Practice FAQ

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 painful conditions.

Physician assistants are licensed health care 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 to diverse populations in both rural and urban settings throughout the United States.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.

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 through the incision. Other long, thin, frequently motorized instruments are used to perform surgery inside joints. Knees and shoulders most commonly benefit from arthroscopic surgery, but other joints such as ankles, hips, and wrists may also be done.

Total joint replacement means replacing both sides of the weight-bearing surfaces of the affected joint. In the knee, it means replacing both the thin cartilage surface on the lower joint surface, which is the tibia, and the upper joint surface, which is the femur. In addition, the joint surface under the kneecap is replaced. This requires removing the thin cartilage surface and a thin surface of bone for replacement with a metal and plastic surface. This allows all movement of the joint to occur between the metal and plastic parts rather than by the raw bone left by arthritis.

To be “fellowship trained” a physician must complete one additional year of in-depth specialty training after orthopedic residency. The specialty training is in one specific area in which the physician will specialize under the guidance of top orthopedic specialists. ORA Orthopedics has physicians fellowship trained in Sports, Total Joint, Hand & Upper Extremity, Spine, Pediatrics, and Trauma.

A physical therapist is licensed by the state, specializing in therapy programs for musculoskeletal injuries and disorders, sports injuries, post-operative rehabilitation, and massage therapy.

An occupational therapist is licensed by the state and specialized in the treatment of the upper extremity (hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder) and work injuries. The services provided by occupational therapists include patient education, joint range of motion, adaptive techniques, splinting, and workplace evaluations.

  • Your insurance card or other health coverage information. *Please be aware that many insurance carriers require you to have a referral (authorization from your primary care physician) before treatment is provided by a specialist, such as an orthopedist. Please check with your insurance carrier if you have any questions about your plan or coverage.
  • Referral form if required by your health insurance plan.
  • List of all medications (both over the counter and prescription) including doses and how often you take them.
  • Any X-rays or MRIs that have been taken (not older than six months) for this condition only.
  • Clinic notes or operative reports from your referring physician (that relate to the condition for which you are seeking medical consultation from our physician).
  • Should you have any general questions prior to your visit, please feel free to contact us at (248) 377-8000 and we will be happy to assist you.

We have wheelchairs for patient use at all of our physician clinic location.

Secretarial Staff: The secretarial staff is usually the first members of the team you will meet at the practice. Upon entering the clinic you will be asked to update your information if you are a returning patient or complete several forms if you are a new patient. When you are done with your visit and exam with the physician, you will check out at the registration desk. If you need to schedule a procedure, diagnostic study, or surgery, you will be directed to a specific team member at that time.

Business Office: The business office can answer any questions regarding insurance, workers’ compensation, and billing.

Medical Staff: When it is time for your visit and examination with a physician, one of our nurses will escort you to a room. They will also be available via the phone to answer any questions you may have in regards to medications or prescription refills.

Therapists: There are several Physical and Occupational Therapists that can help you during a post surgery visit. In addition, they will be available via the phone to answer any questions you may have about your treatment.

Here at Center for Advanced Orthopedics we hope that your visit is positive, timely, and of the highest quality. Our staff is in place to provide a quality experience. We pride ourselves on patient care so please let us know if we do not meet your expectations.

Preparing for surgery is a very anxious time for anyone, whether you have had previous surgeries or not. In order to make the experience a better one for our patients, you will be provided with detailed information about when to arrive at the hospital and what to expect after your surgery has been completed. When packing your bags to go to the hospital, remember to pack 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.

Center for Advanced Orthopedics requires that a parent or legal guardian accompany any minor (under the age of 18) to the first appointment.  This allows for proper discussion of treatment option and informed consent.  If for subsequent visits, a parent or legal guardian cannot accompany the minor an Authorization to Treat a Minor Child in Absence of a Parent or Legal Guardian form must be completed, signed, witnessed and sent with the minor or person accompanying the minor to the appointment.  All copayments are due at the time of service, so the minor or accompanying adult should be prepared to make any payments due.

Emergencies arise occasionally when you may need to contact our physicians regarding pain or other symptoms. Our clinic always has a physician on call to handle after-hour emergencies. If you need to contact us when the clinic is closed (after-hours or on weekends), please call (248) 377-8000 and the on-call provider will contact you.

Center for Advanced Orthopedics providers will only refill medications they have originally prescribed. Please double-check the name of the ordering provider before contacting our office for a refill. It is best to notify us at the time of your office appointment.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which are available over-the-counter in low doses or and in prescription form in higher potencies fight pain associated with swelling. They include pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. They are popular treatments for muscular aches and pains, as well as arthritis.

Center for Advanced Orthopedics is a Michigan based, state-of-the-art Orthopedic facility. With Orthopedic offices in Auburn Hills and Troy, we're able to serve our community with dedication and care. From young children to school students to our elderly population, we're able to provide top notch Orthopedic care for necks, spines, knees, hips, joint and arthritis therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more. Call us to see how our Orthopedic specialists can help you today!

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