Orthopaedics is a medical specialty that focuses on the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. It is a branch of medicine concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system is a complex system of muscles, bones, joints, and tendons. Orthopaedic doctors play an important role in helping people to stay active and mobile. This is important for people of all ages to maintain their independence as they get older. Orthopaedic doctors will do everything they can to postpone surgery as the last resort to solving a problem. They will recommend several alternative treatments before suggesting surgery.
There are many different conditions that orthopaedic doctors treat. These include arthritis, bone tumors, cerebral palsy, club foot, dislocations, fractures, sprains, and strains, growth abnormalities, and infections.
What is an Orthopaedic Clinic?
The idea behind the orthopaedic clinic Singapore is to provide a location where patients can go to receive specialized care and treatment. This is beneficial to the patient as they will be getting expert advice and treatment from a professional who is trained in the area of their injury. Orthopaedic clinics are growing in number due to the increasing demand for specialized treatments. This is coupled with a growing number of elderly individuals who still desire to be active and are in need of joint replacements and other orthopaedic procedures.
An orthopaedic clinic is a medical facility that specializes in the problems and treatment of bones, joints, and muscles. This is unlike other medical facilities, as their specialist is trained specifically in one area of the body, rather than being a general physician. Often, orthopaedic clinic Singapore surgeons will have a clinic or office built into their practice. Orthopaedic clinics can vary greatly in the types of care and treatment options they offer. Some clinics are small one or two-person offices providing care and surgery for a small town. Other clinics can be large facilities that offer a wide range of services from diagnostic testing to physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Importance of Finding a Bone Doctor Near You
When people talk about ‘finding various doctors’, a common statement made is that visiting specialists or surgeons is a big hassle. Firstly, searching the specific medical center or hospital and then searching for the doctor in that specified category, and lastly getting a consultancy late enough from the desired doctor. It’s a long way to narrow your search down to a specific doctor.
But the importance of finding a bone doctor orthopaedic near me is greater than the level of hassle you may undertake to complete this task. If you have determined that a bone doctor is the right medical professional to handle your health situation, there is a broad spectrum of orthopaedic doctors available and thus finding the right one is important. In many ways, finding an orthopaedic doctor is similar to finding any good potential employee.
Which Dr.
Just as you would likely check the employment history of a potential employee, it is important to look into the expertise of the orthopaedic doctor. By confirming his Board Certification, you can determine if the doctor has the proper training, skills, and experience to diagnose and treat your medical condition. Board Certification is the highest level of achievement an orthopaedic surgeon can obtain in the U.S., and it is important to note that not all board certifications are the same. Board certification through the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery demonstrates a physician’s exceptional expertise in a particular specialty and/or subspecialty of medical practice.
How to Find the Best Orthopaedic Clinic
Reading patient reviews and testimonials
Many patients find comfort in other patients’ experiences. Patient testimonials are a good way of learning what you can expect from a practice. Many orthopaedic practice websites have a section for patient testimonials. This may only present positive testimonials, but it is worth reading. Other patients’ experiences can be gathered from various internet message boards and forums. These can offer more candid reviews, but remember to take each one with a grain of salt. Any one person’s experience is not indicative of what yours will be.
Checking credentials and experience
Once you have located a few potential orthopaedic practices, you should see what you can find out about the doctors who work there. Credentials and experience are good indicators of quality in an orthopaedic doctor. You should make sure that the doctor is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. This certification ensures that the doctor has completed the necessary training in orthopaedics and is up-to-date on the latest medical techniques. You should also find out if the doctor has any sub-specialties. Subspecialty training in areas such as spinal disorders, foot and ankle, hand, or total joint replacement, usually requires an additional year of training via a fellowship and is an excellent marker of a physician’s expertise in a particular area of orthopaedics.
You can also take advantage of the wealth of information on the internet. Orthopaedic practice websites can provide a lot of information about their staff and the services they provide. Many websites also provide testimonials from current and previous patients. There are also many healthcare search engines and orthopaedic directories that can help you find potential practices in your area.
