Frequently Asked Questions
Do you participate with my insurance? We participate with Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield,
Physicians Health Plan (PHP), Blue Care Network, and Sparrow Physicians Health Network. We
do accept most other insurances, but due to many variables in policies we urge you to check with
your insurance company prior to any treatment. We no longer participate with United Health care.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment? Your insurance cards or written
authorization from the carrier if your problem is related to an auto accident or is a worker's
compensation case. You will also need your driver's license or other photo I.D. Please bring any
x-ray, MRI, CT or other studies related to the problem for which you are being seen. If you have
had surgery previously on the same area bring your operative notes. Any medical information
pertaining to the problem you are being seen for will help the physician to help you.
How should I dress? It would be helpful to wear loose clothing in the area being treated. Gowns
and shorts are available if needed.
I have neck, back or rib pain. Will you see me? We do not treat these areas. We recommend
you see your primary care physician, who can make the appropriate referral.
What is HIPAA? Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. The Act was
passed to protect you, the patient. This policy is dedicated to maintaining your privacy. The policy
is available at the office for your review and also here on our website.
What is your policy on second opinions? Our physicians will occasionally see you for a
second opinion. Please call the office at (517)394-3200 so we can ask the appropriate physician
for approval. We cannot schedule a second opinion appointment without prior physician approval.
If an appointment is scheduled we request you bring the operative note and all pertaining medical
information for the area being seen by our doctor.
Where are you located? See this information under the button "Contact Us".
Do you have a cancellation list? Yes we do, please request your name be added to the list at
the time you schedule your appointment. Feel free to call and ask if anything else has opened up
before your scheduled appointment.
I've had a total joint prosthesis, what do I need to know for airport check points? In the
past National Transportation Safety Administration was more accepting of cards that declared the
presence of an implant. Plates, screws, etc may or may not set off the detection device,
depending on the sensitivity. Advise the security officer of an implanted metal prosthesis and
show where on the body it is located (recommended, not required). This will enable the patient to
receive a private screening rather than walking through a metal detector. If the patient goes
through the metal detector and sets off an alarm, a pat-down inspection by a security officer is
required. We suggest wearing loose-fitting clothing so you can show your scar as an extra
precaution.
How long should I expect to be at the office? Appointment times vary depending on the
treatment type. New patient appointments can be up to three hours while recheck appointments
also vary between 5 to 30 minutes. These times are just estimates and do vary from patient to
patient.
Will my doctor forward my X-rays to you? No, you must hand carry your films for your
appointment. X-rays are not forwarded to our office from the emergency department, hospital,
urgent care or any other medical facility.
Will my insurance cover my test? Please check with your insurance company prior to your
appointment on what is covered.
Will I have surgery? Although you are coming to see an orthopedic surgeon, surgery is not
necessarily the answer. Other alternatives include injections, physical therapy, etc. We do not
perform surgical procedures in the office, rather schedule these to take place at local surgical
centers and hospitals.
Does your office make reminder calls for upcoming appointments? Due to the number of
patients we see daily our office only makes a reminder call for your initial "New Patient"
appointment.
Physicians Health Plan (PHP), Blue Care Network, and Sparrow Physicians Health Network. We
do accept most other insurances, but due to many variables in policies we urge you to check with
your insurance company prior to any treatment. We no longer participate with United Health care.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment? Your insurance cards or written
authorization from the carrier if your problem is related to an auto accident or is a worker's
compensation case. You will also need your driver's license or other photo I.D. Please bring any
x-ray, MRI, CT or other studies related to the problem for which you are being seen. If you have
had surgery previously on the same area bring your operative notes. Any medical information
pertaining to the problem you are being seen for will help the physician to help you.
How should I dress? It would be helpful to wear loose clothing in the area being treated. Gowns
and shorts are available if needed.
I have neck, back or rib pain. Will you see me? We do not treat these areas. We recommend
you see your primary care physician, who can make the appropriate referral.
What is HIPAA? Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. The Act was
passed to protect you, the patient. This policy is dedicated to maintaining your privacy. The policy
is available at the office for your review and also here on our website.
What is your policy on second opinions? Our physicians will occasionally see you for a
second opinion. Please call the office at (517)394-3200 so we can ask the appropriate physician
for approval. We cannot schedule a second opinion appointment without prior physician approval.
If an appointment is scheduled we request you bring the operative note and all pertaining medical
information for the area being seen by our doctor.
Where are you located? See this information under the button "Contact Us".
Do you have a cancellation list? Yes we do, please request your name be added to the list at
the time you schedule your appointment. Feel free to call and ask if anything else has opened up
before your scheduled appointment.
I've had a total joint prosthesis, what do I need to know for airport check points? In the
past National Transportation Safety Administration was more accepting of cards that declared the
presence of an implant. Plates, screws, etc may or may not set off the detection device,
depending on the sensitivity. Advise the security officer of an implanted metal prosthesis and
show where on the body it is located (recommended, not required). This will enable the patient to
receive a private screening rather than walking through a metal detector. If the patient goes
through the metal detector and sets off an alarm, a pat-down inspection by a security officer is
required. We suggest wearing loose-fitting clothing so you can show your scar as an extra
precaution.
How long should I expect to be at the office? Appointment times vary depending on the
treatment type. New patient appointments can be up to three hours while recheck appointments
also vary between 5 to 30 minutes. These times are just estimates and do vary from patient to
patient.
Will my doctor forward my X-rays to you? No, you must hand carry your films for your
appointment. X-rays are not forwarded to our office from the emergency department, hospital,
urgent care or any other medical facility.
Will my insurance cover my test? Please check with your insurance company prior to your
appointment on what is covered.
Will I have surgery? Although you are coming to see an orthopedic surgeon, surgery is not
necessarily the answer. Other alternatives include injections, physical therapy, etc. We do not
perform surgical procedures in the office, rather schedule these to take place at local surgical
centers and hospitals.
Does your office make reminder calls for upcoming appointments? Due to the number of
patients we see daily our office only makes a reminder call for your initial "New Patient"
appointment.
East Lansing Orthopedic Association
2012 East Lansing Orthopedic Association PC. All Rights Reserved
3394 E Jolly Road, Suite A Lansing, MI 48910 * Phone (517) 394 - 3200 * Fax (517) 394 - 4250
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Updated: 01/24/12
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