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FAQ

Below you will find the most frequently asked questions from current and potential Ortho Louisville patients. Find answers to questions you may have about a specific situation, treatment, or program. If you don’t find the answer to your question below, feel free to call us directly. 

Appointments

Patients are asked to arrive approximately 15 - 30 minutes before their scheduled appointment time. This allows enough time for the registration process to be completed before the actual appointment.

 

A grace period of 15 minutes will be permitted due to unforeseen delays a patient may encounter while traveling to the clinic location for their appointment. If a patient arrives more than 15 minutes late for their appointment, the patient will be given the option of either being seen that day as a walk-in, or rescheduled for a later date with their original provider. This process will ensure patients that do arrive on time are seen in a timely manner.

Patients must present a photo ID and health insurance card at the time of service. It is also beneficial to have some form of payment prepared for insurance purposes. Your visit may require a copay once your appointment is completed.

Insurance

AETNA

AETNA BETTER HEALTH

ANTHEM

CARESOURCE-IN/IN, KY MARKETPLACE

CAREWORKS

CENTER CARE

CIGNA

CORVEL

ESSENCE HEALTHCARE

HEALTH SMART

HUMANA

MDWISE

MEDICAID

MEDICARE

MEDICARE DME

MHS

MULTIPLAN

OMCA

PALMETTO/RR MEDICARE

PASSPORT

SAGAMORE

TRICARE EAST

UNITED HEALTHCARE

UHC COMMUNITY MEDICAID PLANS

WELLCARE/WELLCARE OF KY

 

Ortho Louisville Medicaid Plans:

 

IN Medicaid

HOOSIER HEALTHWISE

HEALTHY INDIANA PLAN

HOOSIER CARE CONNECT

AMBETTER

 

KY Medicaid

PASSPORT

WELLCARE

AETNA BETTER HEALTH

JUST4ME

 

IN, KY Medicaid

ANTHEM MEDICAID

UHC COMMUNITY PLAN

medical records

Visit this link: https://medicopy.net/roi then follow the prompts to request your medical records. All medical record requests are handled through MediCopy - a Health Information Management Service Provider that partners with healthcare facilities to release copies of medical records and complete Disability and FMLA forms.

Any patient of Ortho Louisville, or their legal guardian.

You can call our Medical Records Department at 866-587-6274 to follow up on your request.

Yes. After you’ve requested your records, you can call our Medical Records Department at 866-587-6274 to let them know you would like to pick them up at either office.

Please allow up to 10 business days to complete requests.

For Medical Records: 866-587-6274

For FMLA/Disability: 866-587-6274 ext. 213

Please note there is a $30 fee per form that requires completion by our office. For each subsequent form, there is a $15 fee.

If you have further questions regarding MediCopy, you can visit this link:

https://medicopy.net/landing/frequently-asked-questions

Medications / Prescriptions

You can request medications from your provider directly through your MyChart account. Please allow up to 48 hours for refill requests to be completed. Another way to request refills is by calling our office at 502-364-0902 where you can leave a message for the provider and their team in regard to your request. Please have the medication name, dosage, directions, and pharmacy information handy when leaving a message for your provider.

MyChart / Telemedicine

To set up a new MyChart account you can click this link → MyChart

If you continue having issues, please reach out to St. Elizabeth’s Help Desk by calling 859-301-2550.

Telemedicine appointments are perfect to help you connect with your provider electronically in real time for regularly scheduled appointments. It is conveniently accessible by simply using your compatible mobile device, laptop or home computer with a reliable internet connection.

Orthopaedic Surgeon / Sports Medicine Physician

An orthopaedic surgeon is a doctor who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. They are dedicated to keeping bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles healthy and functioning properly. An orthopaedic surgeon will almost always explore nonsurgical options first, such as pain medication or rehabilitation. If necessary, they will consider performing a surgery to repair an injury or correct a condition. This is usually a last resort. Orthopaedic surgery is often considered one of the most in-demand, cutting-edge fields within the medical profession. Both surgical and non-surgical expertise is required to treat patients.

While some physicians are generalists, meaning they have no specific specialty, others specialize in specific areas of the body. Many choose to specialize their practice to treat specific body parts, conditions, and populations (i.e., athletes, the elderly, children, etc). Surgeons may choose one of the following parts of the body to specialize in: Hip, Knee, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Shoulder, Elbow, or Spine. Orthopaedic doctors can treat trauma, infections, tumors, congenital defects, and degenerative diseases affecting the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves that coordinate movement.

