FAQ'S

Q: What is the difference between an M.D. and a D.O.?

A: Medical schools graduating medical doctors (M.D.) teach allopathic medicine, or the treatment of disease or other interruptions of the body’s normal functioning and interventions to restore health. Osteopathic medical schools (D.O.) emphasize health promotion and preventions, but in all other respects are similar to allopathic medical schools. M.D.s & D.O.s attend the same internship and residency programs and complete the same requirements to become a board certified orthopedic surgeon.

Q: What is a PA?

A: Physician assistants are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illness, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in virtually all states can write prescriptions. Within the physician-PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services.

Q: What does it mean to be Board Certified?

A: The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), a not-for-profit organization comprising 24 medical specialty boards, is the pre-eminent entity overseeing physician certification in the U.S. Certification based on education, practice, and experience-based requirements, against which a physician can be as follows: To encourage continued professional development in a specialty field; to formally recognize physicians who meet the high standards set by the boards of certification; and to service the public by encouraging quality patient care in the practice of a specialty.

Q: What is an Explanation of Benefits (EOB)?

A: After you receive care from a physician, we will file your insurance claim. Once the insurance carrier has audited the claim, they will mail a copy of their payment to our physician to your home. The EOB is a line by line explanation of payments, contractual write-offs, and will indicate the portion of the bill for which you are responsible.

Q: When are appointments available?

A: Our physicians are available for appointments from 8 a.m.-12:00pm & from 1:00pm-5:00p.m. Available appointment times may vary depending on the reason for your visit. Many of our physicians see patients at our Yorba Linda office location so check with the appointment department to find out which days your physician is in the office nearest to you. Appointments can usually be accommodated within 1-3 business days. Previous medical records or X-rays pertaining to the current condition are necessary at the time of the appointment so that the physician may make a thorough evaluation.

Q: How can I obtain copies of my medical records?

A: A medical records release form must be completed prior to the release of your medical information. You may contact the medical records department at (714)879-0218 to make arrangements. There is a $35.00 fee for patients to receive copies of medical records and a $20.00 fee for completion of disability or FMLA forms. Requests will be processed in 7-10 days; however, we make every effort to complete your request as soon as possible.

Q: What is joint replacement surgery?

A: Joint replacement surgery is performed to replace an arthritic or damaged joint with a new, artificial joint called prosthesis. The knee and hip are the most commonly replaced joints, although shoulders, elbows and ankles can also be replaced. Joints contain cartilage, a rubbery material that cushions the ends of bones and facilitates movement. Over time, or if the joint has been injured, bone spurs may form and the joint becomes stiff and painful. Most people have joint replacement surgery when they can no longer control the pain in their hip or knee with medication and other treatments, and the pain is significantly interfering with their lives.

Q: What types of activities can I participate in during and after treatment?

A: We encourage our patients to be as active as possible during their treatment because active patients recover more quickly. Your physician will help determine which activities are safe and beneficial to your recovery. Do not undertake strenuous activities without first consulting your physician.

Q: Do we see children?

A: Yes.

Q: How do I get to the office(s)?

A: Direction is located under Office location, view map & directions.

Q: Do we accept workers’ comp patients?

A: Yes.

Q: Do we accept Medicare?

A: Yes.

Q: Do we do surgery in the office?

A: Minor procedures only.

Q: Do we do MRIs or CT scans here in the office?

A: No, only x-rays.