Preparing for Your First Appointment
Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Care Under One Roof: Your Path Begins Here.
What to Expect
Your initial consultation appointment allows our team to thoroughly evaluate your condition, review your medical history, discuss your treatment goals, and develop a customized care plan. This critical first step ensures you receive accurately diagnosed and properly coordinated care for the best possible outcomes.
When you arrive at our office, you will complete some paperwork about your medical history and current condition and then meet with one of our musculoskeletal specialists. Depending on your specific needs, this may be an orthopedic surgeon, podiatrist, physical therapist, or another provider. The clinician will evaluate your symptoms, discuss your goals for treatment, and perform an examination. Advanced diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs may also be ordered as needed.
Our integrated care team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual condition and lifestyle. You’ll be presented with a detailed overview of all available treatment options, whether that involves surgery, pain management, physical rehabilitation, or a combination of therapies. Our priority is delivering the best possible outcomes with a compassionate, educational approach.
How to Prepare
Before Your Consultation
To get the most out of your first appointment, there are a few simple steps you can take. First, take note of all your symptoms, health concerns, medications, and previous treatments or diagnoses related to your musculoskeletal condition. This helps provide your care team with a complete medical history. You can also write down any questions you have to ensure you don’t forget to ask them during your visit. Prior to your visit, avoid any strenuous activities for 24-48 hours if your condition causes pain, as this allows for a more accurate evaluation.
Bring any relevant medical records, test results, or imaging scans from other providers to your appointment. You may also want to have a close friend or family member accompany you to serve as an extra set of ears and take notes. With this preparation, your clinician can spend your consultation time focused on evaluating your condition and developing a customized treatment plan.
Before Surgery
If your care plan involves surgery, there are some important preoperative steps to complete. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions, but typical preparation includes stopping certain medications like blood thinners as directed. You’ll need to avoid eating or drinking after a particular time on the night before surgery. Be sure to wear something comfortable that will offer easy access to the surgical site. Having someone available to drive you home after the procedure is also essential.
About a week before surgery, you may need to undergo additional testing, such as final X-rays and lab work. Be sure to let your care team know about any illnesses, like fever, flu, or infections, beforehand. Following all preoperative instructions carefully will ensure you have the best possible outcomes and recovery. Our surgery scheduling staff will guide you through every step of preparation.
What to Bring
- Wear something comfortable and easy to remove
- Do not wear jewelry; leave valuables at home
- If you wear contact lenses, bring a lens case and your glasses
- Bring a list of all the names and dosages of your current medications with you to the center; you may bring your medications with you in their original containers
- Bring your insurance card, prescription card, and picture ID
- Bring a method of co-payment as appropriate for your insurance
- You will need a responsible adult (18 years or older) to drive you home after your procedure; you will NOT be permitted to drive
Your Source for Complete
Musculoskeletal Care
Patients at Synergy Health Partners have access to every specialty service they may require – from advanced imaging to pain management, surgical expertise to rehab therapies – all under one roof. With our collaborative team approach, your customized treatment plan will seamlessly connect you with the right providers, facilities, and resources to achieve optimal healing as efficiently as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my first consultation appointment?
Bring any relevant medical records, test results, x-rays or imaging scans, a list of medications, and a summary of your symptoms and concerns.
How long will the consultation take?
Plan for the initial consultation to take 1-2 hours to allow time for paperwork, evaluation, and discussion of the treatment plan.
Will I need to get X-rays or other imaging tests done before surgery?
Yes, you will likely need updated X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging scans prior to your surgery.
How long before surgery should I stop taking medications like aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs?
You should stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood thinners about 7-10 days before surgery, but get specific instructions.
What type of anesthesia will be used for my surgery?
The anesthesia type depends on the procedure, but common options are general anesthesia or spinal/epidural anesthesia.
How long will I need to take off work or normal activities after surgery?
Recovery times vary, but you can expect 2-6 weeks off work and limited mobility for 4-12 weeks after most musculoskeletal surgeries.
Will I have significant pain or swelling after the procedure?
Some levels of post-operative pain, swelling, and discomfort are normal, which can be managed with medications and icing.
What is the typical recovery and rehabilitation process?
Most surgeries require immobilization, physical therapy, exercise, and a gradual return to activities over months.
How soon can I drive or resume normal activities after surgery?
You’ll be instructed to avoid driving for 2-6 weeks and limit activities during the initial recovery period.
What assistive devices like walkers or crutches may I need?
Depending on the surgery, you may need crutches, walkers, canes, or other assistive devices temporarily during recovery.
Find Convenient Care In Your neighborhood
What began as a small family orthopedic practice specializing in spine, neck, and back pain treatment has become the destination for groundbreaking musculoskeletal care in Southeast Michigan.