The primary reason people visit orthopaedic surgeons is due to musculoskeletal pain. While they do treat broken bones and replace joints, there are many more issues they are able to treat. An orthopaedic surgeon can also treat a number of problems patients may experience. Some of these include:

 

  • Sports Injuries
    Many orthopaedic doctors specialize in sports medicine. They have special training to help athletes get back on their feet as quickly and safely as possible. Another common trait of this specialty is injury prevention.
  • Back Pain, Ruptured Discs, and Spinal Stenosis
    Back and spine injuries are often severe and treated with extreme caution. These specialists are experienced in rehabilitation, pain management, and both surgical and non-surgical solutions.
  • Carpal Tunnel, Hand Arthritis, and Hand Injuries
    The hand is unique due to the number of joints, ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels that all have to work together seamlessly. Hand and wrist specialists receive additional training to learn how to be delicate and refined in their surgical practice. Surgery is a last resort, and conditions are often treated with splits, injections, or physical therapy.
  • Orthopaedic Trauma
    Orthopaedic trauma surgeons have to think on their feet and make decisions quickly. They also have to be calm under pressure and understand how a traumatic injury can affect other parts of the body.
  • Achilles Tendon Injuries, Bunions, & Foot and Ankle Injuries
    Foot specialists are tasked with helping you move and walk as comfortably as possible. A lot of physical therapy is required with these injuries, and surgeons must be aware of the amount of work it takes to keep the feet and ankles healthy.
  • Osteoporosis & Arthritis
    Osteoporosis is the weakening of the bone most commonly found in elderly patients. It can be treated by a variety of specialists, and medication is most often prescribed.

When an orthopaedic injury occurs because of this condition, specialists must take extra care in treatment. Arthritis can occur in any part of the body. A variety of specialties can treat patients with arthritis. Partial and total joint replacement specialists are able to replace damaged bone with artificial implants to improve joint function and reduce pain.

Meeting with a doctor who specializes in something like orthopaedics can be stressful. Most often, people don’t visit an orthopaedic surgeon unless they are in pain, have a persistent condition that is not getting better, or there has been some sort of trauma. In order to get the most out of your first appointment, make sure to do some research beforehand.

 

First, ensure that you find a specialist who is an in-network provider with your insurance company. Some insurance policies require a referral from a primary care physician in order to see an orthopaedic specialist. Consult your insurance policy information to determine if you are required to have a referral. Most Ortho Louisville physicians do not require a referral; your insurance may request one, however.

 

Before the appointment, make sure you have a clear understanding of your symptoms. If possible, try to keep a dated journal detailing what you’re feeling from one day to the next. Make note of if your symptoms are recurrent or differ day-by-day. This will help you give the most accurate description of your symptoms.

 

When discussing symptoms, make sure to be as accurate as possible and honest. Be thorough, and don’t minimize or exaggerate what you’re feeling. The goal of the doctor is to help you feel better.

Both types of physicians are extremely well trained in musculoskeletal injuries; however Sports Medicine Physicians use a non-operative approach to the medical treatment of these musculoskeletal conditions. Approximately 90% of all sports injuries do not require surgery, making Sports Medicine Physicians an ideal choice for taking care of such injuries. Should surgery be required, the Sports Medicine Physician can expedite referrals to the appropriate Orthopaedic Surgeon. They can also help guide and supervise the rehabilitative and physical therapy process when needed. Most importantly, Sports Medicine Physicians are trained in the non-musculoskeletal aspects of sports medicine, such as the treatment of concussions, exercise induced asthma, and diabetes in the competitive athlete.

Absolutely NOT. Sports medicine physicians are ideal physicians for patients of all different activity levels, including non-athletes and elderly patients. They are excellent resources for patients who desire to take control of their own lives and become active and live a healthy life. They are extensively trained in taking care of competitive athletes, “weekend warriors,” industrial athletes, or anyone with an injury. They can often utilize the same expertise used for competitive athletes to help patients from all walks of life return to full function as quickly and safely as possible. The sports medicine physician is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to individuals of all ages.

Orthopaedic Urgent Care / Walk-In Clinic

We treat sprains and strains, dislocations, fractures, and other orthopaedic injuries to your spine, muscles, tendons, and joints. This includes elbow, knee, foot and ankle, hand and wrist, hip, back and neck, and sports or work injuries.

Unlike an emergency room, our clinic is staffed by board certified/board eligible physicians, licensed physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. These specialists have completed years of training centered on a specific category of orthopaedics, which allows them to provide a higher level of care than a general physician, PA, or NP.

Orthopaedic Urgent Care Hours: 

8:30 am - 4 pm (Monday - Friday)

6641 Dixie Highway 

Physical therapy

Physical therapists are movement and musculoskeletal experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education. They work with our patients to help them achieve their goals, whether that’s recovering from an injury or surgery, reaching a new athletic level, minimizing pain, or restoring function.

