Frequently Asked Questions
At Orthopedics New England, we understand that you may have some questions about the terminology used throughout our website. For this reason, we provide you with a list of frequently asked questions for your review.
What is an orthopedic surgeon?
What is a physician assistant (PA)?
Physician assistants are licensed health care professionals who practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of the physician/PA team, PAs diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. Their focus is patient care, which may include education, research, and administrative activities. PAs can also write prescriptions.
What does the term “total joint replacement” mean?
Total joint replacement means replacing both sides of the weight-bearing surface of the affected joint. In the knee, it means replacing both the thin cartilage surface on the lower joint surface, which is the tibia, and the upper joint surface, which is the femur. The joint surface under the kneecap is also replaced. This requires removing the thin cartilage surface and a thin surface of bone for replacement with an artificial implant. At Orthopedics New England, our surgeons specialize in reconstruction and replacement of the hip, knee, and shoulder joints.
What is arthroscopic surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is a modern method of performing surgery inside the joint through very small incisions. The incisions are usually about a quarter of an inch in length with two or three incisions per joint necessary. A tiny video camera is attached to the end of a long, thin microscope, which is placed through the incision. Other long, thin, frequently modernized instruments are used to perform surgery inside the joints. Knees and shoulders most commonly benefit from arthroscopic surgery, but other joints such as ankles, hips, and wrists may also be done.
What should I bring to my appointment?
- Your insurance card or health coverage information. Please note that many insurance carriers require you to have a referral (authorization from your primary care physician) before treatment is provided by one of our specialists. Please check with your insurance carrier if you have any questions regarding your plan or coverage.
- Referral form if required by your health insurance plan.
- List of all medications (both over-the-counter and prescription), including doses and how often taken.
- Any X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs that have been taken for the condition you are experiencing. Please note that the images cannot be older than six months.
- Clinic notes or operative reports from your referring physician that relate to the condition for which you are seeking medical consultation.
- Driver’s license and/or government issued ID.
If you have any other questions prior to your visit, please feel free to contact us at (508) 655-0471 and our staff will be happy to assist you.
What happens if I need my physician after-hours?
Occasionally, our patients need to contact our physician regarding pain and other symptoms they may be having. For that reason, our clinic always has physicians “on call” in case of after-hour emergencies. If you need to contact an Orthopedics New England physician when the clinic is closed (after-hours or on weekends), please call (508) 270-7504 and the on-call physician will contact you. For non-emergency prescriptions or prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy and they will contact us directly.
How do I request medical records and information?
If you need to request medical records from one of our offices, please be aware that it could take several business days for you to receive your records. We will make every effort to fulfill all medical record requests as quickly as possible. Please contact Orthopedics New England at (508) 655-0471 to request a copy of your medical records, or if you have any questions regarding your medical records.
What are your office hours?
Our office hours are:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (508) 655-0471
Request An Appointment
Call us at 508-655-0471