FAQs

No, applying antibiotic ointment to your incision after surgery is not necessary.

You are welcome to contact us directly or reach out to your dental office for assistance.

Wear them until your first post-operative appointment, and during that visit, ask your surgeon for further guidance.

This will depend on the physician’s professional discretion.

Please refer to your post op instructions packet regarding dressing changes.

Please refer to the cast care handout for detailed instructions.

This will depend on the physician’s professional discretion.

Yes, this is considered normal.

Please do not bring an ice machine from a previous surgery to the hospital. You may inform the hospital staff that you have one at home, but you may still receive a new machine in accordance with the hospital’s infection control protocol.

No, you only need to inform airport security that you have had a total joint replacement.

Please contact us at least five days before your medication is due to run out.
How soon can I have my vaccines in proximity to surgery (example: shingles vaccination, influenza, pneumonia, etc…) The decision will depend on your surgeon’s professional recommendation.

It is normal to experience popping after a scope procedure, as long as it is not accompanied by pain. Popping in a joint can also occur naturally, even without prior surgery. As long as there is no discomfort, this is generally not a cause for concern.

It is normal for your knee to feel stiff after periods of inactivity or sitting. This stiffness typically improves as you begin to move, and it will continue to get better over time.

Joint replacements are made of metal and plastic, and it is normal for them to make sounds. Over time, you will likely notice these sounds less as you recover from surgery.

If you received paperwork in the mail, please bring the completed forms along with your insurance card or workers’ compensation/market value adjustment (MVA) insurance information. Additionally, bring a current list of medications you are taking, any relevant medical records related to your visit, and a list of questions you may have.

This test evaluates the health of your muscles and nerves to identify any abnormalities. Small needles, similar to those used in acupuncture, are inserted into select muscles, and electrical stimulation is applied with and without the needles.

Take over-the-counter Miralax, stool softeners, or magnesium citrate, and be sure to drink plenty of fluids. You can also try drinking prune juice, and if possible, get up and walk around to help alleviate discomfort.

The hospital will contact you 1 to 2 days before your surgery to inform you of your arrival time.

Medicare requires a minimum of 10 days between epidural injections and mandates a follow-up visit with your physicians before scheduling another injection. If you do not have Medicare, your physician will determine the appropriate interval between injections. Typically, patients are allowed 3 to 4 epidural injections within a 12-month period.

This will depend on the physician’s professional discretion.

We cannot give recommendations on legally driving. You will need to be completely off prescription pain medication and cannot drive with boots or casts/splints/slings on. Do not drive if you have weight bearing restrictions. Call if you have further questions.

We recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment one year after surgery, and subsequently every 5 to 10 years, unless you experience any issues with the joint.

Please consult your primary care physician (PCP) for guidance. If you are taking an anticoagulant, seek advice from your surgeon.

Referral requirements vary by insurance plan. Contact your insurance provider to confirm if Orthopedic Institute is in-network.

Prior authorization requirements vary by insurance plan and procedure.
Orthopedic Institute will initiate the request, but it is your responsibility to ensure authorization is obtained before the procedure.

It is always best to contact your insurance company and ask if they have any requirements for referrals or preauthorization.

Please call the main number 605.331.5890 and ask for medical records department.

Orthopedic Institute continues to provide quality care. Contact your insurance provider with questions about your plan.

Charges may apply for certain supplies, including durable medical equipment like braces or boots.

Yes, it is required to file a claim with your insurance company. Bring your card to every visit, and co-payments are due at the time of service.

The fracture treatment initiates a global period, during which follow-up office visits are included and will not incur additional charges for a specified period of time. For more information click here.

You are responsible at the time of service. Statements for any remaining balances are sent 30-45 days after services are rendered and your insurance has processed your claim and issues an Explanation of Benefits (EOB).

• After your insurance processes the claim, Orthopedic Institute will send a statement with any out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles or co-insurance.
• Statements are sent approximately 30-45 days after your visit.

Out-of-pocket costs (co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, or non-covered services) are determined by your insurance plan.
For questions, contact your insurance provider directly.

Please call the main number 605.339.6834 and ask for the billing department.

Please call 605.331.5890.

The fax number is: 833.918.2049

Click here for a complete list of locations.

You can find the hours and locations of all our walk-in clinics here.