Researching orthopaedic clinics
Many resources are available to help you collect information on orthopaedic practices. You may want to start with asking your primary care physician for a referral. You may also have friends and family who have had some experience with orthopedists. Personal recommendations usually offer an excellent starting point.
Researching Orthopaedic Clinic in Singapore
Just like with any major decision, a bit of research can go a long way when it comes to choosing an orthopaedic clinic.
One of the first things to look for is a clinic that covers multiple sub-specialties, such as sports medicine, knee or foot and ankle care, etc. The reason for this is that even if the injury may not require treatment from these sub-specialty clinics, they house orthopaedic surgeons who have a broad-based knowledge of the musculoskeletal system. Specific tests or examination by these surgeons can be very useful in pinpointing the diagnosis.
Patients should look for minimally invasive options like arthroscopy, which can reduce downtime and lessen the trauma that can result from traditional “open” surgery. The knowledge of such techniques and willingness to perform them can also be a good indication that a clinic and its physicians are up to date on current evidence-based practice. Following these lines of minimally invasive surgery, the success of the procedure can often be reliant on equipment. Although equipment like an MRI machine or CT scanner have a high cost and the savings are often not passed onto the patient, successful outcomes with the use of such machinery can mean early and accurate diagnosis, a benefit for both the patient and physician.
General statistics can provide some insight into clinic competency. A high surgical volume and a higher number of procedures often equate to greater success in terms of patient outcomes. If the insurance of patients is a concern, looking into affiliated hospitals can further ensure the competency of clinic physicians. High recommendation by primary care physicians is also a good sign that a clinic is held in high regard. High patient volume and physician density can sometimes lead to impersonal healthcare and difficulty scheduling appointments. This information may not be a direct point of research, but consideration of these factors will influence the ease and quality of care.
Checking Credentials and Experience
Several other factors can help determine a surgeon’s qualifications. Research activity and publication of articles in academic journals reflect a commitment to evidence-based medicine. Continuing education and recertification are extremely important. The former helps ensure that the surgeon is staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and procedures in the field. The latter is a means of demonstrating competency in the field to an independent accrediting body. This can have an impact on the public in terms of providing quality patient care.
Board certification is one way to determine if a surgeon has the knowledge, experience, and skills to provide quality healthcare in a specific specialty. It is important to know that being board eligible is not the same as being board certified. A surgeon who is board eligible has completed his or her training and is qualified to take the exam, but he or she has not yet passed the exam. Board certification is a maintenance of certification process that goes above and beyond licensing requirements. Make sure that the surgeon is board certified in a relevant specialty. For example, a surgeon with a primary certification in internal medicine, who then becomes board certified in orthopaedic surgery, has demonstrated a long period of training and a solid knowledge base in orthopaedics. This process is beneficial to patients when selecting a surgeon.
When visiting a healthcare provider such as an orthopaedic surgeon, it is important to ask about his or her experience and training. Studies have shown that high surgeon volume is correlated with improved outcomes. Surgeon volumes may be ascertained by asking the surgeon or the surgery center, and by checking hospital records. Similarly, surgeons who have completed fellowship training in a subspecialty are more likely to be experts in that area.
Reading Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Most clinics utilize testimonials in their brochures or websites, particularly when budding patients are referred by current patients. Although this is a good start, these posted comments are selected to represent the best results. Also, ask the office or physician if you can talk to some of their patients. This can often times be the most eye-opening step. Ask the patients about their experience and inquire as to how the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery measured up to their initial expectations. This can clear up any concerns and provide insight as to whether the physician is best suited for your needs. Lastly, don’t put too much stock into one patient’s opinion, particularly concerning one bad review. Instead, look for trends in what patients are expressing. The more testimonials you read or hear can provide a realistic expectation. If a high volume of patients express similar positive outcomes, this is a great step to selecting the physician.
