Information for new patients
FAQs
Q: When should I see an orthopedic specialist?
- If your joint pain is keeping you from participating in daily tasks or enjoying your favorite activities, it is probably time to seek orthopedic care. At UT Health East Texas, our orthopedic team treats a wide variety of joint injuries and conditions. For a full list of services, click here.
Q: What orthopedic conditions do UT Health East Texas caregivers treat?
- At UT Health East Texas, our orthopedic team cares for a wide variety of joint injuries and conditions. For a full list of services, click here.
Q: Do I need a referral to make an appointment with UT Health East Texas Orthopedic Institute?
- You do not need a referral to be seen by one of our orthopedic doctors, although some insurance companies and plans do require you to be referred by a primary care physician to receive health services. To ensure no referral is needed, please call your insurance company.
Q: What is diagnostic testing, and how does it help me?
- Diagnostic testing helps our physicians determine the cause of your orthopedic issues. Most orthopedic injuries or conditions require the use of imaging and radiology tests like X-rays, bone scans or other exams, which are painless. To diagnose arthritis, the patient may be asked to give a sample of joint fluid for laboratory testing. This process is minimally invasive and should not cause severe pain.
For questions about the diagnosis process, talk to your orthopedic caregiver.
Q: Where can I go to receive orthopedic testing and treatment?
- UT Health East Texas provides orthopedic services at six locations across the region. For more urgent injuries that require immediate attention, please visit our one of our urgent care or emergency clinics.
Meet the Team