Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if you accept my insurance?
We accept most major insurance carriers and workers’ compensation. Please contact your insurance carrier to ask if your health benefit plan covers our services. Our Patient Services Department will contact your insurance carrier to authorize any surgical procedure. If there is any problem with your insurance, we will work with them to approve your surgery.
Can I pay my bill online?
Yes. To pay your bill online, please click here.
What are the hours of operation at HaysMed Orthopedic Institute?
Our offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
MRI hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Sports Medicine Walk-In Clinic hours are:
Monday: 8:00 – 9:00 am
Thursday: 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Saturdays (Sept, Oct and Nov Only) 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Schedule your appointment here or call 785-261-7599. Please cancel appointments at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled time.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring your insurance card or other health coverage information to your appointment. Be aware that many insurance carriers require you to have a referral (authorization from your primary care physician) before a specialist, such as an orthopedist, can provide treatment. Check with your insurance carrier if you have any questions about your plan. Other items to bring with you may include:
- A list of prescription medications, including doses and how often you take them.
- A referral form, if required by your health insurance plan.
- Any X-rays or MRIs that have been taken within the last six months that relate to your condition.
- Any clinic notes or operative reports from your referring physician related to your condition.
If you have any general questions before your visit, please contact us at 785-261-7599. We will be happy to assist you.
What do I do if I need my physician after hours?
Emergencies occasionally arise when patients need to contact our physicians regarding pain or other symptoms. Our clinic always has physicians “on call” in case of after-hours emergencies. If you need to contact a Hays Orthopedic Institute physician when the clinic is closed (after hours or on weekends), please call Hays Medical Center at 855-429-7633. The hospital will notify the physician on call to contact you. Please call during regular hours of operation for non-emergent prescriptions or prescription refills.
For prescription or prescription refill requests submitted before 3:00 p.m. on a business day, we will answer same day in the order the requests are received. For prescription or prescription refill requests submitted after 3:00 p.m., we will respond on the following business day in the order they are received on the following business day.
We appreciate your patience and consideration as we attempt to address requests as quickly as possible.
If I need surgery, what should I expect?
Our physicians perform surgeries at Hays Medical Center and some hospitals in surrounding areas. At Hays Orthopedic Institute, we understand that the period surrounding your surgery can produce an uneasy feeling for you. To improve the experience, we provide patients with detailed information about when to arrive at the hospital and what to expect after surgery. When packing your bags to go to the hospital, remember to bring the following:
- Any specific, individualized instructions/information provided to you by your physician
- A complete list of all prescribed and nonprescription medications that you are taking
- Loose, comfortable clothing (including shorts)
- Athletic or walking shoes
- Insurance/Workers’ Compensation information
- Picture I.D.
What is the difference between an orthopedic surgeon and a physician assistant (PA)?
An orthopedic surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. This system includes bones, joints, muscles and any related conditions.
Physician assistants (PAs) are licensed healthcare professionals who practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of the physician/PA team, PAs diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. They deliver a broad range of medical and surgical services. Their focus is patient care, which may include education, research, and administrative activities. PAs can treat patients when the physician is away from the practice and can write prescriptions.
What is arthroscopic surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is a modern method of performing surgery inside the joint through very small incisions. The incisions are usually about a quarter of an inch in length, with two or three incisions per joint necessary. A video camera is attached to the end of a long, thin microscope, which is placed inside the joint. Other long, thin, frequently motorized instruments are used to perform surgery inside joints. Knees and shoulders most commonly benefit, but this procedure can also be performed on other joints, such as ankles, hips, and wrists.
What is total joint replacement?
Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which both sides of the joint surface are removed and replaced with a device replicating a healthy joint’s movement.
In the knee, it means replacing the thin cartilage surface on the lower joint surface (the tibia), the upper joint surface (the femur), and the joint surface under the kneecap. The procedure requires removing the thin cartilage surface and a thin surface of the bone and replacing it with metal, plastic or ceramic. This will allow all movement to occur between the metal and plastic parts of the device.
What are cortisone and Synvisc injections, and what can I expect from them?
Injectable cortisone is synthetically produced and has many different trade names, such as Celestone, Kenalog and Depo-Medrol, but is a close derivative of your body’s own product. It can be injected into areas of the body that have become inflamed from overuse, injury, or arthritis, with significant relief of symptoms. Common areas for injection include the major joints such as hips, knees, or shoulders for arthritis or bursitis. Other problem areas such as tennis elbow, trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, or plantar fasciitis in the foot are common sites for injection. The most common side effect is a ‘cortisone flare,’ in which the injected cortisone can cause a brief period of pain worse than before the shot. This usually lasts a day or two and is best treated by icing the injected area. A careful injection technique is used to decrease the risk of infection. For patients with diabetes, there may be a transient increase in their blood sugar, so it should be monitored closely.
Synvisc is a different kind of treatment for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee that replaces damaged knee fluid in the knee joint. If mild exercise, physical therapy, or simple pain relievers like acetaminophen or other anti-inflammatory medications don’t provide relief, your doctor may recommend Synvisc as a treatment option. It is administered directly into the knee, one injection per week for three weeks. It may reduce osteoarthritis knee pain for up to six months, with maximum relief usually 6-8 weeks after the series. Some people may begin to experience pain relief after the first injection of Synvisc. However, completing all three injections is recommended for maximum benefit. The side effects most commonly seen when Synvisc is injected into the knee were pain, swelling and/or fluid build-up around the knee. Although rare, a rash may occur after the injection. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to products from birds, such as feathers, eggs, or poultry.
How do I get my medical records?
If you need medical records from one of our offices, please be aware that receiving your documents could take several business days. We will make every effort to fulfill all medical records requests as quickly as possible. Please contact us at 785-261-7557 to request a copy of your medical records or should you have any questions regarding your medical records.