Frequently Asked Questions

Keeping patients informed is a crucial step in the Austin Orthopedic Institute process.

Patient Information

You have a right to any of your records. To get a copy, use the medical records form located on our website.  You can deliver the request via:

  • Hand delivery to our clinic
  • Faxing your completed paperwork to 512-856-4040

Emailing your completed paperwork to [email protected]

For back issues, we can offer to help with the diagnosis, PT prescriptions, and simple steroid prescriptions. Beyond this, you will likely be referred to a specialist who can provide further treatment.

In terms of feet and hand conditions, none of our providers have fellowship training in these areas. We are very familiar with the frequent injuries that occur (fractures and sprains), and can treat them, but may refer you to a hand or foot specialist if the condition is more complex or surgery is required.

Yes! Austin Orthopedic Institute values patient care very highly. That’s why we offer 24/7 access to our providers. Call us at 512-856-1000 at any time of night and you will speak directly with someone on our team.

The best way to request a refill on medications is to contact your pharmacy directly. In turn, they will send us an electronic request for your prescription. This cuts down on back and forth calls and difficulty figuring out which pharmacy to send your prescription to.

For your first visit be sure and bring these items:

  • Your driver’s license
  • Your physical insurance card
  • Payment
  • A digital copy (such as a CD) of any prior images of your condition. Though other offices and imaging facilities say they have sent us scans, this is almost never the case. It is much more reliable to bring them in yourself in the form of a physical CD and a copy of the official report.

Yes! We can view imaging studies performed at the following facilities:

  • ARA
  • St. David’s/HCA
  • Seton/Ascension
  • Longhorn Imaging
  • Far West Imaging Center
  • Touchstone
  • Prefered/Akumin Imaging
  • Nextcare
  • MRI Now
  • Central Park Imaging

Austin Orthopedic Institute appreciates any feedback our patients are able to provide, whether positive or negative. Your feedback allows us to continue improving our patient care – after all, we wouldn’t exist without you.

To post a review, find us on Google or Yelp. You may also contact us Contact Us directly with any concerns, comments, or questions.

Patient Portal

Any available forms can be found by going to My Health on the left sidebar of your portal, then Forms and Documents located at the top right. Office visit notes are not automatically available for viewing.

You can edit your information when completing the self-check-in process prior to an upcoming appointment. This is available up to 10 days before your appointment.

You can fill out a HIPAA release form in the office or you can print out the Release of Information form located in the Forms and Documents section of the portal.

The new patient paperwork is available up to 10 days before your appointment. You can get to the electronic forms by going through the self-check-in process. You will not be able to leave and go back so please complete the process once started. You can also print out the paper forms from the portal and bring them in. These are located under Printable Forms under the Forms and Documents section.

You can send us a request through the portal or complete the Release of Information form in the office. There is a $25 fee for medical and billing records. FMLA and short term disability paperwork is $50.

Payment & Insurance

Yes – we require full payment at the time of service. Insurance payments will be adjusted. We accept credit cards, debit cards, and checks. Cash is not accepted.

Unfortunately, we do not offer payment plans at this time. However, we accept credit cards and recommend Care Credit (a credit card company specializing in healthcare costs) as an option for those needing assistance.

Austin Orthopedic Institute accepts Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, Tricare, Worker’s Compensation, and United Healthcare. To see specific provider policies, visit our individual provider pages.

About Orthopedics

Orthopedic science has made incredible strides in the field of joint replacement.  Current simulator data for new technology suggests that joint replacements in the modern era don’t actually wear out during a patient’s lifetime. Of course, other factors can result in a joint failing, such as loosening, instability, or infection. However, as a general rule, a properly implanted knee or hip replacement should last your entire life.

Frequently, sports medicine physicians are family practitioners who focus on nonsurgical treatment of injuries. On the other hand, orthopedic surgeons care for the entire musculoskeletal system – both surgical and nonsurgical.

In addition, orthopedic surgeons treat much more than just sports injuries, including arthritis, fractures, and age related tissue injuries.

Steroid injections deliver a potent anti-inflammatory directly to the affected area. They are frequently used to treat arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and nerve pain. Unfortunately, they do not cure arthritis or reverse joint damage.

Surgery

To ensure the safest outcome for your joint replacement surgery, here are some basic overall health practices to follow:

  • Medical Clearance: Typically the Austin Orthopedic Institute team will have any joint replacement candidate vetted by a specialized group of doctors who focus on the perioperative encounter. They gather all of your health information and may order new labs or tests before making recommendations to keep you safe and happy, both during and after surgery.
  • Prehabilitation: Get active! Strengthening your preoperative function will help with your recovery. A physical therapist can assist you in a plan for your maximal result.
  • Co-Pilot: Joint replacement is not a solo sport – it takes a team. Daily activities and driving are challenging after surgery. We strongly recommend setting up support for the first few weeks after surgery.
  • Bodily Hygiene: Hygiene is critical to the success of your surgery. The AOI team will provide you with protocols to minimize the chances of post-surgical infection.
  • Dental Health: Poor dental hygiene can increase your risk for infection. Dental clearance may be necessary before your operation.

Current dental recommendations after surgery are to delay routine cleaning for three months. Additionally, antibiotics should be taken for one year after your surgery.  For emergency concerns, contact the Austin Orthopedic Institute team.

Recovery times vary for each patient depending on their goals, activity levels, expectations, and the surgical procedure itself. A speedy recovery for one person may be painfully slow for the next. The Austin Orthopedic Institute team is here to assist you with knowledge and direction for your individual recovery!

This is also a question that your provider should answer specifically for you.

Have a Question Not Answered Above?

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, don’t worry; our wonderful customer service team is here to help! Contact us today; we look forward to hearing from you.