Patient Resources / What to Expect

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your journey to an active, pain-free life starts here. Preparing for your initial evaluation at Joint Health Solutions is simple. Here is everything you need to know before you walk through our doors.

Before Your Appointment

To ensure we maximize our face-to-face time during your visit, we ask that you complete a few steps beforehand:

New Patient Forms

You will receive a link to our secure patient portal to complete your medical history and intake forms online.

Gather Imaging

If you have recent X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans of the affected joint, please request the images (on a disc or digital file) and the radiologist’s report to bring with you.

Dress Comfortably

Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the joint we will be evaluating (e.g., shorts for knee/hip pain, a tank top for shoulder pain).

Step-by-Step: Your Initial Evaluation

Your first visit is comprehensive and typically lasts between 45 to 60 minutes. We do not rush this process.

Step 1: In-Depth Consultation

Your provider will sit down with you to discuss your medical history, how and when your pain started, what activities it prevents you from doing, and what previous treatments you have tried

Step 2: Physical Examination

We will perform a thorough physical exam of the affected area, testing your range of motion, joint stability, muscle strength, and identifying specific areas of tenderness or swelling.

Step 3: Advanced Diagnostics

If needed, we will perform a diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound right in the exam room to get a real-time look at your soft tissues, cartilage, and inflammation levels. We will also review any outside imaging you brought with you.

Step 4: Your Personalized Treatment Plan

Once we have a clear diagnosis, we will outline your options. Because we specialize in non-surgical care, your custom plan may include a combination of physical therapy, image-guided injections, regenerative medicine, IV therapy, and nutrition guidance.

First Visit Overview

Visit Stage Table
Visit Stage What Happens Typical Duration
Check-In Verifying paperwork, ID, and insurance information. 5–10 Minutes
Consult & Exam Reviewing medical history, goals, and performing a physical assessment. 15–20 Minutes
Diagnostics In-office ultrasound or reviewing external X-rays/MRIs. 10–15 Minutes
Plan & Next Steps Discussing treatment options, answering questions, and scheduling therapies. 10–15 Minutes

What to Bring With You

To ensure a seamless visit, please bring the following items to your appointment:

Photo Identification

A valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) for a smooth check-in process.

Insurance Card

Your current health insurance card so our team can quickly verify your benefits.

Current Medications

A complete list of all prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements, including dosages.

Medical Records & Imaging

Any previous medical records, X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans (on disc or digital file) related to your joint pain.

List of Questions

Write down any questions, concerns, or specific goals you want to discuss with your provider during the evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I receive treatment on my first visit?

In some cases, yes. If you are experiencing an acute flare-up, we may provide immediate relief options such as an IM Toradol injection or a basic guided joint injection. However, for advanced regenerative treatments like PRP Therapy, we typically use the first visit strictly for evaluation and will schedule your procedure for a subsequent visit.

In most cases, you do not need a referral to schedule an appointment at Joint Health Solutions. However, if you are utilizing specific health insurance plans (like an HMO), your provider may require a referral. Our front desk team can help you verify this when you book.

We accept Medicare and many major commercial insurance plans for standard consultations, diagnostics, and conventional injections (like corticosteroids). We will verify your benefits prior to your appointment.

Treatments like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy, and Anti-Inflammatory IV Therapy are currently considered elective and are not covered by insurance. We believe in complete financial transparency and will discuss all out-of-pocket costs and financing options before you agree to any treatment.

We pride ourselves on offering prompt care. In most cases, we can accommodate new patient evaluations within a few days to a week.

Reclaim Your Life from Elbow Pain

Take the first step toward living a pain-free, active life.