Here are 4 reasons why some people DON'T want to see an orthopedic doctor (and why they should re-think that decision!)
Dr. Frank Clarke Holmes is a sports medicine and orthopedic physician in Nashville, TN. As a sports medicine physician, Dr. Holmes is trained to assess, diagnose, prevent, and treat sports injuries in patients of all ages, and refer those patients to further services if needed. Sports medicine physicians must complete specialized... more
1) "I was told I have arthritis, and there's nothing that can be done for it."...more than ever, we have numerous tools in the toolbox to treat symptomatic arthritis and also, means to prevent arthritis from progressing.
2) "I consulted with Dr. Google and got all the information I need to treat this problem."...Dr. Google can not listen to you, examine you, interpret your x-rays, evaluate an ultrasound, prescribe medications, perform a helpful procedure, demonstrate/supervise a rehab program, etc. We like Dr. Google. He's a wealth of information, but he has too many limitations to give you what you really may need.
3) "I already saw my primary care physician for this problem and he/she has started treating me."...We love PCPs and strongly endorse their role in the healthcare setting. We think every patient should have one. However, there is no substitute for specialist care. Don't you want to work with a physician that treats your problem on a daily basis?
4) "I don't want to be told I have to have surgery."...90-95% of the problems we encounter in our practice do not require surgery. Even our surgical peers that we really trust are conservative in their care and only operate on our patients when the condition will have a better outcome with surgical intervention. If we can't get you to the point where you need to be, then we will have partners that very likely will be able to do so.
F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.
