EmergeOrtho Patient FAQs

EmergeOrtho was formed to deliver streamlined, patient-centered orthopedic care across North Carolina. Since our hours of operation vary depending on location, visit our specific practice location pages for details.

EmergeOrtho offers comprehensive physical and occupational therapy services. To learn more about which locations offer physical therapy, in addition to specific services and hours click here.

EmergeOrtho’s Certified Hand Therapists provide hand therapy to treat acute conditions and strains, post-traumatic injuries, repetitive strain injuries, and Workers’ Compensation Injuries. To find out more about our hand therapy services, in addition to hours of operation, click here.

Yes. In fact, EmergeOrtho has an entire team dedicated to diagnosing and treating conditions and injuries affecting the Back, Neck, and Spine. We have a number of innovative non-surgical and surgical procedures to address back pain. To learn more, click here.

EmergeOrtho is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the gold standard in medical imaging. Varying MRI services are available at select EmergeOrtho locations:

Blue Ridge Region:

• GE 1.5T HDXT Echospeed

Foothills Region:

• GE Signa Exite 1.5T Mobile MRI Unit

Triad Region:

• Siemens MAGNETOM Espree 1.5T

Triangle Region:

• Hitachi OASIS 1.2T (Open MRI)
• Siemens MAGNETOM Aera 1.5T (Wide Bore MRI)
• Siemens MAGNETOM Avanto 1.5T
• Siemens MAGNETOM Altea 1.5T (Wide Bore MRI)
• Siemens MAGNETOM Espree 1.5T (Wide Bore Mobile)

Coastal Region:

• GE Medical 1.5 Tesla Magnet

To learn more about our full menu of MRI scanning services and options click here.

Many people wonder if and when to see an orthopedic doctor. Here are some indications that it is time to schedule an appointment with an EmergeOrtho Orthopedic Physician:

• You are experiencing musculoskeletal-related pain (back, neck, spine, shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, foot, etc.)
• You have had persistent stiffness in your joints is preventing you from normal mobility and range-of-motion
• You find that performing daily tasks has become difficult and/or impossible
• You suspect that you may have an orthopedic-related injury or condition (sprain, strain, stress fracture, arthritis, etc.)

We make it easier than ever to schedule an appointment, simply click here to get started. Or, contact one of our five regions to find a practice closest to you:

• Asheville & Blue Ridge Region 828-630-7496
• Foothills Region 828-672-1299
• Triad Region 336-545-5000
• Triangle Region 984-279-3650
• Coastal Region 910-332-3800

No. All of our EmergeOrtho physicians are board-certified and qualified to diagnose and treat your injury or condition. If your physician feels that you would benefit from further evaluation by another EmergeOrtho partner or specialist, a referral will be scheduled quickly.

The majority of our physicians are surgeons. When they are not in the office they are likely performing surgery. Our physicians are also occasionally out of the office attending professional conferences.

In some cases you may be able to get test results over the phone, but in most instances your physician will want you to come in for an office visit. This is to help share specific information, research, and studies related to your results, and most importantly, to answer any questions you may have. And, in some cases, your results may require a follow-up examination, requiring another in-person appointment.

• To see a physician
  Clothing that allows you to expose the area to be examined, your insurance card, and a list of any and all current medications you are taking.

• To see a physical therapist
  Comfortable workout clothing that allows you to expose the area to be examined and your insurance card.

• To have an MRI
  Comfortable clothing without any metal attachments, your insurance card, and your pre-registration paperwork.

• To have an injection
  Clothing that allows you to expose the area of your body where you will receive your injection and your insurance card. Please make prior arrangements for someone to drive you home. Please be sure to discontinue any aspirin and aspirin-related medications five days prior to your injection and only eat a very light breakfast the day of your injection.

It depends on how frequently you visit us. We always require you to complete several forms during your initial visit. We will update your insurance information about once a year, which typically requires paperwork. If you are seeing us for a new problem, you may be asked to complete an “updated review of systems” form. Additionally, some physicians have individual progress/information forms for you to complete during your treatment.

We understand accidents and injuries can occur at any time. That’s why EmergeOrtho’s Orthopedic Urgent Care offers convenient, urgent orthopedic care for breaks, sprains, strains, muscle pain and even back pain. All you have to do is simply call or walk in to one of our Orthopedic Urgent Care centers. One of our experienced and proficient orthopedic providers will give you the treatment you need quickly and conveniently — without having to wait at the ER.

