FAQs

Generally, during your first appointment, the surgeon will review your medical history and current symptoms and examine the injured area. If X-rays are required, they can often be taken the same day. In some cases, additional tests will be recommended and, once authorized, can be scheduled for a later date.

Any relevant medical information, including diagnostic reports and images, will help us better evaluate your condition. 
If you have these available as digital files, please have them with you.

Additionally, please bring the following:

• Insurance card
• Photo ID
• Referring physician contact information
• Primary care provider contact information
• Pharmacy contact information

Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for the registration and insurance verification process. We understand that staying on schedule is important to our patients. Your early arrival helps ensure we can see all our patients in the timeliest manner possible.

While you might have made an appointment with a specific provider, please know that we work together as a large multidisciplinary team to provide our patients with comprehensive care. Depending on your particular condition, you may meet with additional specialists during your first visit to ensure the most complete evaluation possible.

The duration of your visit will depend on the complexity of your condition. When scheduling your appointment, we recommend asking your scheduler for an estimated time frame for your appointment to ensure that you are not late for other planned engagements.

Follow-up appointments depend on your condition. Generally, surgical patients see us more frequently before and immediately after surgery; however, postoperative care is tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Please consult your orthopedist for more specific details.

After obtaining authorization for any necessary studies and tests, we will call you to schedule the exam. A follow-up appointment will also be scheduled to review and discuss your imaging results with you.

We have many imaging centers across Montefiore Einstein locations. We try our best to accommodate patient preferences when scheduling these appointments.

We prefer to schedule all imaging and diagnostic testing at Montefiore Einstein to ensure high-quality exams and help facilitate immediate results.

In general, we discuss results in person to ensure clear communication and avoid misunderstandings. In-person follow-ups also allow us to show patients their imaging details, which often helps you better understand your diagnosis and make more informed treatment decisions. In rare instances when travel is not possible, exceptions can be made.

Records and imaging can be obtained as digital files upon request from the medical records office or through your patient portal on MontefioreMyChart. Learn more about requesting medical records.

Each insurance policy differs. The surgeon’s office will always obtain authorization in advance of any surgical procedure. However, we advise you to speak with your insurance representative to discuss patient financial responsibility, co-pays and other important coverage details.

If your insurance coverage is due to change prior to or near the date of your surgery, please notify us immediately. Authorization from your new insurance company can take time. Failure to inform us of changes could cause a delay or cancellation of your surgery.

If you need assistance filling out forms and paperwork, bring these materials to your surgeon’s office before surgery, or contact your surgeon’s office for further information.