FAQs

Is there a charge if I cannot make an appointment?

No, we do not charge for missed appointments, however given the nature of healthcare we would appreciate cancellations and rescheduling 24 hours in advance.

Can I have an excuse for work or school?

Please let the front desk know upon arrival that you need a note indicating you attended your appointment at Blount Orthopaedic Clinic. The note will be waiting for you at the front desk when you are finished with your appointment.

Are there evening or Saturday hours?

Generally no, but please check with the front desk for specific availabilities of your provider.

Do you take my insurance?

While we do work with most insurance carriers in the metropolitan region, the specifics of many insurance policies and plans change frequently. To be certain of your arrangements we encourage all patients to check with their insurance carrier before arriving for their appointment.

Why do I have to fill out all this paperwork?

All of the staff at Blount Orthopaedic Clinic is interested in providing you with the very best care possible. To accomplish this goal we need to: understand your past and current medical history, comply with federal privacy guidelines, and conduct ongoing patient satisfaction surveys. We respect your time and only ask that you fill out paperwork necessary for us to provide you optimal care.

top

When can I drive?

Driving after a procedure is handled on a case-by-case basis. Check with your physician for specific guidelines.

Is parking available?

Parking for patients is readily available at all of our locations.

Is there an elevator?

Elevator/lifts are available at the front entrance to all of our locations.

How do you get downtown with construction? Can you get on 43 from Downtown?

The Marquette Interchange project is underway and while it does impact traffic flow, our downtown location remains readily accessible from all parts of the greater Milwaukee area.

top

What is arthroscopy?

This is a type of surgery that uses small incisions in your joint to allow the physician to insert a small lighted instrument (arthroscope) into the joint. A tiny camera is attached on one end of the arthroscope. The images from the camera are sent to a video monitor in the operating room allowing the surgeon to see inside your joint. Arthroscopy is now commonly performed on many joints in the body.

What are "minimally invasive" and "small incision" joint replacement surgeries?

Small incision indicates the conventional approach to a joint replacement is utilized, but a smaller incision is made.

Minimally invasive means the physician will use both a smaller incision new exposure techniques that are less invasive to soft tissues and/or bone.

Will icing help my pain?

Icing injured or sore areas will help to control your discomfort. Drape a wash cloth or paper toweling over the injured area then place a bag of frozen peas or corn on top for 15 minutes.

Is it really necessary to do pre-op exercises? How will they help my surgical recovery?

Pre-op exercises strengthen the muscles around your surgical area. If you perform the pre-op exercises you will enter surgery stronger and lose less strength after the operation. Performing the pre-op exercises (before surgery) will also familiarize you with some of the same activities you will do post-operatively (after surgery).

Where may I receive rehabilitation services?

You may receive your physical therapy at any physical therapy office that is convenient to you and covered by your insurance.

top

How can my pain be better controlled?

Your Blount physician will make every effort to keep you comfortable. While everyone deals with pain differently most patients do better if they pair their pain medications with regular icing.

What is "frozen shoulder"?

Frozen shoulder is a term given to the nagging pain and stiffness within the shoulder. It is usually seen with chronic pain that increases with movement and prevents you from getting a full night of sleep. Frozen shoulder is also indicated by joint stiffness and loss of motion preventing you from raising or rotating your arm.

top

What are glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate?

Glucosamine is an amino sugar found naturally in the body that helps with cartilage formation and repair and is prepared from shellfish. Chrondroitin sulfate is part of human cartilage, but this supplement is prepared from cattle, swine, or shark cartilages.

What are glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate used for?

These supplements have been used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) in Europe since the 1980s, while they have only gained popularity in the United States since the 1990s to manage OA. They are intended to be used only by people with OA. Those with rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus or other diseases should not use these substances.

What do glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate do?

Research indicates mixed results in controlling pain and improving joint function in patients with mild to moderate OA. Clinical trials continue both in the United States and overseas.

Are glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate safe for me?

The most common side effects with these supplements are indigestion and nausea. Remember that dietary supplements such as these are not regulated the U.S. Food and Drug Administration so quality and content may vary widely. Children and women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding should not take these substances. Patients allergic to shellfish should speak with their physician before taking glucosamine. Patients with diabetes should check their blood sugar more frequently if they choose to use glucosamine. Patients taking blood-thinners choosing to take chondroitin sulfate should have their prothombin (liver protein) time checked more often. Be sure to discuss with your physician before starting to take these supplements.

top

What tests will be required to test my injured area?

Often our physicians will order traditional x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging exam (MRI) or ultrasound to help diagnose your injury. Other tests they may order include: bone scan, CT scan, mylogram, and arthrogram.