When it comes to an appointment with a hand surgeon, you may not know what to expect. If you are going because of a referral from your own physician, then you may already have some idea of what is wrong. However, it might be that you are going to get a more clear diagnosis. Either way, this doesn't have to be an unpleasant experience.
Insurance and Referrals
Before making an appointment with the hand surgeon, you want to call your insurance company and see if you need a referral. If you do, make an appointment with your primary care physician to talk with them about the issue first. Even if you know that you don't need a referral, you still may want to call your insurance company. Find out what practitioners in your area are covered. You may also be able to find out if there will be a co-pay and an approximate cost for the surgery. You can get a lot of the information online or by speaking with a representative over the phone.
Make a List of Questions
Depending on the situation, you may be a little worried about how things are going to go. In order to combat the anxiety, take the time to make a list of questions that you have for the hand surgeon. Chances are that he or she will answer these during the consultation, but it may make it better for you to have the list. If there are things that were overlooked, you can use the list as a resource. You may want to ask about alternative treatments, recover time, and what you can expect after the procedure is completed.
Don't feel bad about asking questions. For most people, it is not a common occurrence to make an appointment with a hand surgeon and it is completely normal to have concerns. Also, remember that if you aren't happy with the answers that you are receiving, you can always get a second opinion. You don't want to take an operation like this lightly.
Get There Early
If this is your first visit to the hand surgeon, you need to get to the office a little early. Usually there is some paperwork that will need to be filled out. This will include personal contact information, a general health history and contact information for your insurance company. Depending on the amount if information needed, this may take some time and you don't want it to interfere with your appointment. You will also need to make sure that you have your insurance card as well as your referral if you need.
During the Appointment
Usually, the practitioner will come in and introduce him or herself and get a general idea of your condition. It may be necessary to examine the area to double check the diagnosis, or just looking at test results to see what needs to be done. Usually, it will be determined what the next course of action will be. If you are going to need to have a procedure done, you can take the time to make the appointment before you leave.
Insurance and Referrals
Before making an appointment with the hand surgeon, you want to call your insurance company and see if you need a referral. If you do, make an appointment with your primary care physician to talk with them about the issue first. Even if you know that you don't need a referral, you still may want to call your insurance company. Find out what practitioners in your area are covered. You may also be able to find out if there will be a co-pay and an approximate cost for the surgery. You can get a lot of the information online or by speaking with a representative over the phone.
Make a List of Questions
Depending on the situation, you may be a little worried about how things are going to go. In order to combat the anxiety, take the time to make a list of questions that you have for the hand surgeon. Chances are that he or she will answer these during the consultation, but it may make it better for you to have the list. If there are things that were overlooked, you can use the list as a resource. You may want to ask about alternative treatments, recover time, and what you can expect after the procedure is completed.
Don't feel bad about asking questions. For most people, it is not a common occurrence to make an appointment with a hand surgeon and it is completely normal to have concerns. Also, remember that if you aren't happy with the answers that you are receiving, you can always get a second opinion. You don't want to take an operation like this lightly.
Get There Early
If this is your first visit to the hand surgeon, you need to get to the office a little early. Usually there is some paperwork that will need to be filled out. This will include personal contact information, a general health history and contact information for your insurance company. Depending on the amount if information needed, this may take some time and you don't want it to interfere with your appointment. You will also need to make sure that you have your insurance card as well as your referral if you need.
During the Appointment
Usually, the practitioner will come in and introduce him or herself and get a general idea of your condition. It may be necessary to examine the area to double check the diagnosis, or just looking at test results to see what needs to be done. Usually, it will be determined what the next course of action will be. If you are going to need to have a procedure done, you can take the time to make the appointment before you leave.