5 QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING YOUR FIRST ORTHOPEDIC APPOINTMENT

Planning your first visit to your orthopedic specialist? Make the most of your visit by preparing questions and concerns ahead of time. We recommend writing a list and bringing it to your appointment so that you don’t forget. Here are 5 Common Questions you can ask to ensure you leave the visit feeling confident and well-informed.

1. WHAT IS MY DIAGNOSIS?

Being well educated about your injury or condition will allow you to make the right choices as you move forward with treatment.

And don’t be afraid to ask your doctor to clarify if their response is too technical. Asking the doctor to break down the specifics of your injury or condition into commonly known terms is highly encouraged.

Having this conversation early on will provide you with a better understanding of your condition and what steps you may need to take going forward.

2. WHAT ARE MY TREATMENT OPTIONS?

Once you have a good understanding of your diagnosis, it’s time to focus on how to get better. Your physician will likely share a range of treatment options and a recommended treatment plan for your individual sitation, taking into account the severity of your case and your goals for recovery.

You should feel comfortable asking about pros and cons of all treatment options available, both surgical and non-surgical, and why your physician recommends this particular approach.

3. WHAT CAN I DO TO SUPPORT MY RECOVERY?

Often times, especially with chronic orthopedic conditions, there are many factors that put us at higher risk for pain or injury. Conversely, there are many factors that can aid in the recovery and rehab process, and even delay or eliminate the need for surgery. Take this opportunity to discuss things like diet, smoking cessation, home exercise and physical therapy.

4. WHAT CAN I EXPECT BEFORE AND AFTER MY PROCEDURE?

If surgery is part of your treatment plan, it’s helpful to understand the procedure and recovery process clearly. Gathering information early on about preparation, hospital stay, pain management, restrictions, follow-up visits and even costs can help you make informed decisions going forward – and then allow you to focus on healing. You may not cover all of these points in your first visit, but you’ll want to feel comfortable with them by the time your surgery takes place.

5. HOW OFTEN DO YOU TREAT THIS CONDITION?

Experience is more than the number of years in practice, it is the total exposure to a specific injury, condition or procedure that builds a depth of understanding on the subject. A physician’s experience directly correlates with fewer complications and better outcomes.