If you have symptoms of a musculoskeletal injury, degenerative condition, or disease, your PCP may refer you to an orthopedic doctor in the Palm Beach area. This physician specializes in problems related to bones, joints, tendons, muscles, ligaments, and more. Here’s what to expect during your in-office consultation and treatment plan.
The Initial Consultation With Your Orthopedic Doctor
Expect to spend an hour or more with your orthopedic physician and staff during your first appointment. You must bring a photo ID and your health insurance information. You will fill in a medical history questionnaire to provide details about your own and your family’s medical histories.
Your doctor will ask you many questions regarding your health history (including chronic and acute conditions), medications, and what symptoms bring you to the orthopedic clinic. Be specific about the location, severity, and nature of your symptoms.
Are you in pain, and if so, how intense is it? Are you off balance, unable to do simple tasks, such as getting in and out of a car or lifting a bag of groceries? The more information you provide your doctor, the more precise your diagnosis and treatment plan can be.
Included in your consultation is a hands-on physical exam. Your doctor may palpate the area in question, check its flexibility, color, swelling, and other factors. Often, the orthopedic specialist takes digital X-rays or other imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, to see what’s happening inside the hip, shoulder, knee, ankle, or whatever body part is bothering you.
Treatments And Treatment Goals
After your evaluation, your orthopedic doctor will propose realistic and reachable treatment goals appropriate for your condition, age, and goals. While many people believe elaborate surgical treatments should be the first choice, this is not always the case. In fact, your orthopedic specialist may advise other services to control your pain and improve your physical function, strength, endurance, and more.
As the patient, your input in planning care is paramount to its success. Your doctor welcomes your questions, including the risks, advantages, and success rates associated with advanced services the orthopedic clinic offers, such as arthroplasty and total joint replacement.
Supervision Throughout Your Plan Of Care
Your care plan will be carefully executed and supervised by your orthopedic specialist and a team of trained professionals, such as physical therapists, registered nurses, and physician assistants. The ultimate goals are:
- Pain relief
- Increase in independence and ability to perform everyday tasks
- Prevention of further injury and disease
Experienced Orthopedic Doctors in Boynton Beach, FL
If you live in the Boynton Beach, FL, area, you can find reliable, highly experienced orthopedic specialists at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches. Our doctors and physical therapists work together to carry out personalized care plans.
Call our office today to arrange a consultation, or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to providing you with compassionate care.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. For advice about your condition, talk with your physician. Request an appointment with our team.
