Preparing for Your Appointment
If You are a New Patient
Arrive approximately 20 minutes early to complete the necessary paperwork.
Bring your insurance card and a photo ID with you. These will be scanned into your chart and serve as a protection against Identity Theft. (Care could be denied without these documents.)
Remember to bring any X-rays, studies, tests or office notes from other health care providers that are pertinent to your visit. (These may have already been sent by your provider for you.) By making sure they are available for your visit we avoid repetitive tests/studies. Together we can help keep health care costs down.
Be prepared to pay your co-pay, if applicable.
After Your Paperwork is Done
A member of our nursing staff will escort you to an exam room as soon as possible. A brief medical history will then be entered into your electronic chart.
You may be asked to change into gym shorts or a gown to facilitate the examination portion of your visit.
Be prepared with any questions you wish to cover with the physician (i.e.; weight-bearing ability and advice, medications, driving a car, returning to work or activities, etc.).
If indicated by your physician, or previously ordered in your chart, X-rays may be taken prior to your visit.
Your Physician Visit
Be prepared to explain your problem as thoroughly as possible. Onset, duration, pain level – no detail is unimportant. This will help us get to know you better, and on the healthy track faster.
Physical Exam
At this point, additional tests, studies or surgery may be ordered. These will be scheduled before you leave. Please make sure all your questions are answered and next steps made clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I saw my doctor in Redwood Falls, but my bill came from Mankato.
A: All of our bills, for all of our out-reach clinics, are mailed from our Mankato office.
Q: Can someone else pick up my record?
A: Usually, however, we need your authorization for that.
Q: Will my insurance cover this treatment?
A: Please call our insurance department at 507-386-6603 to get detailed information on what part of your procedure is covered.
If You are a Returning Patient
Please stop at the front desk to acknowledge that you are here. You may need to update some information for your chart and/or provide your current insurance card.
Be prepared to pay your co-pay, if applicable.
Release Information
The Health Information Department maintains all records related to the care you have received at The Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic. Access to medical records is protected by federal HIPAA regulations.
Copies of records may be released upon receipt of an Authorization to Release and Disclose Patient Information form completed by the patient (if over 18 years of age) or parent/legal guardian. The authorization form must be completed in its entirety or OFC will be unable to release your records.
You may obtain the form by utilizing one of the following methods:
- Print the authorization form.
- Request a form from the Health Information Department by calling 507-386-6602.
- Stop at OFC: 1431 Premier Drive, Mankato, MN