FAQs

General

How do I make an Appointment?

Simply call us at (805) 648-3902 during our working hours or you can request an appointment online using this link.

What are your office hours of operation?

We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. We are closed for lunch between 12:00 and 1:00pm. If you have an appointment at 1pm, we will open the door at 12:45pm.

Do I need a referral/authorization to make an appointment?

Most medical specialists will accept only referred patients. This is mainly to try to ensure that the specialist you are seeing is appropriate for you and your condition. Check with your insurance company to see if a referral is necessary. If you belong to an HMO such as Seaview IPA or Valley Care IPA, you will need prior authorization from your Primary Care Physician listed on your insurance card.

What to bring for your initial consultation?

Please make sure that you arrive to our office at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time so that you can provide us the necessary paperwork and insurance information to put you into our system. To save time, you can also print the New Patient Forms located on our forms page and bring them filled out to your appointment.

Co-payments are due at time of visit. Please verify your co-payment with your health insurance carrier. Sometimes co-payments are higher for a specialist than they are for your Primary Care Provider.

If you have had any previous medical treatment (surgery, physical therapy, etc) or scans (X-ray, MRI, CT, Bone Scan, EMG/NCS, etc.) then you need to bring them to your appointment.

Are my medical records kept private and confidential?

Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff is bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records. We will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.

How do I get copies of my medical records?

You are able to access your records through our secure Patient Portal located at https://oceanorthopedics.ema.md. If your portal has not been activated yet, please contact our office and they will take the steps to initiate your activation/first time use. If you prefer not to use the Patient Portal, you will need to sign a Release of Records form and we can mail, email or fax you the requested records.

How do I contact after hours?

There will be a point of contact 24 hours a day for any concerns you may have. You will be provided with contact details following your treatment.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please be sure to contact our office as soon as possible if you are unable to make your scheduled appointment with your physician.

What happens if the doctor has an emergency?

Because our physicians are surgeons, there may be times when he needs to be called out of the office for a surgery. We make every effort to give our patients as much advanced notice as we are able to. We realize your time is very valuable and we will work with your schedule to find another date and time that is convenient for you.

How can I get a hold of my doctor?

We take pride in our doctor-patient relationships and schedule plenty of time for you to get all your questions answered. If you need to get in touch with your surgeon in between appointments, please contact our office to leave a message or schedule an appointment.

How is the doctor-patient relationship different here, compared to other clinics?

We are a physician’s office that values all of our patients and appreciate the long-lasting relationships we create with them. We believe that our staff members are dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our patients.

How do I know if you are a provider for my health insurance?

We are accepting new patients. However, for your visit to be covered through your insurance, please contact your insurance provider to understand the terms of your policy. We accept most Private and PPO health plans.

We do not accept any third party billing or work related injuries.

What if I do not have medical insurance?

We do require payment at the time of service. We accept all forms of payment to include cash, check and credit card. There is an ATM located at Community Memorial Hospital which is directly across the street from our office.

Is there a charge to have a disability or supplemental insurance form completed?

Yes, there is a $15.00 form fee charged for all third-party, supplemental insurance forms. We do not charge for any DMV or State Disability forms.

Medical

What are the non-surgical treatment options?

The non-surgical treatment options include rest, medications including analgesics and antibiotics, injections, and physical/occupational therapy.

Will physical therapy be required after surgery?

Getting full range of motion, strength, and flexibility back after surgery usually takes time. That is where pre-operative exercise, education, and post-operative physical therapy programs come in – to ensure you are physically and emotionally prepared for surgery and to maximize your recovery after surgery.

What are the risks associated with surgery?

As with any surgery, risks include reactions to anaesthesia, bleeding, infection, stiffness and nerve damage. Your doctor will discuss the risks associated with your specific procedure.

When can I return to daily activities?

This varies depending on the type of procedure undergone, and can range from a few days to a few months. Return to all activities, sports and exercise can take up to four to six months. Your doctor will advise you depending on your particular health condition.

How long do I need time off work after the surgery?

The post-operative recovery period varies based on the particular surgery. Generally it is recommended patients take two weeks off work to recover from any surgery and to resume light duty following resumption of work. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to follow for a successful recovery.

How long before I can resume driving?

You should wait at least one week before driving after surgery. The effects of anaesthetic and surgery can affect judgment and reflexes during the first week following your surgery. Your surgeon will provide more specifics for your particular situation.

When can I resume exercise?

Your doctor will instruct you about post-treatment exercises – the type and the duration to be followed. You may be referred to a physical therapist to help with strengthening and range of motion exercises following surgery.

What can happen if surgery is avoided?

Some complications of not undergoing an orthopedic surgery for your condition include pain, loss of joint motion, joint weakness, numbness and an early onset of arthritis.

What are the most common injuries?

The most common orthopedic injuries are sprains and strains, fractures, and dislocations. Injuries can occur when playing indoor or outdoor sports or while exercising. Sports injuries can result from accidents, inadequate training, improper use of protective devices, or insufficient stretching or warm-up exercises.