bring the completed forms along with you.
Read More About 6 Advantages and Disadvantages of IVF
Write Down a Brief Timeline of Your Injury and Treatment.
Patients can suffer from neck, shoulder, or other musculoskeletal injuries for many months before finally deciding to see an orthopedic surgeon. It may be difficult to recall the details of your problem. What year did the problem begin? What have been your experiences with other treatments? Instead of trying to recall every detail in the exam room, take a few moments before the visit to write it down.
What caused the pain? What are some of the things that make it worse? Are you currently taking any medication? Are you a patient of another doctor? Are you avoiding activities that can cause pain? Are you currently undergoing MRIs or x-rays to diagnose the problem? These and other questions can provide valuable information to an orthopedic surgeon. This kind of history can be given to the surgeon a few minutes prior to his visit.
Before You See an Orthopedic Surgeon, Write Your List of Questions.
You will have questions about your diagnosis and treatment if you have suffered from back or knee pain for a long time. Asking questions about your ability and willingness to work, drive, attend school, return to exercise, or go to school is important. Patients often forget to ask the surgeon the questions that they had in their heads. Write down all your questions ahead of time so you are sure to remember them.
This article is not intended to give you specific medical advice. To make your visit to an orthopedic surgeon more productive, I’m trying to give you some general tips. These tips may not be applicable in all situations, but they can help you to get as much information and answer any questions.
