What to Expect During Sun City Ortho’s Assessment Process
If you’re planning to visit Sun City Orthopaedic and Hand Surgery Specialists for the first time, you may be wondering what to expect from your visit. As a physician assistant, Art Gutierrez III, PA-C, works with many of Sun City’s patients. He offers this advice about what to expect from Sun City Ortho’s assessment process and how to prepare.
Bring All Relevant Medical Information
When you arrive for your first appointment, bring any relevant paperwork from your general physician, including X-Rays or studies related to the body part for which you’re seeking treatment. Additionally, come ready to share about any injuries, pain, or challenges you’re experiencing and your medical history to date.
“We will use this information to complete a full assessment before making a diagnosis,” said Gutierrez. You may have some idea of what’s going on, but it’s important to allow your PA or doctor to complete the assessment and ensure an accurate diagnosis. This will then help inform your treatment plan.
Bring an Open Mind
Just because you’re seeing a surgical specialist doesn’t mean you will need surgery. At Sun City, we specialize in orthopaedic care. You’re here for orthopaedic treatment, and that treatment may include surgery. “We are conservative in our treatment plans and want to make sure we try nonsurgical options before considering surgery,” said Gutierrez.
Your treatment plan may include rest, physical therapy, medication, or other nonsurgical options to help manage your pain or injury. If the issue or pain persists, then your doctor will discuss whether surgery is the next step.
Bring Your Primary Care Physician’s Information
Before beginning any treatment, Gutierrez and the Sun City Orthopaedics team will keep your physician fully looped in. Your physician must verify, cosign, and agree with the treatment plan. If that plan includes surgery, a surgical consult will also take place. Our patients are our first priority, and that means working as a team to advise you on a treatment plan that best meets your needs.
Bring a Commitment to Following Through
In any treatment plan prescribed by Sun City, it’s important to follow through on doctors’ recommendations. As a PA, Gutierrez works closely with patients to guide them through their course of care, answer any questions, and evaluate progress. “I help make sure they are following recommendations to ensure patients are getting better,” he said. And if you’re not feeling better, Gutierrez and the team will work together to re-evaluate and adjust treatment accordingly.
From Sun City Ortho’s assessment process all the way through treatment, our team of specialists are committed to working closely with you to determine a course of care that fits your diagnosis and health needs. We want to help you get better so you can get back to your daily activities.
Ready to schedule your assessment with Sun City? Contact us today to make an appointment.