Patient Resources

Welcome to Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists where, for more than 90 years, patients in need of orthopaedic treatment have found specialized care, the latest technologies and the most advanced practices provided by the finest professionals in the field. Over the years our practice has expanded and is hailed as one of the finest on the East Coast. Our basic philosophy has always been to provide those who come to us with the most courteous, sympathetic treatment and with the highest quality of medical care.

Our office hours are by appointment only from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday – Friday.

Co-payments are due at the time of your visit as established by managed care companies and HMOs. If insurance is not being filed, we ask that you pay your bill in full at the time of your visit.

Call 757-321-3360 to schedule an appointment. Please have the following information available:

  • Nature of the problem
  • Type of insurance you have
  • Whether you have X-rays or MRIs to bring
  • Name of referring physician
  • Physician you prefer to see
  • Referral for HMO patients (if required)

We try to do our best to accommodate work schedules, any special circumstances or emergencies. We also have Express Care available for urgent care injuries. In this instance, appointments can be made for the same day or within 24 hours.

Refills for prescriptions need to be called in to the office between 8:45 AM – 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Medications cannot be approved for refill without a review of your chart.

Please call to refill your prescription(s) before you run out, remembering to take weekends and/or holidays into account. Without first accessing your chart for review, your doctor may not be able to authorize a refill.

When calling in your prescription, have the medication bottle in front of you so that you will be able to give both the name of the medication and the phone number of the pharmacy.

The physicians at Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists are available for emergencies 24 hours a day.

Daytime: During regular office hours our physicians are available by calling (757) 321-3300. For an appointment call (757) 321-3360.

After Hours: After regular hours, please call our answering service at (757) 875-9479. The on-call physician will return your call.

Please bring any current x-rays and MRIs with you when you come for your appointment. A doctor’s report alone is not sufficient for our doctors to make a diagnosis.

  • Swelling: begins at the time of injury and usually increases over the first 48 hours after the injury. Swelling then usually begins to decrease. Swelling is normal and is part of the healing process. Swelling can be reduced by keeping the injured part elevated above the heart and by applying ice to the injured part during the first 72 hours after the injury.
  • Circulation: Tingling and numbness often occur in the injured area and can be relieved by changing the position of the injured area frequently unless your physician advises you against it. Numbness that is not directly at the injured location, trouble moving fingers or toes of the injured limb (unless the injury was to fingers or toes), or severe pain may be a sign of nerve injury or reduced blood flow. You should contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if any of these symptoms develop.
  • Pain: While anti-inflammatory medication is recommended for pain, it will not totally relieve the discomfort of a bad sprain or fracture. The pain should decrease 72 hours after injury.
  • Cast/Splint Care: Keep the cast and padding underneath the cast dry. Do not poke under the cast with any objects as you could scratch the skin or break off pieces of the cast.

It is the responsibility of the patient to have a valid referral or referral authorization number for each visit. This would include post operative visits, referrals from the emergency room, referrals from other physicians and ALL follow up care, etc. Please ask for a copy of your referral so that you can keep up with the number of visits.

The billing office is open Monday through Friday from 8:05 AM – 4:50 PM to answer any questions you may have about your bill. Please call 757-321-3300 (option3) and ask for the billing department. We do not bill auto insurance or any other third party.

Due to the large volume of patients we see each day, physicians are not able to answer all phone calls immediately. Your doctor’s secretary will answer your call and take a message for the doctor. The doctors will make every effort to return all phone messages by the end of the day.

Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists participates with most major insurance plans including: Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Sentara/Optima, Aetna, United HealthCare, Champus, Coventry/First Health, Medicare, Medicaid, Cigna, and HealthKeepers.

As a courtesy to our patients, Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists will file your primary and secondary insurance claims.