Photo identification
A driver’s license or other valid photo ID.
Your first visit
You do not need to have the answer before you arrive.
You do not need the right medical words or a decision already made. Tell us what hurts, what has changed, and what you want to get back to. We will work through the rest together.
01 Before you arrive
What to bring
Bring whatever is available. A few essentials help us use your appointment time well and avoid repeating tests unnecessarily.
Insurance information
Your current insurance card and referral, if your plan requires one.
Records & imaging
Relevant records, X-rays, MRI or CT images, and prior operative reports when applicable.
Medication list
A current list of prescription and over-the-counter medications and doses.
Allergies
Medication, adhesive, latex, or other allergies we should know about.
Missing a record or image? That is not a reason to delay an appointment. Our office can help determine what is needed.
02 During your appointment
What to expect
A thorough first visit connects the medical facts to the way your joint problem affects your life.
Review of your medical history
We will review your overall health, prior treatment, previous operations, current medications, and the conditions that may affect treatment or recovery.
Review of your imaging
Your X-rays and other studies help define the condition of the joint, confirm the diagnosis, and clarify which treatments are reasonable.
A conversation about your pain and goals
Where it hurts matters. So do the movements you avoid, the sleep you lose, the work you need to do, and the activities you want back.
Orthopedic examination
We will assess motion, strength, alignment, gait, stability, and function to understand how the joint is affecting the way you move.
Discussion of treatment options
You will receive a direct explanation of appropriate nonsurgical and surgical options, including the tradeoffs, expected recovery, and likely outcomes.
03 Our goal for your first appointment
Surgery is not the starting assumption.
The goal is a diagnosis you understand, reasonable options, and a next step that fits your health, goals, and life.
- A clear explanation of your diagnosis
- An honest discussion of nonsurgical and surgical options
- Realistic expectations for risks, recovery, and likely outcomes
- A next step tailored to you
A useful appointment is a two-way conversation
Bring your questions.The difficult ones are usually the most important.
What happens if I wait? What are the alternatives? What does recovery actually look like? What result is realistic for me?
Schedule a consultation