To learn more about EmergeOrtho Orthopedic Urgent Care, click here.

We accept most types of health insurance at EmergeOrtho. We always suggest that you check with your insurance provider to inquire about the terms of your coverage. You will be responsible for any co-payments and expenses not covered by your insurance. To learn more, click here.

Yes, with the exception of the immediate postoperative period.

For information on who to contact in your region, visit our workers’ compensation page.

Find the EmergeOrtho office nearest you for your injury or condition here to call or request an appointment online. Please let us know the injury or condition you were seen for and when. You may need to acquire and submit paperwork from your previous visit before an EmergeOrtho appointment can be scheduled.

Your appointment may need to be rescheduled if the following issues occur:

• If you have not provided information from a previous treating physician prior to your appointment
• If you arrive greater than 15 minutes late for your appointment
• If an emergency arises and the physician is forced to reschedule their patients

You can pay your bill via:

• Your patient portal account
• Via our website
• By mailing your payment with your statement stub
• Calling our billing department at 1-800-539-1540

You can send a secure message to your physician via your patient portal account. To learn more about our patient portal, please click here. You can also call your physician’s or physical therapist’s office listed below by region, to leave a message for your physician or physical therapist.

• Blue Ridge Region 828-630-7496
• Foothills Region 828-672-1299
• Triad Region 336-545-5000
• Triangle Region 984-279-3650
• Coastal Region 910-332-3800

First, you will need to complete a Release of Information Authorization form, for both requests being sent to another provider/office and for requests for personal copies of your records. You can find this release form by clicking here. Or, you can contact our office to have a copy mailed, faxed, or emailed to you. Please make sure to complete the request in its entirety, or there may be a delay in processing.

Record release requests may take seven to ten business days to complete.

You may request these forms from select EmergeOrtho practices, or click here to obtain them electronically. Completion of disability forms may take seven to ten business days to process.

Current patients can request a prescription refill from their physician via their patient portal account. Or, current patients can contact their pharmacy and have the pharmacy forward the refill request to us.

Certain EmergeOrtho surgeons have hospital and surgery center privileges. To learn more about partnering hospital and surgery center locations, click here.

Depending on your particular health status, you may be required to obtain clearance from other physicians prior to your surgery.

When you are being admitted to the hospital, hospital policies require your surgeon to provide a current, thorough history and physical prior to your admission. This requirement is in place to ensure your information is up-to-date and complete.

Depending on the surgery you are going to have you may be required to:

• Have lab work done
• Attend a specialized education course about your surgery
• Attend a physical therapy visit to be evaluated and fitted for specific bracing to be put on in the operating room

Yes.

Our Financial Services will verify your insurance benefits and eligibility along with authorization for every surgery case. With that said, it is always advisable that patients check their benefits and financial responsibility with their insurance provider as well.

The cost of your surgery is solely dependent upon your specific plan and benefits. The costs of surgery vary widely depending on the specific procedure. EmergeOrtho will supply you with an estimate on how much your surgery will cost based on the benefit determination received from your insurance company.

Surgery arrival time varies according to the time of your surgery. Your surgeon will inform you of when to arrive. If, for some reason, you are unaware of what time to arrive for your surgery, you can contact our surgical schedulers at or the surgical center/hospital where you will be having your surgery.

You will be instructed on what to bring with you to your surgery at the time of surgery scheduling.

Your recovery, time off of work, and activity restrictions should all be discussed with your surgeon prior to your surgical procedure. Recovery, work absence, and activity restrictions vary by individual, type of surgery, and type of work.

Did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated two-thirds of all operations are performed in an “outpatient facility?” An outpatient surgery describes a non-emergency surgical procedure that is performed at a separate surgical center or hospital. Also referred to as ambulatory surgery, outpatient surgical procedures can last anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours.

Outpatient surgery allows patients to return home the same day as their procedure (barring any complications, which is rare). And, many times can be more cost effective for patients.

An orthopedic surgeon is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. The injuries and conditions often result from trauma, sports-related injuries, work-related accidents, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders. Orthopedic surgeons can be generalists, or specialize in any number of areas: sports medicine, joint replacement, foot and ankle, hand surgery, spine surgery, and more. The knowledgeable and experienced orthopedic surgeons at EmergeOrtho are board certified with fellowship training in subspecialty areas of orthopedic medicine.

A physiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in restoring the functional ability and quality of life to patients with musculoskeletal injuries, conditions, and pain syndromes. Physiatrists are not surgeons, but utilize many other methods—including interventional procedures—to help improve function and mobility.

Fellowship training is a period of additional hands-on medical training that occurs following the completion of a physician’s normal residency. Fellowships are competitive programs that provide additional, specialized training in a focused area of medicine. EmergeOrtho employs many fellowship-trained physicians.

Board certification involves further examination and testing, beyond the standard medical licensure. To become board certified, providers must meet specific educational, evaluation, and examination requirements set by a certifying board. Each specialty area of medicine has its own board of certification. Board Certification in any specialty or subspecialty area of medicine signifies a provider’s knowledge in and commitment to a particular medical specialty and/or subspecialty of medical practice.

• PA-C (Physician Assistant Certified)
  Issued by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), the Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) credential is used by certified physician assistants (PAs). PAs are licensed and certified health care providers who provide patient care services under the direction of a supervising physician. PAs may evaluate and treat patients independently, reporting findings and coordinating care with the supervising physician. The physician assistants at EmergeOrtho diagnose and treat musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, order diagnostic testing, write prescriptions, and educate patients regarding their injury or condition. Our PAs also assist our surgeons in surgery and perform evaluations to our patients when admitted to the hospital. To learn more about our Physician Assistants click here.

• PT (Physical Therapist)
  The PT credential is used by physical therapists. PTs are licensed health care providers who specialize in the evaluation and treatment of injuries and conditions. At EmergeOrtho our physical therapists specialize in the care of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, including post-surgical recovery. There are variations of the PT credential including MPT and DPT. These variations are reflective of the provider’s education. As the profession of physical therapy has advanced, so have the educational requirements to become a physical therapist. Today, it is required to complete a graduate degree, either a masters (MPT) or clinical doctorate (DPT), from an accredited education program to become a candidate for licensure. A physical therapist is required to pass a national exam to obtain state licensure in order to practice physical therapy. To learn more about our Physical Therapists click here.

• OT (Occupational Therapist)
  The OT credential is used by Occupational Therapists. OTs are licensed health care providers who specialize in the evaluation and treatment of injuries and conditions to improve the patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living. As the profession of occupational therapy has advanced, so have educational opportunities in this field. Degree options vary to become an occupational therapist. In order to be eligible to take the board of certification exam, a prospective OT must graduate from a Master’s level or Doctoral level accredited program. After passing the certification exam, an occupational therapist is required to obtain a state license in order to practice occupational therapy. At EmergeOrtho, our occupational therapists specialize in the care of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions of the upper extremity. To learn more about our Occupational Therapists click here.

• CHT (Certified Hand Therapist)
  The CHT credential is used by either physical or occupational therapists who have met specific requirements. CHTs are therapists who focus on the rehabilitation of upper extremity injuries, particularly to the hand and distal arm. To use the CHT credential, it is required that a therapist has a minimum of five years of clinical experience with at least 4,000 hours of direct practice in hand therapy, as well as successful completion of a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. All CHTs are required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years. To learn more about our Hand Therapy Program click here.

• ATC (Certified Athletic Trainer)
  Issued by the Board of Certification (BOC) for Athletic Trainers, the ATC credential is used by certified athletic trainers. ATCs are licensed and certified health care providers who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and illnesses. EmergeOrtho ATCs work together with our physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical assessments, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and medical conditions for athletes through our community outreach program. To become an ATC, it is required to earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum. The majority of certified athletic trainers hold at least a master’s degree. Many EmergeOrtho ATCs are dual credentialed as PTs, PAs or PTAs. Our ATCs function in many different roles including clinical and managerial responsibilities. To learn more about our Certified Athletic Trainers click here.

• PTA (Physical Therapist Assistant)
  The PTA credential is used by physical therapist assistants. PTAs work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists to provide patient care. EmergeOrtho PTAs deliver direct patient care to improve or restore a patient’s function by following the patient’s physical therapist’s plan of care. PTAs are skilled medical providers who may care for a patient independently during a particular visit, but the overall plan of care is developed and monitored by the supervising physical therapist. To learn more about our Physical Therapist Assistants click here.