Physical therapists are uniquely qualified to assess and treat problems with your muscles and joints as well as posture and balance difficulties. Your physical therapist will evaluate your condition and recommend treatment for you to help alleviate your symptoms. After completing a comprehensive examination, your physical therapist will develop an individualized rehabilitation program consisting of a combination of hands-on treatment, stretching and strengthening exercises and modalities (treatment with machines such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation). You may be given an exercise program to perform at home along with tips for correcting faulty posture and ways to maintain your pain-free state.

Yes. You must have a referral from your treating physician.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movement. Please wear something that allows the physical therapist to examine and treat the body part you are seeking care for.

This will depend on the individual need and circumstance. We will work together to create a plan to get you back to your goals as quickly, and as safely as possible. Duration and frequency is usually determined by your therapist and/or your physician.

Physical therapy shouldn’t be painful, but you may experience some temporary soreness and discomfort as you work and stretch new muscles or if you’re recovering from surgery. If you ever feel pain during a session, let your therapist know. We will make sure to adjust the program to your tolerance.

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, physical therapists must attend a physical therapy school that is usually affiliated with a medical school as well. Both master’s and doctoral programs are available and take an additional two to three years for completion. Physical therapists can practice physical therapy upon successful completion of the national physical therapy examination.

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA’s) work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist and assists in the treatment of patients. PTA’s are trained in helping patients with exercises and exercise programs, evaluating data on a patient’s progress, using pain relieving techniques and modalities, assisting with patient mobility, and providing therapeutic massage when indicated. PTA’s are required to have a two year Associates Degree in Applied Science from an accredited college/university. Upon graduation they must pass a national examination, administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy to receive their state licensure.

surgery

The surgery scheduler for your physician will discuss with you when and where your surgical procedure will be performed.

 

A patient advocate from our office may be in contact with you as well to verify that our services are “in-network” with your health insurance company and coordinate any necessary financial issues.

 

All patients are required to have medical clearance in the form of a preoperative history and physical that must be completed by their primary care physician within 30 days of the planned procedure. Also, depending upon age and other medical conditions, some patients will also be required to complete lab work or further diagnostic testing – this will be discussed with each individual patient upon scheduling.

Our physicians perform surgeries at a variety of hospitals and surgical centers around the Louisville area. Patients will be scheduled based on their specific patient needs, insurance, and equipment requirements.

Once you’ve scheduled your surgery, the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) department will be notified of your pending procedure if you require a DME product for your postoperative recovery. The surgery you have will determine the need for any special equipment. If possible, they will meet with you the same day you scheduled surgery to fit you with the appropriate piece of equipment. Once we know you have the correct item(s) and that they fit you correctly, we ask that you take your items with you and bring them to the hospital or surgery center on the day of your procedure. If we are unable to meet with you the day you schedule your surgery, we will call you to make certain that you have all the equipment you need prior to surgery.

It depends on the type of medication you are taking. Most medications, especially those prescribed by a doctor and taken on a regular basis, should be continued until the night before surgery with sips of water. However, there are many blood thinners that need to be stopped prior to surgery. If you are taking any type of prescribed medication, you should contact the prescribing physician to coordinate the proper management of this medication prior to your scheduled surgery. Prescription weight reduction medications should be stopped 2 weeks prior to your scheduled surgery.

Almost all surgeries are done as an outpatient procedure, which means you will go home later that day after your surgery. However, if there is a medical indication or you are scheduled for a more intense surgery, you may need to be admitted overnight, but this is rare.

We recommend that you dress in comfortable and loose fitting clothing. The surgical dressing you have can be bulky, so please prepare for this by wearing clothes that can easily be placed over this. If you are having surgery on the upper extremity (arm or shoulder), please wear a shirt or jacket that buttons or zips up the front rather than one that requires you to pull it over your head. If you are having a procedure on the lower extremity (leg), please wear shorts or loose fitting pants, such as sweats.

Majority of the time the answer is NO. You cannot eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your scheduled surgery. This includes gum, mints and tobacco products as well. If you must take some of your regular medications that day, then you may do so with just a small sip of water.

You must make arrangements to have a family member or friend over the age of 18 bring you to the hospital/surgery center and remain with you until you are discharged to go home. Your surgery may be canceled if no one is with you.

When you are discharged from the facility after surgery, you will be given prescriptions for a narcotic pain medication and one to help with postoperative nausea. It is always best to take pain medicines with food because taking them on an empty stomach can make you nauseous. Elevation of the extremity and placing ice on the surgical site will also aid in relieving post-surgical pain. Many people experience itching when taking pain medication. This is not a true allergy, but a common side effect of all narcotic pain medications. If you experience itching, you may take Benadryl, Claritin or any other antihistamine. Please take all prescriptions as directed, as there will be NO early refills.

