Welcome to the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio! As you prepare for your first visit, rest assured that every member of the OIO team is committed to providing you with exceptional care. This guide will walk you through what to expect and how to prepare so your appointment runs smoothly.
Your First Office Visit
Before Your Appointment
Preparation
Gather information about your medical history, including any previous surgeries, any supplements and medications you are currently taking (prescription and over-the-counter), and relevant family health information.
All of this information helps our team get to know you and give you the best care.
Think about your symptoms and take note of the following:
- When they started
- How often they occur
- How long they last
- What worsens or improves them
Checklist of What to Bring
On the day of your appointment, dress in comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the relevant area for examination. Please bring the following items with you:
- A valid form of photo identification (driver’s license, state ID card, passport)
- Your medical insurance card
- Your preferred payment method
- A list of supplements/medications you take and the dose
- Prior medical records or imaging that pertains to your condition, if available and instructed to do so by our office
We want your visit to be as stress-free as possible. Having your information and thoughts written down ahead of time can help ensure nothing important is missed. With this in mind, you may also wish to bring:
- Information about your symptoms (what you’re experiencing, when it occurs, how severe it is, etc.)
- A written medical history, including the dates of any surgeries
- A list of questions you’d like to ask and topics you’d like to discuss
- A way to take notes during your appointment
Pre-Visit Registration
If possible, please complete our online pre-registration process via the text link provided prior to your appointment. Please also familiarize yourself with our office policies and our patient portal.
What to Expect on Arrival
Check-In Process
Upon arrival, complete the self check-in process. Then, head to the front desk where you will be greeted by our friendly staff. They will assist you in completing any remaining forms and collecting your insurance and payment information.
If you have any questions or concerns, please ask – our team is here to help!
Waiting Room
Once you’ve completed the check-in process, you’ll be invited to relax in our comfortable waiting area. We offer amenities such as wifi and a selection of magazines to help pass the time. Our goal is to minimize your wait, but please understand that in some cases, delays may occur due to emergencies and the individual needs of each patient. We appreciate your patience.
During Your Consultation
Meeting Your Orthopaedic Specialist
When it’s time for your appointment, you will meet with one of our skilled orthopaedic specialists. They will take the time to listen to your concerns, review your medical history and discuss your current symptoms. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask questions and express any worries you may have about your orthopaedic health.
Physical Examination
Your orthopaedic specialist will conduct a thorough physical examination, focusing on the area of concern. This may include strength assessments, range of motion tests and sensation evaluations. These tests help your doctor diagnose your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Diagnostic Imaging
Depending on your symptoms, your orthopaedic specialist may recommend diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans. These tools help us see inside your body and pinpoint the issue accurately.
Scheduling Further Tests
Should additional tests be required, our staff will assist you in scheduling these at times that are convenient for you.
Treatment Planning
Discussion of Possible Treatments
Once your orthopaedic specialist has gathered all the necessary information, they will provide you with a diagnosis and discuss your treatment options. This may include nonsurgical approaches like physical therapy, medications or lifestyle modifications, as well as surgical interventions when necessary.
Your specialist will discuss this information with you in an easily understandable way. Don’t hesitate to request clarification or further explanation if you don’t understand something.
Customizing Your Care
We believe in a collaborative approach to healthcare. Your orthopaedic specialist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that suits your health goals, lifestyle, budget, schedule and personal preferences.
Next Steps
Checking Out
Before you leave our office, our staff will provide you with any additional information or instructions you need. They’ll help you schedule future appointments and provide copies of your medical records or test results upon request.
Follow-Up Communication
After your first appointment, you can expect to hear from the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio. This may include communications like instructions for self-care or therapy, test results or appointment reminders. Our team is always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have – simply reach out using the contact information provided.
Patient Resources
Remember, you play a vital role in your own healthcare. We encourage you to take an active role in your treatment and recovery, and we provide various educational resources to help make that possible. Together, we’ll work toward achieving your goals and improving your quality of life.
FAQs
What should I do if I need to cancel my appointment?
If you cannot keep your scheduled appointment, please call us as soon as possible to cancel and reschedule. We require a minimum of 48 hours notice for a cancellation. There will be a $25.00 charge for Physical and Occupational Therapy patients at the Findlay and 50 North locations for no-show appointments and cancellations without a 48-hour notice.
When is payment due?
Copays and account balances are due at the time of your visit. You may pay by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card. Special considerations may be extended in certain circumstances, such as prolonged illness or unemployment.
Can you help me with insurance?
We would be happy to assist you in filing the required forms for services covered by medical insurance. Please note that co-pays are payable at the time of the visit. We cannot accept responsibility for collecting your claim or negotiating a settlement on a disputed claim.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes! If you have a trusted friend, family member or caregiver you’d like to bring, they can help you by listening and taking notes while you focus on speaking with your provider. They can also advocate for you, if that’s something you want.
How can I get the most out of my visit?
Feel free to ask all the questions you have about your treatment or condition. Write down what you want to talk about or ask ahead of time so you don’t forget things you were hoping to cover. Don’t be afraid to ask your provider to repeat, explain, clarify or write something down for you.
Bring a digital device or a pen and paper for note-taking. Notes can help you keep track of the key points in the conversation and return to them later, when your memory of the visit might be less clear.
Be open with your provider. Don’t hold back information about your health history, symptoms and things in your life that could be relevant. Your provider is there to help.
We Look Forward to Seeing You at the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio
At the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, our orthopaedic specialists and staff are committed to providing individualized attention and effective treatments, all in a comfortable and compassionate setting. We strive to make every visit to our offices in Lima and throughout Ohio as pleasant as possible for you and your family.
Contact us today to request your initial appointment. If you prefer to request an appointment online, new patients can pre-register for portal access here.