Frequently Asked Questions

• Do you take my insurance?
• Midland Orthopedic Associates is enrolled with all major insurance plans.
• What should I bring to my first appointment?
• You should bring a photo ID, a copy of your insurance card, a referral if needed with your insurance, a copy of your current medications, and a copy of any tests that you have had ie Xrays, MRI, CTScan. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time to complete paper work if you have not already done so online.
• Do you have Spanish or Polish interpreters available?
• Yes, interpreters for both languages are available.
• Do you have weekend or evening hours?
• Midland Orthopedic Associates does have some early evening hours, but does not have weekend hours available.
• Do you have parking available?
• Yes, all of Midland Orthopedic Associate’s offices have easily accessible free parking available.
• Do you do minimally invasive surgery?
• Yes, the Physicians at Midland Orthopedic Associates do minimally invasive surgery.
• What time will my surgery be?
• The hospital will contact you the day before surgery after 2 pm with the scheduled time. Due to unexpected emergencies, your surgery time may not be the exact time you were given. You will be notified as soon as possible concerning any delays or changes.
• When will I get a call for pretesting?
• You will receive a call to arrange your testing from the hospital 5-10 days before your surgery. Please make sure our office has your current and best phone number where you can be reached.
• What is an orthopedic surgeon?
• An orthopedic surgeon is a physician who specializes in the care and treatment of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system which includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and cartilage.
• Are your surgeons Board Certified?
• Yes, all our physicians are board certified. Board certification for an orthopedic surgeon requires approximately 26 years of school and training and demonstration of a high level of proficiency on standardized certification examinations.
• What is joint replacement surgery?
• Joint replacement surgery is performed to replace an arthritic or damaged joint with a new, artificial joint called a prosthesis. Although hips and knees are the most common joints replaced, shoulders, elbows and ankles can also be replaced. Joints are replaced most commonly when the cartilage, which is the rubbery material between the bones, wears away and the bones start rubbing together. This causes pain and joint often becomes very stiff. Most people have the replacement surgery when they can no longer tolerate the pain.
• What is an ACL reconstruction?
• ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that repairs a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), one of the four ligaments that helps stabilize the knee. The ligament is reconstructed using a tendon that is passed through the inside of the knee joint and secured to the upper leg bone (the femur and one of the two lower leg bones (tibia). The tendon used for reconstruction is called a graft and can come from different sources. ACL reconstruction is performed as arthroscopic surgery.
• What happens during arthroscopic surgery?
• Arthroscopic surgery is one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed today. Through the use of small instruments and cameras, an orthopedic surgeon can visualize, diagnose, and treat problems within the joints. One or more small incisions are made around the joint to be viewed. The surgeon the inserts the instrument called an arthroscope into the joint. The arthroscope contains a light source and television camera so the surgeon can view the joint on a television screen and diagnose and treat the problem.
  
• What happens during rotator cuff surgery?
• Shoulder surgery for rotator cuff problems usually involves one or more of the following procedures: Debridement, subacromial decompression, rotator cuff repair. Debridement removes damaged tissue from the shoulder joint. Subacromial decompression involves shaving bone or removing spurs underneath the tip of the shoulder blade. If the rotator cuff tendon is torn, it is arthrocopically repaired.
• How do we reach you after hours?
• A physician is on call after hours and on weekends for emergencies involving our patients. Calls concerning scheduling appointments and medication renewals should be made during normal business hours. For after hour emergencies call our office and you will be directed to the answering service. If you believe you have a life threatening emergency or one that requires immediate assistance, please go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
• How do I request a medication refill?
• Medication renewal requests should be made during regular business hours by calling or emailing the office. Medication refill requests can not be handled at night or on weekends.