5 Ways to prepare for your first visit to the orthopedist

Has your primary physician or a friend or family member recently recommended you make an appointment with an orthopedist to address pain in your bones, muscles, or joints and you’re unsure of how to prepare? The first time visiting any new doctor can be stressful and confusing, especially when you don’t know what to expect and are unfamiliar with their field.

Follow these five simple—but important—steps before your orthopedic appointment to maximize your visit:

1. Find the right doctor for your needs. An orthopedist is similar to any other doctor in that some are generalists (like your primary care physician) and some, like the fellowship-trained subspecialists at Orlin & Cohen, only focus on specific areas of the body for which they have additional training and experience (like a cardiologist, who focuses on the heart). If you have pain in your elbow or back, wouldn’t you rather have a doctor who specializes in that specific area?
2. Get your paperwork in order. Your appointment actually starts before you even step foot in an exam room. Like any other doctor’s office, you’ll be required to complete new patient paperwork and provide your medical history. Make this process easier on yourself (and the support staff) by completing the paperwork at home and bringing a file of all of your medical records with you.
3. Have a complete history of your impairment or injury. Orthopedic ailments aren’t always the result of an obvious event, like a sports injury or fall down the stairs. Sometimes it’s a sudden pain that came out of nowhere and other times it’s a pain that has gradually increased over time. Maybe the pain is aggravated by a certain activity or only eases when you perform a certain action. Whatever the case may be for you, it’s important that your orthopedist has all the facts so they can make an informed diagnosis.
4. Prepare for a complete physical evaluation. Sometimes orthopedic ailments originate from an unexpected source. That’s why it’s vital for your doctor to perform a comprehensive exam to determine if any other part of your body is being affected or causing your pain. While it may feel like the exam is unrelated to your complaint, it’s important that your doctor has a complete understanding of your health.
5. Have your questions ready ahead of time. It happens to the best of us: You have a laundry list of things you want to discuss with a new doctor, from pain points and limitations to questions on treatment and activities to avoid—but you forget all of them the second you’re in the exam room. Make the most of your time by preparing a list of questions or comments ahead of time.

Now that you have a better understanding of what to expect, contact Orlin & Cohen. Long Island’s leading private orthopedic practice, we have 38 fellowship-trained subspecialists in nine offices across Suffolk and Nassau counties, and are open seven days a week. Immediate appointments are available: Schedule yours now.