Patient Resources

Absolutely, and we encourage it. Having someone with you to listen and take notes can be really helpful, especially if you're receiving a diagnosis you weren't expecting or considering treatment options. We welcome family members and partners in the exam room.

It depends on your insurance plan. Many of our patients see us directly, especially those with PPO plans. If you're unsure, text us at (301) 515-0900, send a picture of your insurance card, and we'll help you figure it out before you even schedule. We will always do our best to make sure we have what you need before you show up for an appointment.

Not at all. If this is your first visit for this issue, come as you are. Your doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and order whatever imaging is needed. We have X-ray capability right in our Bethesda and Germantown offices, so you can often get answers the same day. If you've already had imaging done elsewhere, bring the CD or disc. It helps us get to your diagnosis faster.

Yes. Completing your forms online before you arrive is the easiest way to make your visit run smoothly. You can access our patient portal through the link at the top of this page. If you're unable to complete them in advance, arrive 15 minutes early and we'll take care of it at the office.

Your first visit with us typically goes like this: we review your history and symptoms, your doctor does a hands-on physical exam, we may take X-rays in our office if needed, and then we talk through what's going on and what your options are. Our doctors don't rush. The goal is for you to leave your first appointment with a clear understanding of what's happening and a specific plan, not a vague 'let's wait and see.' We also have a new patient highlight on our Instagram @marylandorthospecialists

Insurance card Photo ID Referral letter (if required) Copies of relevant medical records (Surgical reports, MRI/Xray/CT reports, and copies of the imaging on a disc) List of your current medications with dosage and frequency If you've already completed your patient forms online through our portal, you're all set. There is no paperwork at the office. If you haven't, plan to arrive about 15 minutes early.

Our clinical staff will begin your appointment by taking a thorough history and learning about the reason for your visit. We have an X-ray machine in our office and will take images, if necessary for confirming your diagnosis. Your provider will perform a physical examination, review the imaging with you, and thoroughly explain your diagnosis and treatment plan.

Your doctor will tell you during your appointment whether an MRI would be helpful. Not every injury needs one. X-rays and physical examination can diagnose many conditions. If an MRI is warranted, we'll order it and walk you through what we're looking for. We have in-office X-ray at both our Bethesda and Germantown locations.

Medical records requests are handled through our medical records partner, Healthmark Group. You can initiate a request at https://healthmark-group.com/patients/.

Plan for about 45–60 minutes for your first visit. If we're taking X-rays in the office that day, it may run slightly longer. Follow-up visits are typically shorter. We do our best to stay on schedule. Multiple patient reviews specifically mention that we see patients on time, and that matters to us. On days that we may run behind, the staff will communicate that with you.

We offer same-day and next-day appointments at both our Bethesda and Germantown locations. If you've had an acute injury, call us at (301) 515-0900 and we'll get you in as fast as possible. You shouldn't have to wait weeks when you're in pain.

Our providers utilize virtual appointments on a very limited basis. There are certain situations where it may be necessary, but orthopedic conditions are best evaluated in-person in order to provide the most accurate diagnosis and care plan. Our physician assistants use an online Telehealth platform routinely for our pre-operative appointments for patients preparing to have surgery.

We provide a virtual translation service (video and audio) to make sure our non-English speaking patients are fully understood, their care plan was explained to them clearly, and their questions are answered appropriately. More than 380 different languages and dialects are represented on our software.

Our offices are fully stocked with the most common [durable medical equipment](https://www.mdorthospecialists.com/services/custom-durable-medical-equipment/) our patients often need. Our clinical staff is trained in fitting and dispensing this equipment. They will make sure your brace fits appropriately and that you are comfortable removing and applying it. Most of the durable medical equipment our offices use can be billed through your insurance. We also can apply and remove casts in our offices.

Completely understandable, and you're not alone. Many of our patients come in feeling nervous, especially if they're worried about hearing the word 'surgery.' Our doctors are known for exactly this: making people feel at ease. One patient said Dr. Gardiner 'takes the fear out of having surgery and puts his patients at ease.' That's not an accident. Come in with your questions written down, bring someone with you if it helps, and know that no question is a bad question.

Very likely, yes. And that's good news, not bad. Physical therapy is often the most important part of recovery, whether you've had surgery or not. Our PT team is in-house at all three of our locations (physician care at Bethesda and Germantown; PT at Bethesda, Germantown, and our Rockville location), which means your surgeon and your physical therapist are in direct communication throughout your recovery. You're not getting handed off to a stranger.

We accept most major insurance plans including Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, Tricare, and Workers' Compensation. Please call or text (301) 515-0900 to verify your specific plan before your visit.

Bethesda: There is a parking garage directly under the building. The elevator comes from the parking garage and opens in our suite. We offer full validation for our patients. See our "locations" page for detailed instructions & pictures. Germantown: There is a parking structure located behind our Germantown office. It can be accessed using Pinnacle Dr. Parking is free. See our "locations" page for detailed instructions & pictures. Rockville: There is a parking lot right outside our front door. See our "locations" page for detailed instructions & pictures.

Yes. Our team regularly sees teenagers and young athletes. ACL tears, growth plate fractures, overuse injuries, and sports-related conditions are a significant part of our practice. We've been trusted by families in Montgomery County for 30+ years, and that includes taking care of kids. Several of our physicians have specific experience with pediatric sports injuries and know how to communicate with younger patients.

Jessica O’Keefe and Brian Long are board-certified physician assistants who work as an extension of our physicians to provide excellent healthcare. Jessica and Brian are licensed clinicians who diagnose and treat patients in the clinic, as well as assist in the operating room.

Whenever it's appropriate, yes. Our surgeons are highly trained in arthroscopic and minimally invasive techniques, which means smaller incisions, less disruption to surrounding tissue, and typically faster recovery times. When we recommend a procedure, we'll always explain what technique we plan to use and why. If minimally invasive is an option for your situation, we'll use it.

You and your provider will determine an appropriate timeline for scheduling your surgery. If you wish to have it completed as soon as possible, we can normally accommodate your request within 1 month. It may be sooner depending on physician availability.

Our providers perform surgery at a few local facilities. Dr. James Gardiner | Shady Grove Adventist Medical Center Surgery Center of Chevy Chase Dr. Christopher Raffo | Shady Grove Adventist Medical Center Surgery Center of Chevy Chase | Watkins Mill Ambulatory Surgery Center Dr. Peter Fitzgibbons | John Hopkins Suburban Hospital Massachusetts Avenue Surgery Center | Watkins Mill Ambulatory Surgery Center Dr. Gary Feldman | Shady Grove Adventist Medical Center Surgery Center of Chevy Chase | Watkins Mill Ambulatory Surgery Center Dr. John Christoforetti | Shady Grove Adventist Medical Center Surgery Center of Chevy Chase | Watkins Mill Ambulatory Surgery Center