FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions –
(and the answers)
It never fails – as soon as you leave the NebOrtho office or hang up the phone, you remember another question you wanted to ask. You’re not alone. In fact, that’s why we’ve assembled some of the most commonly asked questions we get, along with the answers you need to address them.
If you have a question that isn’t included here, feel free to contact us – online or by phone.
What are the locations of the NebOrtho clinics?
NebOrtho has four main clinics in the Metro area located in West Omaha, Midtown Omaha, Bellevue and Council Bluffs. We also have several satellite clinics in Southwest Iowa including Clarinda, Shenandoah, Atlantic and Harlan. Detailed information about each clinic can be located in the “
Locations” section on this website.
What should I bring with me to my appointment?
Upon arrival to our clinic, you will be asked to complete a patient information form. You may also print this out from our website, fill it out prior to your visit, and bring the form with you. Please bring your co-pay (if applicable), an updated current insurance card, any Worker’s Compensation or liability insurance information, and a photo ID. Please know your past medical history and current medication list. If you have had x-rays, MRIs, CT scans or any other studies done previously, please bring the actual study as well as the paper report with you to your office visit.
How do I request copies of my medical records or x-rays?
For medical records, please call our medical records department at 402-552-9806. For x-rays, please contact the office where the x-rays were taken and ask to speak with our x-ray department. Our medical records department will process these requests with proper patient authorization. You will be asked to complete an “authorization for disclosure of information” form located below. This authorization form may be mailed or faxed to our office. Copies of your medical records and/or x-rays will be mailed to the person/physician/entity requested, or arrangements may be made to pick up the records directly from our office.
If I was injured at work or involved in an accident, what do I need to bring to my appointment?
You will need to bring your Worker’s Compensation or third party insurance information, claim number, and the adjustor or contact person’s name and phone number.
What do I do in the case of an emergency?
Our offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If urgent questions arise after regular office hours, please call our office and your call will be directed to our answering service and messages will be transmitted to our physician on-call. If your medical condition or issue is an absolute emergency, please call 911 or visit your nearby emergency room.
What if I cannot pay my bill?
Please call our office and ask to be directed to our billing and insurance department. We will be happy to assist you in setting up a payment plan that will work for you.
What is an orthopaedic surgeon?
An orthopaedic surgeon is a medical doctor who specialized in the treatment of musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system includes bone, joints, muscles and any other related conditions. Typically, an orthopaedic surgeon has completed four years of medical school and a minimum of five years of specialty training in an orthopaedic residency program. They may also complete an additional one year of fellowship training in a sub-specialized field within orthopaedics.
What is the difference between board eligible and board certified?
When a physician completes an orthopedic residency program, the physician then becomes certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons by completing a peer review process of performance and training, as well as passing a comprehensive oral and written examination. This is done in stages. Typically, immediately after residency, the surgeon will complete a written exam. Once the written exam is passed, the physician will become “eligible” to take the oral exam. The oral exam is not offered until the surgeon has been in practice for two years. At that point, the surgeon will take the oral exam, and once passed, is “board certified.”
What do orthopaedic surgeons treat?
Orthopaedic surgeons treat a wide range of injuries and conditions relating to the musculoskeletal system including bones, joints, muscles, and any other related conditions. Treatment may include medical care, surgery, or rehabilitation to restore function and minimize disability.
The specialty of orthopaedics includes care and treatment of:
- Hand and Elbow disorders
- Shoulder injuries
- Hip and Knee arthritis and injuries
- Foot and Ankle problems
- Spine disorders
- Sports injuries
- Bone and Joint infections
- Pediatric deformities
- Oncology – tumors of the bones, joints, and muscles
- Trauma – fractures, dislocations, torn ligaments and tendons
- Total Joint Replacement – hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers
What is a physician assistant?
A physician assistant is a healthcare professional who is licensed to practice medicine under the direction of a medical doctor. In our office, physician’s assistants assist our surgeons in clinic as well as in the operating room. At times, physician’s assistants will see patients and direct care under the supervision of our surgeons. Our physician’s assistants are exceptionally trained and very knowledgeable in the field of orthopaedics.
The most common insurance plans we accept include: Workers Compensation, Blue Cross / Blue Shield, United Health Care, Aetna, Cigma, Midlands Choice, Tricare, and Medicare. If your insurance plan is not listed you may contact our office to confirm.
NebOrtho does not require a referral from your primary care physician to be seen in our offices unless it is required by your insurance company. Most insurance plans do not require this, but please check with your own insurance company if you have any questions about this issue.
The surgeons of NebOrtho operate at: Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital, The Nebraska Medical Center, Bellevue Medical Center, Jennie Edmundson Hospital, and Mercy Hospital