Frequently Asked Questions

Appointments
Clinical
Billing

Do I need an appointment?

Patients are seen by appointment only. Click here to make an online appointment request.

How long will I need to wait for my appointment?

We will make every effort to run our schedule on time; however, occasional emergencies may force us to change or delay your appointment.

How far in advance should I schedule my visit, what if it's an emergency?

Please schedule all appointments as far in advance as possible. If your orthopedic problem requires immediate attention we will make every effort to accommodate. If an emergency room visit is required please notify our "on call" physician.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

If you are unable to keep your appointment please notify our office as soon as possible.

Can somebody help me fill out required forms?

As a service to our patients and for a nominal fee, a member of our staff will complete any disability or other forms for you.

What kind of training do NWOS physicians have?

The physicians are trained in the specialty of Orthopedics which includes the care of the back and extremities, and the related structures: nerves, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They have also received additional accreditation within the field of orthopedics encompassing arthroscopic surgery, sports medicine, back surgery, total joint replacement, and specialized pediatric problems. The physiatrist on our staff specializes in non-surgical management of orthopedic conditions. A podiatrist on our staff will serve your needs in the care of the foot and ankle including reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery. Each physician devotes time each year to postgraduate education to keep current with the techniques of their specialty.

What if I have a condition your group not manage?

Additional medical problems may require the expertise of your family physician. We will assist you in finding a specialist in problems outside our field. With which hospitals are the doctors affiliated? Our Doctors are associated with: Northwest Community Hospital, Northwest University Hospital, Children's Memorial Hospital, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Loyola University Medical Center and Hines VA Hospital.

If need to be seen immediately. What should I do?

Although each surgeon in our group has his own patients, as associates, one of them is available at all times. Should you have a problem that requires immediate attention and your doctor is not available, you will be seen by the doctor "on call" for our group. You will then be given the option of follow-up care with either the doctor who gave you emergency treatment or with your regular physician.

What if I need to speak with my physician on the phone?

Our telephone policies allow the doctors to care for patients with minimal interruption, yet enable us to take care of urgent problems. A medical secretary, assigned to each doctor, will be your personal contact to this office and your liaison to your physician. Outside of regular business hours, answering service will transmit messages to the doctor on call for this practice. (Regular business hours- Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM).

How do I get a prescription refill?

Prescriptions and refills are filled during regular office hours. It is difficult for the physicians to retrieve medical records during non-office hours, therefore prescriptions cannot be refilled over the weekend. Either you or your pharmacist should give our receptionist or the triage nurse the following information: the name and strength of the drug, pharmacy name and phone number, and the name of your doctor.

Will X-rays harm me?

Your doctor may require x-ray evaluation in conjunction with an office visit. If you have any questions about x-rays, please direct your concerns to the nurse or x-ray technician. If you are, or if you think you are pregnant, please notify our technician before x-rays are taken.

Can I get a copy of my x-ray?

Original x-rays are property of Northwest Orthopedic Surgery. There is a charge of $5.00 per film to make copies and our office must be notified at least three business days in advance for this service.

Does the doctor take Medicare assignment?

Yes

What will I be expected to pay at the time of my visit?

Most often a deductible is required of you. This means that you are responsible for a certain amount of money first before the insurance company pays the reminder of the bill. You may be required to pay a "Co-Pay" fee up front. This usually means a nominal fee for each visit to any physician. We suggest that you contact your insurance company directly with questions regarding any of the above items. We do not always know the specifics of each plan.

What Kind of Insurance Do You Accept?

In addition to Medicare, we are contracted with many insurance companies. Please check with your insurance provider directory to see if we are listed or feel free to contact our office and we can assist you to find out if NWOS is an "In-Network" Provider. We will submit a computerized form to your insurance company for services rendered.

What If I Am "Out of Network"?

If NWOS is out of your insurance plan network, please contact us to discuss our out of network options.

I am in a PPO/POS/HMO -- do I need a referral?

If you are an HMO patient, you most likely will be required to see your PCP, Primary Care Physician, first before seeing any specialist. (Some PPO plans also require a PCP visit).