Lancaster Orthopedic Group FAQs

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Material provided in this section is meant to be a supplement to the information given to our patients by the Lancaster Orthopedic Group physicians. We have answered many of the commonly asked questions, provided reminders related to specific care issues, and included links to websites with more complete information on topics of interest. In the event that you still have questions or concerns after reviewing this material, we encourage you to contact your physician.

The general FAQs below are followed by explicit instructions for Casts/Splints, Injections/Aspirations, and Total Knee and Hip Replacements.

How can I get my prescription filled?
Call the office during normal business hours from Monday through Friday. Please do not wait until you are completely out of medication to call for the refill. Call when you have a 2 - 3 day supply left, so your doctor will have ample time to re-order your medication.

Why does LOG charge to have forms completed?
It is the policy of LOG to charge a minimal fee to cover the time spent by our staff and physicians to complete the forms.

How can I get reimbursement for the completion of the Family Leave Act form?
The FMLA gives employers the option of requiring treating physicians to complete forms verifying the need for extended absences from their employees. Contrary to popular belief, this form is not required as part of the Family Medical Leave Act. It was designed as a tool for employers who require independent medical confirmation. Although we request payment from you, the patient, we will be happy to provide you with a receipt to present your employer for reimbursement. Many employers do reimburse for this fee; however, reimbursement policies differ from company to company. Please check with your employer.

Why does LOG charge for copies of X-rays that will be taken out of Lancaster County?
It is the policy of LOG to charge a fee for copies of X-rays to cover the cost of film and the time spent by the technician making the copies. Historically, X-rays that are taken out of Lancaster County to referring facilities get lost or misplaced, and are never returned to LOG. The law requires LOG to maintain records for each patient; information a physician acquires in the course of a patient's treatment is considered confidential and physicians must be extremely careful to maintain complete medical files on individual patients.

How does joint replacement work?
In joint replacement surgery, the worn-out ends of bones (usually protected and "lubricated" by cartilage) are replaced with artificial material - specifically, metal (titanium) and plastic (coated polyethylene). The artifical joint can be implanted with a cement-like material, or it may have a porous coating to which a bone may fuse.

What can I do if my cast gives off an odor?
You may tape some fabric softener sheets over the outside of the cast. If you develop a rash from the fabric softener, stop using immediately.

What if my skin itches inside the cast?
You may use a hairdryer on a cool setting to blow air into the cast, which may help stop the itching. If the itching becomes severe, call the office. Never place a coat hanger or ballpoint pen inside the cast, and never use powder or cornstarch to stop the itching.

What is the status of my account?
If you have not received your Explanation of Benefits from the insurance company for the dates of service in question, contact your insurance company and check on the status before calling the LOG Insurance Department. If you need further assistance, call 717.560.4140.

Does LOG participate with my insurance?
Contact our Insurance Department at 717.560.4140 for a current list of participants.

What should I do if my insurance information changes?
If you have a pending appointment, bring your new card/information with you, or call 717.560.4140 to update your info.

Does the insurance company have my referral?
Your Primary Care Physician submits referrals to your insurance company. Contact your Primary Care office staff for verification, and follow up with your insurance company if you feel there was a processing error. Contact the LOG Insurance Department if your claim will be re-processed.

Has my disability form been completed?
Disability forms usually take 5 - 7 days to process. After this time, you may contact your disability company. If it hasn't received the form, call LOG at 717.560.4200 and ask for the Insurance Room.

When is my next scheduled appointment?
Call 717.560.4200 for assistance. Please note: the incorrect number was published in the September, 2001 phone book.

Keep your cast clean and dry. Do not remove the cotton padding from the cast / splint.
Let your cast / splint dry before applying any weight to it. Plaster will take 2 - 3 days to dry completely, while fiberglass will take about 3 hours.
Cover your cast / splint with a plastic bag during your shower or bath. Avoid getting your cast / splint wet.
Elevate your injured extremity higher than your heart level for the first few days. This will help prevent swelling by allowing the blood fluids to drain from the injured area.
Move your fingers and toes by fully extending them. Exercise improves circulation which will help with healing and prevent swelling.
Use Tylenol or Ibuprofen for pain as directed by the physician.

