Preparing for your first orthopaedic consultation

Your first appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon is the foundation for everything that follows. A little preparation makes it far more productive — you leave with a clear understanding of your condition and the options, rather than wishing you had asked something. Here is how to get the most from it.

What to bring

Your GP referral. A referral is required for a Medicare rebate, and it gives the surgeon useful background. Bring it with you or ensure it has been sent ahead.

Imaging and reports. Any recent X-rays, MRI or CT scans, and their reports, are very helpful. If they were done elsewhere, bring the images or the details of where they were performed so they can be accessed.

A list of your medications. Include doses, and note any blood-thinning medication in particular, as this is important for surgical planning.

Your medical history. Note previous surgery, significant medical conditions, and any allergies.

Think about your story beforehand

It helps to organise your thoughts before you arrive. When did the pain start? Where exactly is it, and what makes it better or worse? How is it affecting your sleep, work and the activities you enjoy? What have you already tried — medications, physiotherapy, injections? This history is often as important as the imaging in reaching the right plan.

The clearer you can describe how the problem affects your daily life, the better the advice you will receive.

What to expect at the appointment

The consultation usually involves a discussion of your symptoms and history, a physical examination of the affected joint, and a review of your imaging. The surgeon will explain what is going on, discuss the options — which often include non-surgical approaches — and answer your questions. If surgery is appropriate, the procedure, its benefits and its risks will be explained so you can make an informed decision.

Questions worth asking

Useful questions include: what is the diagnosis, and how certain is it? What are my options, including non-surgical ones? If I have surgery, what does recovery involve and how long will it take? What are the main risks? What happens if I do nothing for now? And, where relevant, what will it cost and what does my insurance cover?

Bring someone with you

It can be very helpful to bring a partner, family member or friend. A lot of information is covered in one appointment, and a second set of ears means more of it is remembered. They can also prompt questions you might forget.

After the appointment

You do not have to decide anything on the spot. It is entirely reasonable to go away, think it over, and discuss it with your GP or family before settling on a plan. The aim of the first consultation is understanding and options — the decision can follow when you are ready.