Frequently Asked Questions

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.  This will allow for confirmation of your insurance information and the appropriate health information intake form completion.  Don’t forget to bring your current insurance card and a photo ID.  If a co-pay is owed per your insurance, it will be collected at check-in. We also collect on deductibles and co-insurance at the time of service. We accept payment in the form of cash, debit card, Visa, MasterCard, and CareCredit. Checks are accepted for payments due after the claim has been processed and by mail only. If you have any medical reports/films/studies that are related to your reason for the visit, please bring them along too.

Although appointments for new patients tend to be scheduled for about 20 minutes, please bear in mind that each patient has individual needs and issues.  The Providers occasionally get behind schedule because they want to be sure that all of your questions are answered before you leave the appointment.  They provide this level of thoroughness to each and every patient, we appreciate your understanding and patience.

They are both medical providers who can assist you with your orthopedic needs.  Every patient that the Physican Assistant evaluates is under the direct supervision of Dr. Dungy.  Even if you don’t see Dr. Dungy, he and the P.A. have discussed your care during each visit.

The Physician Assistant can order any test that may be appropriate for us to obtain a diagnosis and treat you as thoroughly as possible.  She also can provide injections, write prescriptions for medication and physical therapy, as well as order X-rays and MRI’s.

No, but do bring an accurate list including dosage and directions.

None.  However, if you have diabetes, a seizure disorder or a history of heart problems including high blood pressure, ask your surgeon for specific answers.  Otherwise, do not take any medications the day of surgery.

Yes.  Smoking is associated with poor outcomes including delayed healing and increased infections.

No.  It can lead to serious anesthesia complications.

Let your nurse or doctor know and they will find another drug for you to take as a substitute.

Pain can slow down your activity.  Taking pain medication will make it easier for you to move about and do your exercises.  Ask for pain medication when needed.

Extra fluids given during surgery and trauma from the surgery itself cause swelling, which you may see for the first few days after your surgery.  It often appears around the incision.  Some swelling is common, especially in the operated limb.  Elevation of the operative limb above your heart level helps to decrease the swelling.

Have someone check it every day and watch for increased redness, draining, swelling or warmth.  If the incision is dry, you do not need to keep it covered unless your clothes irritate it.

Dr. Dungy tends to perform a plastic surgery closure for his patient’s hip and knee wounds. Typically, your dressing will be removed during your first post-operative appointment. There are no stitches or staples to be removed.

No.  You should exercise two to three times a day.  If you do more, you might irritate the tissue around the operative site.

Yes.  Remove scattered rugs and other safety hazards on the floor.  Rearrange furniture, if necessary, to be sure you have enough room to move around with ease.  You may need to arrange to have a bed downstairs.  If you must use the stairs, try to go up and down only once a day.

Approximately 14 days after surgery, unless told otherwise by your surgeon.