Your First Visit
Your first visit is an opportunity for Dr. Gustav Fischer to understand your symptoms, evaluate how your hip or knee condition affects your daily life, and learn about your treatment goals. During your appointment, he will review your medical history, examine your joint, evaluate any available imaging, and discuss previous treatments. This comprehensive evaluation allows Dr. Fischer to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your diagnosis, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
What to Bring
- Photo identification
- Insurance card
- Referral information, if required
- Relevant medical records
- Prior X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or other imaging
- Prior operative reports, if applicable
- Current medication and allergy list
Having this information available helps us better understand your condition and avoid unnecessary repeat testing.
What to Expect
Review of Your Medical History
Your appointment begins with a discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, previous injuries or surgeries, medications, and any treatments you have already tried. Understanding your overall health helps guide the most appropriate recommendations for your care.
Review of Your Imaging
If you have recent X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, or other imaging studies, Dr. Fischer will carefully review them with you. If additional imaging is needed to better understand your condition, it may be recommended as part of your evaluation.
A Conversation About Your Pain and Goals
Every patient's experience is unique. Dr. Fischer will discuss when your pain occurs, how it affects your daily activities, and what you hope to accomplish with treatment. Whether your goal is returning to work, staying active, reducing pain, or improving mobility, your treatment plan will be developed with your priorities in mind.
Orthopedic Examination
A comprehensive orthopedic examination will assess your joint function, strength, flexibility, alignment, range of motion, and stability. This physical evaluation, combined with your medical history and imaging, helps establish an accurate diagnosis.
Discussion of Treatment Options
Once your evaluation is complete, Dr. Fischer will explain your diagnosis and review the treatment options available. Depending on your condition, overall health, symptoms, and goals, your care plan may include nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, injections, activity modification, or other conservative therapies. When appropriate, surgical options - including advanced hip or knee replacement procedures - will also be discussed, along with the benefits, risks, expected recovery, and anticipated outcomes.
Our Goal for Your First Appointment
Our goal is to ensure you leave your first appointment with a clear understanding of your condition and confidence in your treatment plan. Dr. Fischer believes in educating patients so they can make informed decisions about their care.
During your visit, you can expect:
- A clear explanation of your diagnosis
- An honest discussion of both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options
- Realistic expectations regarding recovery, potential risks, and expected outcomes
- A personalized treatment plan based on your health, lifestyle, and goals
Surgery is never assumed to be the only solution. Whenever appropriate, conservative treatment options are explored first to help relieve pain and improve function. If surgery becomes the best option, Dr. Fischer will work closely with you to determine the most appropriate approach for your individual needs.
To learn more about Dr. Fischer's background and expertise, please visit our Meet Dr. Fischer page.
Schedule a Consultation
If hip or knee pain is limiting your mobility or quality of life, we're here to help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gustav Fischer to receive a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations.