General
How do I make an appointment?
Simply call us at during our working hours or you can request an appointment online using this form.
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
Dr. Richards office itself does not require a referral, but your insurance company may. When scheduling an appointment, our office staff will let you know if a formal referral is necessary.
What to bring for your initial consultation?
For your initial consultation you will need to bring a referral letter from your physician if required.
Here is check list for your initial consultation:
- Driver’s License or a valid ID
- Insurance information
- Reports, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc. and any other relevant information
- Disc with any prior imaging performed
- Prior arthroscopic images, if able
- List of medications (if any)
We encourage you to come to your initial consultation with a written list of questions to ensure you don’t forget to ask them when you visit the doctor.
Are my medical records kept private and confidential?
Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff is bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records. We will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.
How long do I need time off work after the surgery?
The post-operative recovery period varies based on the surgery. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to follow for a successful recovery. Oftentimes, patients may return to light duty before returning to full duty. Please discuss your specific work duties with your surgeon preoperatively to fully understand the breadth of your post-operative recovery timeline.
How long before I can resume driving?
Return to driving is a complex decision. Timelines vary based on joint and sidedness. Pease discuss this with Dr. Richards, and plan to practice safe driving in an empty parking lot prior to a full return.
When can I resume exercise?
Your doctor will instruct you about post-treatment exercises – the type and the duration to be followed. You may be referred to a physical therapist to help with strengthening and range of motion exercises following surgery.
How do I contact after hours?
If non-emergent questions arise, our office line can be used to reach a provider 24 hours a day. For emergent scenarios, please call 911.
Medical
What are the non-surgical treatment options?
Non-surgical treatment options often include rest, activity modification, formal assessment and treatment by a licensed physical therapist, and/or a variety of injection types depending on the severity of your condition.
Will physical therapy be required after surgery?
Physical therapy is an important adjunct to your treatment. knee patients typically begin physical therapy 24-48 hours post-operatively to begin working on range of motion. Hip patients typically begin therapy within 1 week post-operatively, and shoulder patients typically begin within 1-2 weeks. A physical therapy order will be placed at the time of surgical scheduling, and the physical therapy office will call you to schedule your first session. Please ensure you have a physical therapy appointment scheduled for the appropriate time interval after your surgery date. Please make our staff aware if you have a preferred physical therapy location.
What are the risks associated with surgery?
As with any surgery, risks include reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, stiffness and nerve damage. Your doctor will discuss the risks associated with your specific procedure.
When can I return to daily activities?
This varies depending on the type of procedure undergone, and can range from a few days to a few months, up to a full year. Your doctor will advise you depending on your health condition.
