Frequently Asked Questions

An Orthopaedic Surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. This system includes bones, joints, muscles, and any related painful conditions.

When a physician has completed an orthopaedic residency and/or fellowship training, the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery offers a written test to become board eligible. If the written test is passed, the physician becomes “eligible” to take the oral test, after two years in practice. When the physician passes the oral exam, the physician becomes “board certified” and is considered a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

The intent of the certification process, as defined by the board members of the American Board of Medical Specialties, is to provide assurance to the public that a certified medical specialist has successfully completed an approved educational program and an evaluation, including an examination process designed to assess the knowledge, experience, and skills requisite to the provision of high quality patient care in that specialty.

Physician Assistants are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. Physician Assistants see patients in the office, as well as assist the physician in surgery.

Physical Therapists are licensed by the state, specializing in therapy programs for musculoskeletal injuries and disorders, sports injuries, post-operative rehabilitation and massage therapy.

Listed below are important things to help prepare you for your visit:

• Please bring your current insurance card(s) and a photo identification with you to each and every appointment.
• If you have had previous x-rays or diagnostic tests, pertinent to the injury being evaluated, please brings those images and reports with you.
• Please bring a list of all medications you are currently taking, including over the counter medications.
• If your health insurance requires a referral from your primary care physician to see a specialist, please have the referral with you at the time of service. 
• Patients under 18 years of age cannot be seen without a parent or guardian present during the visit.
• If your injury is work related, pre authorization is required before an appointment is scheduled. Please have the Insurance company name, claim number, adjuster’s name and phone number available when you call to schedule your appointment.
• For your initial appointment we ask that you complete New Patient information forms. These forms provide valuable information for the physician and will enable us to establish a history and administrative file for you. (download forms here)
• We realize your time is valuable; our physicians do their best to stay on schedule for each appointment.
  You should expect your appointment to last approximately 1 hour.
• If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, please notify us as soon as possible.

Our office building has free parking.

The doctor will see you at your scheduled post op appointment and determine if formal physical therapy is needed to improve your recovery, an order for therapy will be given at that time.

• Holy Cross Hospital - Silver Spring
• Holy Cross Hospital - Germantown
• Shady Grove Adventist
• Surburban Hospital
• White Oak Medical Center
• Piccard Surgery Center
• Rockville Surgical Suite