Preparing for Appointments at Sun City Orthopaedics: What Patients Need to Know
Going to see a doctor — especially a new doctor — can feel overwhelming. What will the experience be like? Will the doctor understand my concerns? How can I prepare? A good medical appointment starts with good preparation. At Sun City Orthopaedics, we care about the entire patient experience, from your first interaction with us through treatment and recovery.
Whether you’re getting ready for your first consultation or preparing for a surgical appointment, the team at Sun City Orthopaedics can help walk you through the process. With that in mind, our physicians offer the following recommendations for patients as you prepare for your appointment.
Take Notes When You Schedule Your Appointment
Scheduling an appointment is the first step, but don’t forget to take notes! When you schedule your appointment, our staff will provide instructions, such as what paperwork might be needed, when to arrive, and where to park. Make note of this information or put it in your phone and set reminders for anything you may need to do ahead of time. This will help you avoid a last-minute scramble and ensure you arrive on time.
Complete Paperwork in Advance
“Patient satisfaction is very important to us,” said Dr. Daniel Vande Lune, orthopaedic surgeon. “To help the process of being seen in the clinic, we recommend you arrive prepared.”
Arriving prepared starts by completing your paperwork in advance, especially if this is your first time at Sun City Orthopaedics. You can access and download the New Patient Forms on the main page of our website. Print out the forms, complete all the information, and bring them to your appointment. This gives you time to complete the paperwork thoroughly and allows you to get in to your appointment sooner. Bring your ID and health insurance card as well.
Arrive Early to Your Appointment
Aim to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, giving yourself time to park and check in. We know a long wait at the doctor’s office can impact your schedule, and we do our best to avoid unexpected waits. By arriving on time, you play an important part in helping us stay on schedule.
“I work to keep my appointments on time, and I want to respect my patients’ time,” said Dr. Paul Chubb, orthopaedic hand surgeon. He added that although a doctor might move through your appointment quickly, you can rest assured that they are being both thorough and efficient to honor your time.
Bring Relevant Medical Documents
If your primary care physician provided you with a CD or hard copy of X-Rays or other medical documents related to the body part for which you’re seeking treatment, bring them with you to Sun City Orthopaedics. This allows our team to better support your continued care and identify a treatment plan. Also, make sure you know where your X-rays or other tests were done, in case we need to follow up with your provider for additional information.
Come Prepared with Any Questions
Write down any questions you have in advance, and don’t hesitate to ask questions that arise during your appointment. Our experienced physicians make it a priority to help you understand what is going on and what to expect. They’ve treated thousands of patients, giving them vast experience and knowledge that benefits you as they identify a plan for treatment and recovery that fits your situation.
And even if surgery may be a possibility, our orthopaedic specialists may recommend nonsurgical options first, such as physical therapy. “We want our patients to remember that they’re here for treatment, and surgery may be a part of that,” said Art Gutierrez III, physician assistant.
Receiving Surgery? Follow All Instructions Provided
If surgery is part of your treatment plan, it’s essential to follow all directions provided by your doctor in advance. “We try to educate our patients on what to expect and what they will need to do after the surgery,” said Dr. Eric Sides, orthopaedic surgeon.
Preparation may include instructions related to medication, physical therapy, and how to prepare for your recovery process. This also includes important steps for the day of your surgery, such as not eating or drinking after midnight. This is essential to ensuring your safety, and not following these instructions may result in your surgery getting rescheduled.
Ready to take the first step toward getting the treatment you need? Call us at 915-581-0712 to schedule your appointment with Sun City Orthopaedics.