10 Questions To Ask Your Orthopedic Provider
It’s essential to take an active role in your orthopedic care. At Tennessee Orthopedic, we’re a team working towards the same goal: improved mobility, decreased pain, and improved quality of life regarding your bone and joint health.
Whether you’re being treated for an acute injury like a fracture or sprain or you’re experiencing chronic pain or joint damage, here are 15 questions to ask your orthopedic provider
- What’s my diagnosis?
Understanding your condition allows you to work with your orthopedic specialist so you can make informed decisions about your treatment going forward.
- What tests or imaging will I need, and does my insurance cover them?
You might need a basic X-ray or more comprehensive imaging like an MRI. Working with your orthopedic specialist and insurance provider to ensure you’re getting the best care and coverage while seeking answers is essential.
- What caused my Injury/What’s been causing my pain?
Once you know the root cause of your joint, bone, or soft tissue pain and understand the contributing factors, you can work with your orthopedic specialist to prevent future injury or pain. Your treatment plan will differ for a fracture from a repetitive motion injury.
- What treatments are available for this condition?
Orthopedic treatments can range from physical therapy, rest, and over-the-counter NSAIDs, to surgery. Understanding and weighing the benefits and risks helps you make an informed decision.
- What are my non-surgical options?
Depending on the type and severity of your orthopedic diagnosis, your orthopedic specialist will walk you through all your treatment options before recommending surgery.
- Does my insurance cover this treatment?
To avoid billing surprises, patients must ask how their orthopedic specialist will work with their insurance company and what copay costs they may incur from recommended treatment types, especially surgical interventions.
- If I need surgery, what’s involved in the procedure?
When you know what the procedure entails, you can start preparing for your recovery and ask any questions that may arise.
- If I have surgery, what kind of recovery time can I expect?
Understanding your recovery time allows you to manage expectations and make plans and arrangements.
- Will I need follow-up appointments or physical therapy?
You will most likely need physical therapy and follow-up appointments post-op. Your orthopedic specialist can assist you in scheduling them ahead of time to make your recovery run smoothly.
- What lifestyle changes should I consider?
Whether recovering from surgery or working with a physical therapist, ask your orthopedic specialist if you should avoid any activities or consider lifestyle changes that will support your healing and overall orthopedic health.
Expert Orthopedic Surgeons and Doctors in Tennessee
You can take a proactive approach when communicating well with your orthopedic providers. Tailor these questions to your needs for your next visit, and address any new questions or symptoms that may have come up. At Tennessee Orthopedics, our dedicated expert orthopedic team is here to help you get back on your feet while reducing pain and improving your mobility. Our orthopedic clinic has multiple locations where we serve patients in Knoxville, TN, Oak Ridge, TN, Lenoir City, TN, and Sevierville, TN.