Services Offered by Orthopaedic Clinics
Diagnosis and treatment of orthopaedic conditions – Orthopaedic clinics encompass a wide variety of diagnostic and treatment services. Orthopaedic doctors are trained in the diagnosis of bone and joint disorders through careful physical examination, x-ray, MRI, and other diagnostic techniques. The information gained in the history and physical examination as well as through diagnostic studies helps the orthopaedic surgeon determine whether the patient’s discomfort is related to an orthopaedic condition and what treatment is needed. Sometimes the most appropriate treatment is prevention. The idea of prevention is a common theme in sports medicine. Through a thorough understanding of an individual’s sport or activity, the orthopaedic surgeon is able to develop ‘preventive’ strategies enabling a safer environment for participation and minimizing the risk of orthopaedic injury. This may include consultation on proper equipment, off-season conditioning programs, and developing an understanding of the specific injury patterns associated with certain sports. In summary, orthopaedic clinics offer comprehensive care for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of orthopaedic conditions. This is all aimed at improving the health of our patients and their quality of life, through care provided by an orthopaedic surgeon.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Orthopaedic Conditions
The goal of accurate diagnosis for orthopaedic conditions is to give the patient complete understanding of the problem, whether it is a new injury or a chronic condition, the severity of the condition, and to provide them with a clear treatment plan. The first step of diagnosis is a discussion with the doctor. The doctor will take a history of the problem. Important points include when the condition started, how it started, was there a specific injury or incident, has the condition changed over time, and what treatments have been done for the condition. These are all important factors that help to decide the appropriate tests and treatments that the patient may need.
The physical examination is an important part of diagnosis. It helps the doctor to determine what specific anatomic structures are involved and helps to narrow the list of possible diagnoses. Sometimes findings from the history and physical examination clearly point to a diagnosis. In this situation no further tests may be needed and the doctor can discuss treatment options. An x-ray is a common first step in testing. It provides a lot of information about the bones. Special x-rays and techniques can provide more information about a specific condition. Once more information is known about the problem, the doctor may refer the patient to another specialist for further evaluation. This could include a CT scan or MRI. These tests provide a lot of information about the soft tissues and are often required to fully understand the problem. Once a clear diagnosis is determined, the doctor can discuss the full range of treatment options.
Many orthopaedic conditions can be treated without surgery. The doctor may provide complete resolution of the problem or simply improve the condition. This may include medication, injections, and physical therapy. The purpose of these non-surgical treatments is to avoid surgery and return the patient to full function. If symptoms persist despite these treatments, then surgery may be considered. The nature of the surgery and expected outcomes will depend on the specific condition. Some conditions have many treatment options and the doctor can discuss the risks and benefits of each option. The ultimate goal is to improve the condition and return the patient to full function. A repeat of the same tests is usually not necessary for monitoring the condition. Instead, it is useful to compare the patient’s symptoms and physical examination over time. This helps to determine if the condition is improving or if a change in the treatment plan is needed. Again, with the ultimate goal to improve the condition and return the patient to full function.
Surgical and Non-Surgical Procedures
Non-Surgical Procedures
Many sports medicine and orthopaedic clinics provide in-office treatments for a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions. A few examples of these conditions include osteoarthritis, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and acute sports injuries. Prior to considering invasive procedures, it is often wise to exhaust non-surgical treatment options. Medications are commonly used to reduce inflammation and manage pain from acute and chronic conditions. This can range from simply taking an anti-inflammatory medication to a corticosteroid injection into a specific anatomic site. Viscosupplementation is another injection used to treat joints affected by arthritis. This involves injection of hyaluronic acid derivatives into the knee with the goal of improving the viscosity of the synovial fluid. This procedure is most often used for treatment of knee OA and can sometimes relieve pain symptoms for many months. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a newer treatment with promising results for many conditions. This involves a simple office-based blood draw from the patient. The blood is then centrifuged to separate platelets and growth factors. It is then injected into the affected area to stimulate a natural healing response. The expected recovery time for these non-surgical procedures is minimal in comparison to most surgical procedures. A patient should inquire about the expected outcome and duration of symptom relief from the specific treatment option.
