What is Orthopaedics?

Orthopaedics is an area of medicine in which the focus is on the musculoskeletal system. This includes your bones, joints, ligaments, and other structures. As an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Moore routinely diagnoses and treats a variety of conditions, including injuries and osteoarthritis. Seeing an orthopaedic surgeon does not mean you absolutely need surgery. Treatment may involve medication, a prescription for physical therapy, injections, bracing, and other modalities before surgery is considered. While there are a number of conditions treated within the orthopaedic specialty, Dr. Moore specializes in knee and hip replacement procedures and has honed his surgical techniques over many years of training and clinical practice.

What Conditions Can Orthopaedic Surgery Treat?

Orthopaedic surgeons are experts in remedying issues involving the bones, joints, and ligaments, and not only are they dedicated to repairing and healing these injured or broken parts of the body, but they are also committed to helping patients prevent injury in the future. While not all patients who need orthopaedic surgery have experienced trauma or injury to their musculoskeletal system, many patients have suffered from accidents, collisions, and other wounds that have affected their bones. From issues with joints in the hip and knee to tears in ligaments in the foot or ankle, orthopaedic surgery can help improve a patient’s mobility in numerous ways.

Some of the most common conditions orthopaedic surgeries can treat are:

  • ACL injuries
  • Knee replacements
  • Hip replacements
  • Broken bones
  • Sprained or twisted ankles or wrists
  • Knee replacements
  • Shoulder replacements
  • Spinal surgery

Does My Insurance Cover My Orthopaedic Surgery?

Orthopaedic surgeries like hip and knee replacements are performed to restore optimal movement and structural integrity to a damaged or injured joint. As such, they are medically necessary. Procedures considered necessary are typically covered by insurance. This does not mean that your private insurance provider will cover 100 percent of the costs associated with your surgery. If you have questions about your coverage amounts, copays, or other details related to your plan, we suggest that you contact your insurance company directly. Our friendly, experienced team is here to help you as much as possible.

Do I Need Pre-Authorization?

You might. Our team can help determine if your insurance company requires pre-authorization for one or more aspects of your treatment plan, and may submit all necessary documents electronically, directly to your insurance provider. Throughout the process, we will keep you informed of the progress of your authorization as needed so that you can schedule your surgery in the most timely fashion.

Do I Need a Second Opinion or a Referral Form?

We do not typically require referral forms for patients to schedule a visit with Dr. Moore. However, insurance companies might. It is best to check with your insurance provider directly regarding this issue. If your provider requires a referral, you will then contact your primary care physician to obtain the needed form or letter.

Who Is The Ideal Candidate For Orthopaedic Surgery?

Many patients who need orthopaedic surgery suffer from ongoing pain in their joints and ligaments, making it hard to move about their everyday lives. If this sounds like you, you may benefit from this procedure. People who are always active (such as athletes or those who have been involved in accidents in which they’ve experienced injury or trauma to the bones, tendons, or ligaments) will also benefit greatly from surgery that can help repair what is fractured, torn, or broken.

If you experience swelling and severe joint pain and find it difficult to move around, orthopaedic surgery may help change your life. As long as candidates are in overall good health and do not suffer from any ongoing medical conditions or infections that may make the healing process complicated, almost anyone with broken bones and joint pain can undergo orthopaedic surgery.

Is Therapy or Care Afterward Covered?

Physical therapy is a necessary aspect of your overall treatment plan. Working with a licensed physical therapist can help you regain strength around the joint that has been replaced, and may also help you improve your gait and flexibility. As an integral part of surgical recovery, physical therapy is usually covered by insurance. The amount of coverage and number of visits the insurance approves may vary based on the details of your policy. For this reason, it is advantageous to contact your insurance provider directly during the planning phase of your surgery. Again, our team has ample experience in dealing with insurance companies. They’re here to help you as needed!

For more information about Orthopaedic Services with Dr. Moore, contact our Pinehurst, NC office, call us at (910) 295-0224, or check out our orthopaedic surgery blog.

What Will The Recovery Process After Surgery Be Like?

Because orthopaedic surgery involves the repairing of valuable, moveable parts of the body that often need to be used commonly and immediately after recovery, the recovery process from this procedure may be difficult but not impossible. Most surgeries address areas in the hips, shoulders, legs, ankles, and feet, and rehabilitation will be a major part of the patient’s healing period. Getting your joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments back to working in a way that won’t undo the results of the surgery is essential. Having a strong support system, finding a helpful physical therapist, and allowing yourself the proper balance of rest and movement will be the most beneficial ways patients can heal following their orthopaedic procedure.

Recovering from surgery takes some patients a few days, while others may take several months. Depending on your treated area, the rehabilitation period can take longer. However, many patients report that after a full recovery, their lives have been free from chronic pain, and they can enjoy more active lifestyles with more confidence and less worry.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Are you ready to begin your orthopeadic journey towards healing? Call (910) 295-0224 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Moore at our Pinehurst, NC, office. For more information or to determine if you are a candidate for orthopaedic surgery, click here.