Your First Orthopedic Evaluation
What to expect at your orthopedic visit
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Get the Most Out of Your Visit
We want your initial visit with the orthopedic team at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) to be a positive one. You can take steps to plan your care. We want you to know what to bring, what to wear, and what to expect. This lets you get the most efficient care for your orthopedic or sports injury.
More About Your First Orthopedic Evaluation
There are several items you should bring with you to your appointment. Our office staff and your doctor use these items to provide the care you need.
Items to bring include the following:
- Co-payment
- Copies of previous test or treatments related to your condition or injury
- Health insurance care
- List of medicines you take, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements you take regularly
- Photo ID, such as a driver’s license
- Referral form from your primary care doctor
- X-rays or imaging scans (MRI or CT) related to your condition or injury
Plan to get to the office 15 to 20 minutes before your appointment time. This gives you time to register and complete any necessary forms.
Be sure to wear clothes that make it easy for the doctor to evaluate your injury.
- For an ankle or knee condition, wear or bring a pair of shorts or pants that can easily be pulled above the knee.
- For an elbow condition, wear or bring a short-sleeve shirt or tank top.
- For a shoulder condition, wear or bring a tank top.
Women with an injury to an upper extremity should wear a sports bra or tank top without underwire. This avoids interference with X-rays.
Your doctor will talk with you about your condition and symptoms. Be sure to tell them about any treatments you’ve had. It’s also important to share how your condition impacts your quality of life.
During your appointment, your doctor will review your health information:
- Your medical history
- Family history
- Medicines you take
- Previous surgeries
- X-rays or imaging studies you brought with you
Then, your doctor will perform a physical exam of the affected body area. If new X-rays are needed, we can obtain them in our office during your visit. If needed, additional musculoskeletal tests may be ordered to help make a diagnosis. These may include imaging scans or ultrasound.
Your doctor will use all this information to make a diagnosis and create a treatment plan for you. If your injury is acute or has not responded to other medical care, your doctor may recommend surgery. We schedule your appointments quickly to provide treatment and speed your recovery.
