Thank you for
selecting The Center for Orthopaedic Injuries & Disorders.
Our Physician, Physician Assistant, Allied Health Staff and administrative personnel all work together to provide quality orthopaedic care.
Orthopaedic surgery
involves the preservation and restoration of the function
of the musculoskeletal system. This includes the
treatment of acute injuries and disorders of the muscles,
bones, tendons, ligaments, and joints. It also includes
the treatment of chronic conditions such as arthritis,
bursitis, and musculoskeletal pain, as well as the
treatment of children's malformations and growth
disorders.
The
treatment of Orthopaedic conditions involves a variety of
techniques including physical therapy, splints and casts,
medications and injections, and occasionally surgery. Dr Theodore P. Vlahos at the Center for Orthopaedic Injuries & Disorders has
expertise and special interest in all areas of the body,
including the hand and upper extremity, shoulder, neck and
back, hips, knees, and lower extremity and foot. Members of Our Team have special training and interests in the
following areas;
BOARD
CERTIFICATION
Dr. Vlahos is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners. Dr. Vlahos is also experienced as an Expert Medical Advisor with the State of Florida. The Doctor is on staff at the Morton Plant Mease Countryside and Dunedin Hospitals, Morton Plant Hospital, and University Community Hospital.
YOUR TIME IS VERY VALUABLE
We
sincerely respect the value of your time. However,
surgeries and emergencies may cause unforseen delays in
our scheduling. You may call ahead to verify that the
doctor is on time. If the doctor is not able to see you,
the receptionist will reschedule your appointment for the
earliest possible time.
If
you must be seen immediately for an urgent problem, let
the receptionist know when you call. Please respect the
right of the patient who has a previous appointment to be
seen at his appointed time. However, your care and
comfort is important and of utmost concern to us.
EMERGENCIES
In case of emergency please go
directly to the Emergency Room at your nearest hospital.
The staff there will contact the Orthopaedic surgen on call for further
instructions. You have the right to request direct care
from The Center of Orthopaedic Injuries & Disorders, Dr. Vlahos when in the emergency
room.
Should you require urgent consultation during normal office hours, please contact our office for assistance from our staff. After normal office hours, we can be reached through the answering service by calling our main phone number. A medical staff member will return your call as soon as possible. (Please consider that the Doctor may be in surgery, in the emergency room or involved with other patients.)
OFFICE
HOURS
The Center for Orthopaedic Injuries & Disorders is open Monday through Friday,
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Appointments are scheduled by
telephone during these hours. (727) 772-0819.
For more information on the Doctor’s schedule, please call our office.
FEES
Payment
for your first office visit is expected at the time
service is rendered. Our surgery and fracture charges are
standardized and include a period of follow-up care.
During this time you will not be billed for office calls.
However, you will be billed for x-rays, casts, splints,
and other supplies. Our fees for the first visit or
treatment of a specific problem will be slightly higher
than the fees for follow-up visit(s).
We are happy to discuss fees with you and we can estimate proposed fees for any procedure.
Billing processes can become
complicated unless we all make a concentrated effort to
seek understanding and direction. Our Patient Account
Manager will be happy to discuss financial matters with
you at any time.
INSURANCE
As a service is rendered, our office
prepares and submits standardized insurance claims
directly to all primary insurance carriers. The amount
the insurance company will pay is determined by the terms
of your policy. We also bill secondary insurances for all
patients. However, responsibility for payment of your
bill is yours regardless of the insurance provided. You
will receive a monthly statement from our office as long
as your account is active. Questions on insurance or
account balances, call (727) 772-0819.
PRESCRIPTIONS
Your doctor may prescribe medication
as part of the treatment. If you have problems with your
medication please call us for advice since some types of
drug reactions can be serious.
Routine medication refills will not be given after 5:00pm or on weekends. Any routine request made after office hours will be filled the following business day..
Please be advised all refill requests for PAIN MEDICATION will be conducted during scheduled office visits only.
MEDICAL
RECORDS
Strict laws govern the release of
confidential medical information to third parties. We must
have your written authorization specifically directing us to release information to any third party other than your insurance carrier.
We make every effort to keep your medical records personal and confidential. Records of your treatment are the property of the The Center for Orthopaedic Injuries & Disorders.
TELEPHONE POLICIES
Please feel comfortable calling our
office with any questions you might have. Our
receptionists and staff are trained to take
accurate messages and to work closely with the Doctor
in answering questions.
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