Surgical Procedures
Many surgical orthopaedic procedures are completed on an outpatient basis. With the advent of arthroscopy, surgery can be less invasive, allowing for a quicker recovery time. A few examples of orthopaedic procedures include ACL reconstruction, carpal tunnel release, removal of hardware, joint replacement, and osteotomy. Before deciding on surgery, it is wise to get multiple opinions from orthopaedic surgeons as well as other patients who have the same condition or injury. Ask about the level of invasiveness, the prognosis, success rate, and expected recovery time for the procedure. These are all important factors in deciding whether or not surgery is the right option for you. Each procedure varies with the type of rehab protocol needed postoperatively.
Patients with musculoskeletal injuries or conditions have many options in the type of procedures to undergo. They range from invasive surgical procedures to in-office injection of medications. Both surgical and non-surgical treatment options will be discussed here.
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
The purposes of rehabilitation are to limit pain and help improve the patient’s exercise of the affected limb or joint. The primary care for musculoskeletal injuries is non-operative and operates by means of medication and injections to relieve pain and inflammation. Rehabilitation in a few cases may start before or immediately after an operation. Physiatrists (Physical Medicine Physicians) and GPs who have a special interest in musculoskeletal medicine often specialize in a non-operative kind of musculoskeletal care. The attitudes and skills expected of a Med AT and PT (Physiotherapist) are sometimes very similar and can overlap. Step two continues to outline the practice of entry-level competencies and professional practice set forth from the ATC strategic plan and practice dialectic through its diagram. This step is consistent with the healthcare team roles in the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. Both healthcare professions equip the provider to encompass oneself into the clinical practice guideline that has been developed to improve patient care using evidence-based practice from the current body of knowledge.
Sports Medicine and Injury Prevention
In order to become a sports medicine doctor, various steps should be taken. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree and receiving a passing mark in the MCAT, one should attend an accredited medical school. Following this, medical students must choose the field of orthopaedics, PM&R, or Pediatrics as these are the paths to take for a career in sports medicine. Residence in a physical medicine and rehabilitation residency program is followed by a one-year ACGME accredited fellowship in sports medicine. Particular fellowships are most common to an orthopaedic surgeon and he may complete one following their orthopaedic residency. A pediatrician can also obtain a CAQ (certificate of added qualifications) in sports medicine. Full-time practice at a clinic or hospital is the ultimate goal where one can care for a patient with a sports-related injury or a professional or amateur athlete.
This field of medicine is a multidisciplinary specialty which involves not only a wide range of medical personnel from orthopaedic surgery to general practitioners, but also involves a diverse spectrum of activity or patients. In response to the first post, primary care and even ER physicians deal with the acute management of sports injuries. In a perfect world, an acute knee injury would be immediately evaluated by an orthopaedic surgeon, so it is accurate to say that both specialists and non-specialists have a role in treating sports injuries. Non-surgical management of athletic injuries can be dealt with by many other specialists or healthcare providers ranging from different physiotherapists and massage therapy.
Sports medicine is a relatively new branch of healthcare that deals with the medical and therapeutic aspects of exercise and focuses on the treatment, as well as prevention of future injuries related to an active or inactive lifestyle. This could be anything from a daily jog around the park to competitive sports. Youth and high school athletes as well as adults are taking to the playing fields in greater numbers, creating a rise in sports-related injuries and a greater demand for medical services.
Choosing the Right Orthopaedic Clinic for You
Consider the services that you need now and in the future. If you are a young and active individual that has injured your knee, you are likely to require some form of knee services later on in life. In some cases, especially with a prior injury or surgery, seeing a physician specializing in a specific area of orthopaedics may be the right choice. If that is the case, you want to get the services you need now and be able to get services from the same physician in the future. To do this, you will need to inquire about physician availability and what services are provided by the clinic. Only services provided. A clinic may have several physicians, but only one specializing in a particular service. The information provided above is essential in making the right choice for your orthopaedic care. Failure to do adequate research may result in the need to find a new physician and clinic, thus repeating the process and costing you more time and money in the future.