You have increased swelling and/or the cast / splint feels tight.
You have severe pain unrelieved by medication.
Watch for signs of skin discoloration and/or temperature changes. Compare to other extremity.
You develop a temperature above 101° F / 38° C.
You feel a burning or stinging sensation under the cast / splint.
You see any staining of or discharge from the cast / splint.
You develop shortness of breath, chest pain and/or swelling in the calf or leg.

Use intermittent ice for 48 hours (3 - 4 times a day)
Use gel-pack or ice placed in a hot water bottle or plastic bag.
Always use a dry cloth between ice and skin.
Do not use heat (heat may increase pain)
Rest the area being aspirated for 24 hours unless otherwise instructed by the doctor. If no pain occurs, use the extremity normally.
Keep any ace wrap in place for 48 - 72 hours. Remove for shower only.
You may use the injected area as tolerated.
If redness in the surrounding area or fever occurs, contact your doctor.
You may have some increased pain for 24 - 48 hours after the injection. If not allergic, you may use Tylenol or Advil for pain.
Ice may be used as needed if discomfort persists.
Follow up with a doctor's appointment as instructed

These guidelines have been prepared for you to follow at home. We want to ensure a safe and successful recovery following your surgery. If you have any questions, please call the office at (717) 560-4200

Use your crutches or walker at all times.
Sit in a firm chair with arms so you will have support when getting up and down. Sit with your buttocks higher than your knees and keep your legs 3 - 6" apart. Use a toilet seat with arm supports.
Avoid crossing your legs. Use a pillow between your legs at bedtime to prevent yourself from crossing your legs.
Avoid bending at the waist. Avoid bending your hip joint more than 90 degrees. Avoid external rotation (outward twisting) of thigh and leg.
Do not drive your car until you have permission from your doctor. Generally, this will be approximately six weeks.
Wear your TEDs (support stockings) to prevent swelling of your ankles and feet. Remove stockings at bedtime and reapply before getting out of bed in the morning.
You may shower after your staples have been removed, or as directed by your doctor. Use a bath bench for safety.
Continue with your excercises as directed by your therapist. Avoid "side lifts" for one month. Your doctor will instruct you on this.
Develop a walking program. Start by walking short distances and gradually increase your strength and endurance. You may go outdoors when you feel strong enough. Toe touch to partial weightbearing for six weeks.
Arrange to have your home hazard-free; remove throw rugs, add pillows to chairs, move electrical cords out of the way, etc.
Try to limit going up and down stairs. When you do, up-leading with the good leg, down-leading with the operative leg.
Oral antibiotics are necessary for all local or systemic infections as well as prevention of infection prior to elective surgery or dental work.
You will receive your implant ID card at your first post-op visit to the office.
Do NOT take aspirin or aspirin products if you are taking Coumadin!

You have severe pain unrelieved by medication.
You develop a temperature above 101°F / 38°C or greater.
You develop shortness of breath, chest pain, and/or swelling or pain in the calf of your leg.
Your incision begins to drain.

Use your crutches or walker at all times.
Wear your ace wrap at all times to control knee swelling. When wrapping your knee, begin at mid-calf and wrap to mid-thigh.
Wear your knee immobilizer for walking until you have good control of your quadriceps (thigh muscles).
Continue with your excercises as directed by your therapist.
Sit in a firm chair with arms so you will have support when getting up and down.
You may shower after your staples are removed or as directed by your doctor. Use a bath bench for safety.
Develop a walking program. Start by walking short distances and gradually increase your strength and endurance. You may go outdoors when you feel strong enough.
Do not drive your car until you have permission from your doctor.
Wear your TEDs (support stockings) to prevent swelling of your ankles and feet. Remove stockings at bedtime and reapply before getting out of bed in the morning.
Arrange to have your home hazard-free; remove throw rugs, add pillows to chairs, move electrical cords out of the way, etc.
Try to limit going up and down stairs.

You have severe pain unrelieved by medication.
You develop a temperature above 101°F / 38°C or greater.
You develop shortness of breath, chest pain, and/or swelling or pain in the calf of yor leg.
Your incision begins to drain.