This specific topic will be discussed with you when scheduling surgery. It will depend on the type of surgery, and the type of bandage(s) being utilized. Typically, the incision will remain covered for 24-48 hours and should remain clean and dry. Daily dressing changes may be required leading up to your initial post operative appointment where you will meet with your physician. You are able to shower, but you need to ensure the dressing/bandage is protected or covered to keep it from getting wet. Do NOT take a bath or submerge your surgical site in water until it is completely healed. Further incision care will be discussed at your post operative appointment.

If your surgical site has staples or stitches, these will need to be removed in the office at your initial post operative appointment. Do not remove them yourself – doing so may cause the incision to open up which might lead to bleeding or infection.

 

When you have stitches or staples removed, your doctor may order small adhesive strips (called Steri-Strips®) to be placed over the incision. These will continue to support your skin as it heals. These strips should stay in place for about a week, and they gradually will fall off. You can shower with the Steri-Strips® in place; however, do not take a bath or submerge your surgical site in water until it is completely healed. This may take up to 4 weeks.

This will differ for each individual patient and is dependent on the type of surgery/recovery. In general, you may drive once you feel safe to operate a motor vehicle AND you are not taking any narcotic pain medications. This can be discussed in detail prior to and after your surgery.

This will differ for each individual patient and is dependent on the type of surgery/procedure, as well as the type of work you do. With some minor procedures, returning to work within a day or two is possible. If you have an intense or heavy labor job, the return to work process may take more time. In certain circumstances, we are ok with you returning to work if your employer is able to accommodate physical restrictions and it is safe. Many employers require documentation regarding this issue, so please remember to ask our medical staff for these notes at your scheduled appointment.

If it is a true emergency, please call 911 immediately or present to the nearest emergency room. Our orthopaedic urgent care is also available when needed (see hours below). 

 

Orthopaedic Urgent Care Hours:

8:30 am - 4 pm (Monday - Friday)

6641 Dixie Highway 

 

Our office can be reached at 502-364-0902. There is a physician on-call at all times, so even after hours you will be able to contact one of the providers. Your call will be answered by a service that will convey your message to the doctor on-call.

Some patients who have orthopaedic surgery need Physical or Hand Therapy to help their bodies recover after problems are surgically repaired. You will receive a prescription for this therapy if your doctor finds it is necessary for your recovery. Our physical therapists also have your surgeon’s latest protocols and progression specific to your surgery. It will depend on the type of surgery/procedure that was performed if you’ll need therapy or not. Frequency and duration will be discussed between you, your physician, and your physical therapist.

Workers' Compensation

  • Keep your appointments for office visits and physical therapy.
  • Make sure we have your current contact information.
  • Make phone calls to our office early in the day.
  • Make prescription refill requests early in the day, with the name and number of your pharmacy on hand.
  • Communicate with your employer.
  • Ask for a work note and/or physical therapy note at each appointment to take back to your employer.

The doctor is looking at your physical healing as well as your ability to return to work, even if it is for modified duty. Your employer will decide if the work place can meet your need for light duty. If you do not agree with your physician’s decision that you are ready to return to work, you should discuss it with the physician.

We will be happy to complete any paperwork you need. You can bring your paperwork directly to either office. It takes two business days to respond to paperwork once it’s been received.

Many of our patients require surgery as a result of their injury. If your doctor thinks you need surgery, our Workers’ Compensation team will obtain pre-authorization. This may take several weeks to obtain. When the surgery is authorized, one of our Procedure Schedulers will contact you. At this time, you will need to come into the office to sign consent and to receive your pre-operative instruction packet. You will also need to schedule your first postoperative office visit at this time. Our Procedure Scheduler will contact you with the exact time of surgery as soon as it is available.

Your doctor may order a specialized test such as an MRI, a CT Scan, or an EMG in order to better evaluate your injury. If this occurs, our Workers’ Compensation team will contact Workers’ Compensation offices and insurance carriers to have the test pre-authorized. We cannot schedule these specialized tests until they are authorized by Workers’ Compensation or the insurance carriers. This may take one to two weeks to obtain.

 

When the tests have been pre-authorized, one of our Procedure Schedulers will contact you. If the tests are denied, a member of the Workers’ Compensation team will contact you and your employer about the denial. We will do what we can to appeal the decision by making sure the medical documentation is accurate and in place.

Ask for a work note at each office visit. This note is for your employer and proves that you were seen in the office. It also contains any work restrictions you may have that your employer must be made aware of. Your employer may ask for information from physical therapy as well. Please get that note from your physical therapist.

Because you are using your employer’s insurance carrier to cover expenses from your injury, we are obligated to work through your employer to file claims. Many companies have case managers who may come to appointments with you and follow your progress. We are required to notify them if you do not keep appointments or follow through with therapy.
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