Next, investigate insurance coverage and payment options. Orthopaedic care can be costly, especially if you need surgery or any other major services. Be a wise healthcare consumer and research financial aspects. Find a clinic that will work with your insurance company. Make sure that they will accept your insurance for the specific services you require. If you are not insured, or have a high deductible, find a clinic that offers viable payment options. Some clinics have services in place to help the patient with high deductible or without insurance to obtain services at a reduced rate. This information is crucial and can save you a tremendous amount of money.
Start by considering clinic location and accessibility. Choose a clinic that is close to home. This is going to make it easy to get to your appointments. Factor in its accessibility to your community. Is it easy to get in and out of the parking lot? Does the clinic offer any assistance for the elderly or disabled?
During your search for the orthopaedic clinic that is right for you, remember that you are the consumer. Your biggest mistake would be to assume that all orthopaedic clinics and services are the same. They are not. Every clinic is different, and the quality of services varies widely. Making this important choice is one that should be carefully executed. The following guidelines are intended to assist you in making the right decision.
Location and Accessibility
The location of an orthopaedic office can also directly affect treatment options. A clinic located in a rural area may be more apt to provide services such as manual traction or manipulation under anesthesia, as the patient population may consist of a large percentage of individuals who suffer from chronic joint pain and have limited access to surgical services. Urban orthopaedic clinics, due to a high demand for acute surgical interventions, often are not conducive to the treatment of chronic pain conditions. The differences in available treatment options from clinic to clinic based on location should be taken into consideration. Be sure to have a thorough discussion with the orthopaedic specialist regarding the specific treatments available for you at his or her clinic of choice.
To consistently benefit from orthopaedic care, a reliable means of transportation is necessary. Locations which are inaccessible are not viable options for treatment. For those patients whose conditions do not allow for safe or reliable travel to a clinic, home care may be the best alternative. Often, primary care physicians can provide referrals for private orthopaedic consultations within your own home. While home visits are not as common today as they were in the past, they are indeed a service which some patients may find accessible.
Insurance Coverage and Payment Options
Insurance coverage is an essential consideration in deciding the best place for orthopaedic care. Some surgeries and treatments may be provided on an outpatient basis. Sometimes physical therapy is prescribed for rehabilitation. These types of treatments all rely heavily on the type of insurance one has to determine how much the patient will have to pay out of pocket. Frequently, insurance providers will have a list of specific physicians and practitioners who are in-network. This means that the patient will receive the most coverage from their insurance provider to see those specific physicians. It is a good idea to speak with possible orthopaedic clinics to verify if the physician is in-network with the insurance provider.
Payment options are typically easily addressed. The receptionist or secretary will be able to give a legitimate answer regarding whether or not the physician accepts credit cards or if personal checks are required. If one is paying out of pocket, it is a good idea to negotiate a price at this time. Many physicians are willing to lower their price if provided with a valid reason. This is also a good time to ask for information regarding a payment plan if the cost seems too high. This could ease the debt of a large payment. Be sure to have all the details regarding the payment plan written.
Availability of Specialized Services
In an orthopaedic clinic with an excellent standard of care, there is often the presence of on-site diagnostic services such as diagnostic ultrasound and x-rays. These services are useful for diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions and directing appropriate treatment pathways. For example, ultrasound is useful for injections (such as cortisone or hyaluronic acid) to ensure accuracy, and guided to the correct anatomic location, improving the likelihood of treatment success. X-rays are useful for bone conditions, while MRI and CT scans are useful for soft tissue conditions. Availability of the latter requires off-site services, however access to these services (either on-site or off-site) represents a higher standard and continuity of care. Continuity of care is also facilitated through the use of EMR (electronic medical records) wherein all patient information including clinical impressions, treatment plans and referral letters are kept in one location and can be accessed by healthcare providers involved in a patient’s care. This may ensure more informed healthcare decision-making and a more organized approach to a patient’s journey through the healthcare system.
