Rooted in Santa Rosa | Reaching New Heights
Frequently Asked Questions
New Patients
On your first visit to our office, please plan to:
Bring a list of all medications you are presently taking and a detailed list of all previous surgical procedures. If you are coming for a second opinion or a referral from a distant or outside medical group (Kaiser) bring all of your medical records and imaging studies (x-ray, CT-scans, and MRI’s). Do not assume that these facilities or outside physicians have sent us your records or imaging studies if you have requested them to do so. These records WILL NOT arrive at our office most of the time.
Bring your insurance card and a photo I.D.
Patients who are Minors
If your minor child is a patient, please do not send them alone. Minors coming in without a responsible adult will have their appointment rescheduled to a time when the responsible adult can accompany them. It is unlawful for us to treat a minor (under 18 years of age) without the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
Prescription Refills
If you are taking medications prescribed by our physicians and you need a refill, please call your pharmacy first. Your pharmacy will fax over the refill request, per established guidelines. We ask that you allow 48 hours for processing your request. Make sure you call in your refill while you still have a few days of medication remaining to get you through the 48 hour period. Refill of narcotic medications are not emergencies. Narcotic and/or pain medication will not be filled by the on-call physician during the week or weekend unless you are within 14 days of surgery.
Patient Dismissal
Redwood Orthopaedic Surgery Associates reserves the right to discontinue treatments or discharge a patient at any time. If this occurs, we will provide you with a list of other local orthopaedic surgeons who may be able to address your needs. We will provide emergent orthopaedic care to these patients for 30 days after a patient has been terminated. An explanation as to why the termination has occurred does not have to be provided to the patient.
Patient Registration
When scheduling your appointment, registration and health history questionnaires will be sent via FormDr or given at the time of your appointment. Sutter will automatically send a request, however we do not have access and will be unable to view results. Please disregard requests from Sutter.
"Orthopaedic" vs "Orthopedic"
Both refer to the medical specialty dedicated to the musculoskeletal system. The variation comes down to regional spelling preferences and tradition. While "orthopedic" is the standard American English spelling and most common in standard US medical practice, "orthopaedic" is the traditional (and British English) spelling widely preferred by major US academic centers, professional organizations like the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and our founding partners.