Orthopedics

Orthopedic Appointments: How to Prepare and What to Expect

At OSF HealthCare, we are committed to providing the best possible care for your orthopedic needs. Whether you're visiting for the first time or coming in for follow-up care, here's everything you need to know about your orthopedic appointment.

We provide comprehensive care for neck, back and spine conditions through OSF Orthopedics and the OSF Illinois Neurological Institute.

How to Prepare for Your Orthopedic Appointment

To make your visit as smooth and productive as possible, follow these steps to prepare:

  1. Gather Your Medical Information – Make sure to bring a list of any medical conditions, previous surgeries, and current medications, including doses. This helps your orthopedic specialist get a clear picture of your health.
  2. Wear Comfortable Clothing – Depending on the area being examined, you may need to wear loose-fitting or easily removable clothing. For example, if you're seeing the doctor for knee pain, wearing shorts or pants that can be rolled up is helpful.
  3. Make a List of Questions or Concerns – Before your appointment, write down any questions or concerns you may have about your condition or potential treatments. This ensures that you leave with all the information you need.
  4. Arrive Early – Try to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete any necessary paperwork and get settled.

What to Expect During Your Orthopedic Appointment

Your appointment will last 30-60 minutes depending on the type of evaluation, required tests and treatment provided. Appointments typically involve the following steps:

  1. Medical History and Discussion – We will start by reviewing your medical history and discussing your current symptoms. Be prepared to answer questions about when your pain or discomfort started, how it feels and how it affects your daily activities.
  2. Physical Examination – Next, we will perform a physical examination to assess the affected area. This may involve checking your range of motion, strength and any areas of tenderness or swelling.
  3. Diagnostic Tests – In some cases, we may order diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs or CT scans to get a clearer view of your condition. These tests may be done at a variety of locations, including the doctor’s office, hospital or an outpatient imaging center. The location will depend on the specific circumstances of your visit.
  4. Diagnosis and Treatment Plan – Once all the necessary information has been reviewed, we will provide a diagnosis and discuss treatment options with you. This could include physical therapy, medication, lifestyle changes or surgery, depending on the severity of your condition.
  5. Follow-Up Appointments – If further care is needed, such as physical therapy or orthopedic surgery, follow-up appointments will be scheduled to ensure your treatment is on track.

Common Patient Questions

Do you accept walk-ins?

No, we do not accept walk-ins. To make an appointment, speak with your primary care provider about a referral or call our office directly to schedule your visit.

Why does it take so long to get an appointment?

We prioritize appointments based on the urgency of care. Patients in need of immediate attention or emergency care are scheduled first, and those requiring specialized treatment are evaluated and scheduled accordingly.

What insurance plans do you accept?

OSF HealthCare accepts a wide variety of insurance plans. We recommend contacting the office directly if you have specific questions about your coverage. You can also visit our billing and pricing page for more information on pricing and estimates.

Can you refill prescriptions from my primary care provider?

No, we recommend that your primary care provider manage and refill any prescriptions related to your condition. They have the most up-to-date information about your overall care plan.

Why can't I just get pain pills instead of treatments?

Pain medication may help temporarily relieve symptoms, but it does not address the root cause of the problem. At OSF, we aim to treat your condition through a combination of therapies and, if needed, surgery to improve your overall quality of life.

Why can't surgery be my first treatment option?

WSurgery is typically considered a last resort. We often recommend starting with conservative treatments like physical or occupational therapy. Additionally, most insurance providers require that non-surgical treatments be tried before approving surgical intervention.

Do I have to use an OSF hospital for procedures?

Procedures can be performed at an OSF hospital or an ambulatory surgical center. Scheduling will depend on provider availability, surgery schedules and insurance authorizations.

Do you have a listing of additional resources for orthopedic information?

At OSF HealthCare, we believe that education and patient knowledge is an important part of the healing process.

In addition to the information your health care provider shares during your appointments, we also offer education through published information via associated websites and previously printed articles.

To learn more about different procedures, technology and news in the field of orthopedics, visit the following sites:

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
AAOS is your source for the latest legislative, educational, health care policy, and research information.

Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
An official peer-reviewed journal of the AAOS.

American Journal of Sports Medicine
Access abstracts of selected articles in each journal printed since 1972.

Arthritis Foundation
Foundation of scientists and physicians taking action against arthritis since 1948.

Arthroscopy Association of North America
Promoting, encouraging, supporting and fostering the development and dissemination of knowledge in the discipline of arthroscopic surgery through continuing medical education functions.

International Society for Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery
A non-profit organization that brings together individuals throughout the world who have indicated or are indicating interest in computer assisted orthopaedic surgery.

Journals of the American Medical Association
International peer-reviewed general medical journal published; the most widely circulated medical journal in the world.

National Athletic Trainers' Association
The National Athletic Trainers' Association enhances the quality of health care for athletes and those engaged in physical activity, as well as advances the profession of athletic training through education and research in the prevention, evaluation, management and rehabilitation of injuries.

Orthopaedic Research Society
Read the organization's newsletter, past and current issues of the Journal of Orthopaedic Research and more.

Orthopedics Today
Read current and back issues of Orthopedics Today written for orthopedic surgeons.

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOMP)
We are proud to work closely with the local medical facilities and to be affiliated with our local medical school. Central Illinois is a hub of health care activity with many physicians training at University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria and remaining here to practice and instruct future generations.

Orthopedics