Specialties and sub-specialties are a reflection of a more advanced level of training for healthcare providers. General orthopaedic surgeons are capable of managing many musculoskeletal conditions, however they frequently seek counsel from colleagues with advanced expertise in specific areas of orthopaedic surgery. These areas may include hand surgery, shoulder and elbow surgery, total joint reconstruction (arthroplasty), pediatric orthopaedics, foot and ankle surgery and sports medicine. The likelihood of obtaining a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment may be higher when a general orthopaedic surgeon is practicing in a multi-specialty group with colleagues of higher sub-specialty training. This is compared to an isolated practice wherein there is less opportunity for clinical discussions and less likelihood of a referral to the appropriate sub-specialist. High quality treatment may also be indicated by a surgeon’s involvement in teaching or research within their subspecialty of interest.
Personalized Approach to Patient Care
It is important that you feel as if the doctor and staff take the time to give you the individual attention you need and that they take a personal interest in your healthcare. Healing is part clinical science and part art, some patients need more of the latter. A good physician-patient relationship is the foundation for the personalized care our patients deserve. At patient care at a higher level is achieved when physicians and other health professionals work unhurriedly to listen and understand the impact of the health condition on the patient’s life. This deeper understanding allows the provider and patient to form attainable health goals. This is the type of care that involves the patient in their healthcare decisions. The pace of modern healthcare often thwarts thorough communication and true collaboration in developing a treatment plan. The result is patients feeling marginalized from the decision-making process and unsatisfied with their care. One of the benefits of being a self-governing physician group is that we can make our own decisions regarding how to practice medicine. We appreciate the value of time in allowing for thorough communication and active patient involvement in decision-making. This practice style is not the most efficient way to deliver care, but we feel the long-term benefits to our patients are worth it.
Appointment Scheduling and Waiting Times
Many orthopaedic clinics in Finland have their offices in Töölö, Alppila, or along the so-called “rheumatism corridor” in Helsinki, or in other large cities. To choose the most conveniently located clinic, you should think about your ability to travel. Although there is no evidence to support travel distance as a factor in patient choice of orthopaedic surgeons, patients generally prefer a short travel distance to medical care. Keep in mind, however, that quality is more important than location, and travel-related stress is less likely to exacerbate your condition if the endpoint is effective treatment. Also, disabled and elderly patients might have difficulty with parking, negotiating city-center locations, or negotiating long hospital corridors to find the orthopaedic clinic, suggesting that for some patients a central location might not be an advantage. Many hospitals associated with the orthopaedic clinics have free parking near the entrance for patients, with places reserved for disabled drivers. This is an important factor for patients who are considering orthopaedic procedures, as they might have temporary difficulty with walking.
Increasingly, public or private transport to the clinic might be an option for some patients with painful or disabling musculoskeletal conditions. Availability of public transport is more important for elderly or disabled people and those with low income, who may be unable to afford a taxi. Hartz et al. found that only 13% of senior citizens in the USA considered ease of public transport when choosing a physician, but that those who did were actually more likely to change doctors and to rate their care as high. In one survey, 20% of Auckland, New Zealand residents outside the catchment area of a metropolitan hospital, including some surgical patients, expressed willingness to travel out of area by public transport if the quality of care was superior. To make an orthopaedic clinic outside the local area more accessible to such patients, some health authorities and hospitals have offered free shuttle or taxi transport for patients with appointments. Free transport to nonlocal specialty services might actually be a cost-saving strategy in centralized or regionalized systems, where referrals to less local centers cut across funding and administrative boundaries. In the USA, where managed care funding for medical and transportation services is more fragmented, it would be necessary for such services to demonstrate cost-effectiveness in terms of improved clinical outcomes or reduced utilization of higher cost services.
