12 Questions To Ask When Visiting an Orthopedic Clinic
The process can feel complicated if you’ve never been to an orthopedic clinic. Your family doctor may have a broader view of your health in general, but they may not have the expertise to treat orthopedic conditions or acute orthopedic injuries.
Orthopedic Clinics treat common conditions such as:
- Joint pain
- Joint damage and disease
- Fractures and broken bones
- Back and neck pain
- Arthritis
- Muscle and tendon injuries
- Sports injuries
- Worker’s compensation injuries
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of Mobility
- Loss of range of motion
Here are some questions that can help you prepare for visiting to our orthopedic quick care clinic:
- Will you follow up with my primary care doctor about my orthopedic care?
Ask the office staff and orthopedic specialist how to inform your primary care doctor about your orthopedic treatment to ensure comprehensive and coordinated healthcare. Come prepared with your family doctor’s full name and contact information with the correct spelling so everyone has the same information. You’ll also have to sign a release of information, allowing the orthopedic clinic staff to speak to your family doctor.
- Do I need a referral to be seen at an orthopedic urgent care clinic?
Our orthopedic urgent care and walk-in clinic allows you to be seen without waiting on a referral from your primary care physician which can sometimes cause a delay in your care. We can see you for any non-emergent orthopedic concern.
- Will I need a referral to see other specialists for my condition?
Inquire about the necessity of referrals to other specialists, ensuring seamless collaboration between healthcare providers for a well-rounded approach to your musculoskeletal health. Depending on your diagnosis, you may need a referral to a secondary provider. We can help you with that.
- Will my insurance cover orthopedic treatment, including tests and surgery?
The staff at Tennessee Orthopedics can walk you through your coverage for tests or imaging and are happy to explain our billing procedures, ensuring high-quality care so you can make informed financial decisions.
- What can I expect during my appointment?
If you’ve never been to an orthopedic clinic before, it’s very similar to your primary care appointment. Our orthopedic specialist will meet with you to discuss your joint, muscle, or bone pain to collect information so they can help work towards a diagnosis.
- What’s my orthopedic diagnosis?
Our orthopedic specialists are able to diagnose a wide range of conditions and injuries. Understanding the cause of your orthopedic pain allows for a comprehensive approach to preventing future injuries or pain. Tailoring your treatment plan to address specific contributing factors is crucial.
- What are my treatment options?
Depending on your diagnosis, you’ll have a range of treatment options from noninvasive physical therapy to surgical repair options.
- Will I need surgery?
Your orthopedic specialist will discuss all your treatment options. In the event you need surgery, they’ll discuss the procedure with you in-depth, including your recovery time, what happens during the surgery and what you can expect post-op.
- How do I prevent this injury or pain from reoccurring?
Talk to your orthopedic specialist about the limitations of your diagnosis and reinjury prevention.
- What else should I know about my muscle and joint health?
The more you know about your musculoskeletal health, the more proactive you can be in maintaining healthy joints and bones.
Best Orthopedic Clinic in Tennessee
At Tennessee Orthopedics, our dedicated expert orthopedic team is committed to assisting you in reclaiming mobility, alleviating pain, and enhancing your overall well-being. For more information or if you have questions, give us a call or schedule an appointment online. Our orthopedic clinic has multiple locations where we serve patients in Knoxville, TN, Oak Ridge, TN, Lenoir City, TN, and Sevierville, TN.
