When you call for an appointment we will arrange to see you as soon as possible. Because some orthopaedic problems are more urgent than others, we may ask for more information and how soon you would like to be seen. If the problem is an emergency, you will be seen that day. We make every effort to see our patients at their appointed time but emergencies or unexpected surgery occasionally cause unfortunate delays which may necessitate changes in our office appointment schedule. Should such a situation arise, the receptionist will offer you several options:

1. To be seen by another physician or Physician Assistant.
2. To wait until your regular physician becomes available.
3. To schedule a new appointment time.
4. Referral to the emergency room for emergency care.

Occasionally your regular physician will have a full schedule on the day that you need to be seen. While we make every effort to avoid delays and accommodate your visit, emergencies must take precedence. Another physician or Physician Assistant may be able to help you on your preferred day. An analysis of our work schedule reveals that patients tend to be seen more promptly in early morning and early afternoon appointments, and you may want to take this into consideration when requesting an appointment.

If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, we request that you call at least 24 hours in advance to cancel so that we may schedule another patient for that time.