Joint Pain? Call Your Orthopedist Before the Year Ends.

Can you believe we’re halfway through another year? It seems like yesterday that we were bringing in the New Year with resolutions and plans. This might be a good time to check whether you’re accomplishing your goals.

Your health should be your number one priority. One of the best ways to stay healthy is to schedule yearly physicals and preventive screenings. Call your doctor if you are experiencing pain or reduced mobility. In addition, an annual visit to your orthopedist is an essential component of your overall wellness, just like a physical and an eye exam.

A few moments could provide years of relief

Everyone seems too busy to go to the doctor, but how long are you willing to deal with chronic joint pain? Unfortunately, most people overlook their orthopedic health and only schedule an appointment in the event of an emergency. As our bodies age, there are many conditions that we can develop that require orthopedic attention:

• Arthritis is a common condition that develops when joints get inflamed and swollen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 15 million Americans (one in four) have severe joint pain because of their arthritis. Also, about half say they experience persistent pain.
• Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone mass and bone mineral density decrease. It can also develop when the strength or structure of bone changes. While post-menopausal women are at increased risk for bone loss, both genders lose bone density with age. Thin or brittle bones can increase the risk of hip fractures.
• Reduced mobility is inevitable as we age, but there are ways to regain mobility. Increased balance and flexibility can help avoid falls and hip fractures.

You cannot expect a 60-year-old body to operate like a 20-year-old body. However, one visit to your orthopedist can help diagnose the cause of chronic pain and provide you with a treatment plan that meets your health goals. If you are in good health, it is wise to schedule annual orthopedic check-ups to prevent bone and joint-related problems that become more prevalent with age.

Met your deductible? Schedule your orthopedic procedure

If you have been considering an orthopedic procedure like a knee or hip replacement, scheduling your surgery in the second half of the year may make financial sense. Studies show most patients meet their deductible by May, so you might have already met your annual deductible.

If this is the case, don’t delay scheduling your procedure. Call your insurance company to verify whether you have met your deductible or are close to meeting it. You can also ask for an estimate of benefits to get a complete picture of out-of-pocket costs.

Another way to reduce costs is to choose an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) for your procedure. ASCs are accredited and certified by industry organizations for quality and safety, and they provide personalized care in a home-like setting. When deciding where to schedule your procedure, ask about facility and surgeon fees, and select a surgery center that is in-network.

Find an orthopedist near you

If you have never visited an orthopedist, we can help. Our board-certified orthopedists are located nationwide and are accepting new patients. Call one of our orthopedic centers to make an appointment before the end of the year. Preventing health conditions is always less expensive than treating them, so call today.