Orthopedic Appointment What to Expect

New Patient Information

When you meet with an orthopaedic surgeon for the first time, it is helpful to know what to expect during the orthopedic evaluation. Your first orthopedic appointment will most likely include a comprehensive medical history evaluation, diagnostic imaging (X-rays and/or MRI), and physical tests.

The following checklist will help you and your orthopedic doctor discuss the important issues for getting the most out of your first orthopedic appointment.

Click topics below to expand for more information.

Location and Directions

Waterford Location
4800 Highland Road, Ste 2
Waterford Twp, MI 48328
(248) 673-0500

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Rochester Hills Location
1349 S. Rochester Road, Suite 225
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
(248) 673-0500

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Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For further questions or to schedule an appointment, call (248) 673-0500 ext 19 or click here to request an appointment online.

What to Bring

Patient Registration forms: If you have not received these in the mail, please click Patient Registration Forms to download them now. You will need to fill them out and bring them with you to your appointment.
Insurance Card(s) and a Photo ID: If the appointment is for a minor, you will need to provide the legal guardian’s insurance card(s) and photo ID.
Medical Records: please bring relevant medical records from other physicians; results and copies of X-rays; and other imaging studies and lab tests and bring these items with you to your appointment.
Written lists of: Medications, herbs, vitamin supplements and over-the-counter medications you are taking.
Your concerns: about your condition (pains, loss of mobility or function).
A Family Member or Friend: Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you if you need any assistance in walking, using the restroom or filling out paperwork.
Translator: If you need a translator, ask another adult to come with you; don’t rely on a child to translate.
Questions: Take the time to make a list of anything you may want to ask your physician regarding your condition.
Comfortable Clothes: Your condition may involve X-rays. Wear loose clothing that’s easy to take off and put on

Billing and Insurance

View our Insurance and Billing Information

When You are at the Doctor's Office

Arrive at least 20 minutes early so you can complete the Patient Registration forms if you have not already done so. You may complete the forms before arriving by downloading the Patient Registration forms.
Be honest and complete in talking with your doctor. Share your point of view and don’t hold back information about issues such as incontinence, memory loss, sex, or other issues that you might consider embarrassing.
Take notes if you need to on what the doctor tells you, and ask questions if you don’t understand a medical term, the reason for the doctor’s recommendations or the instructions for taking medication.
Ask what to expect from your treatment, what effect it will have on your daily activities and what you can do to prevent further disability.
Ask your doctor for handouts or brochures that you and your family members can review at home. Your doctor may refer you to this website for more information.

When You Get Home

Review the materials the doctor gave you. If you can’t remember something, or if you don’t understand your notes, call the office and speak to a member of your healthcare team.
Follow the doctor’s instructions. Take the full course of medication and make sure you follow the prescribed diet or exercise routine. Remember, you’re a part of your healthcare team too.
Keep your doctor informed of any changes in your condition.
Follow up with your doctor on test results, adverse reactions to medication, or any complications or worsening of your condition.

Questions to ask at the visit or later, if your doctor recommends surgery

What is the procedure called?
Why is this procedure being recommended?
Are there alternatives?
What are the benefits of this procedure in terms of pain relief, functioning/mobility?
How long will the benefit last?
Are there risks involved?
What is the success rate for this procedure?
How is it done?
What percentage of patients improve following the procedure?
Will the surgery need to be repeated after a certain amount of time?
How many of these procedures are annually performed at the hospital/ orthopaedic surgery center?
What will happen if I don’t have the surgery now?
If I want a second opinion, whom can I consult?
Will my doctor perform the operation or someone else?
Is the doctor board-certified?
How many similar procedures have been done by my doctor (or whoever will perform the procedure?)
What are the outcomes?
Will I need any tests or medical evaluations prior to the surgery?
What kind of anesthesia will be used? Are there possible after effects or risks?
Will I meet with the anesthesiologist in advance?
How will the physician know my needs/allergies?
What kind of implant or prosthesis will be used?
What are the outcomes using this device?
How long will it last?
Will I have pain following the procedure?
What pain relief or pain control measures will I be given?
How long will the recovery take?
What are my limitations during recovery?
Will I need assistance at home afterward? For how long?
What will discharge instructions be?
Following surgery will I have any disability?
Will I need physical therapy?
When can I return to work?
Can I drive my car?
When can I have sexual activity?
Are there any written materials or videotapes about this surgery that I can review?

Physical Therapy

Bone and Joint Specialists offers full on-site physical therapy and rehabilitation services that help you recover from an orthopedic condition, injury, or surgery, restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease.

Please click here for more information on Bone and Joint Specialists Physical Therapy Center’s state-of-the-art facility.

If you have any other questions regarding your first visit to Bone and Joint Specialists, please call us at (248) 673-0500 ext 14.

We look forward to working with you!
Bone and Joint Specialists Team