Dr. Howard Marans

Making an appointment for a consultation with orthopedic surgeon may be the first step in resuming normal daily activities without pain. As a sufferer of an injury, trauma or degenerative disorder, finding pain relief is a priority in regaining range of motion in the affected area. It may be that the previous non-surgical approach may no longer help in battling the pain, or that the condition has slowly progressed into the need for surgery.

Scheduling a consultation with  an orthopedic surgeon is easier than ever with the use of the Internet. A potential patient can call directly, email or fill out a contact form on the surgeon’s website. The different options are available to provide easy access to the orthopedic surgeon.

Making the Consultation

• Ask the primary care physician for a referral appointment or a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. In some situations, the primary care physician’s office will call the orthopedic surgeon’s office directly to make arrangements for the consultation. The prearrangement is beneficial to the patient, all medical records can be sent directly. Depending on the insurance coverage, a consultation may only be covered after the primary care giver makes the referral.

• Insurance coverage is one of the most critical aspects to consider when making a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. With most PPO’s, a potential patient needs to check to see if the orthopedic surgeon is on the preferred provider’s list. After receiving confirmation of being in the insurance provider’s network, a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon can be done.

• With some insurance companies, pre-authorization may be required before going to a consultation appointment.

• When talking to the orthopedic surgeon’s office, ask about co-pays, deductibles, and out of pocket costs associated with the consultation with the orthopedic surgeon.

• Discuss payment options, including credit card, cash, check, and debit card payments. As a potential patient, finding a way to pay for surgery without causing hardship should be arranged.

The Consultation Appointment

• When meeting with the orthopedic surgeon for the first time, arrive at the office early. The courteous staff will want paperwork filled out prior to going into the patient waiting room.
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• Bring identification to verify patient’s name and address.
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• Bring insurance card to help figure out the amount of coverage, out of pocket costs, co-pays, and deductibles.
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• Bring copies of physical therapy sessions or write down all non-surgical approaches used in the past.
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• If available, bring x-ray or MRI results from the primary care physician.

• Make a list of questions or concerns to discuss with the surgeon. By preparing a list ahead of time, all aspects of potential surgery can be discussed until the patient feels comfortable with the procedure.

Consultation with a Top Orthopedic Surgeon

Scheduling a consultation with a top orthopedic surgeon may be the first step towards a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Howard Marans, a leading specialist will in the field, will assess the injuries during the consultation to plan the best treatment program or surgery for an optimal outcome. Dr. Marans accepts PPO and will work with all other insurance companies to provide the patient with best care to return to a normal, pain free lifestyle. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.