Frequently Asked Questions

Our office is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. As our daily schedule is subject to change, please call to confirm office hours.

Yes, we welcome new patients.

A physiatrist is a physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal pain and injury. Musculoskeletal disorders involve the body's muscles, bones, joints and nerves, all of which can be affected by problems ranging from sports and/or work related injuries to degenerative conditions such as arthritis or low back pain. Physiatrists see a wide variety of patients with work-related, athletic and traumatic injuries. The injuries may be either acute or chronic. Every patient can benefit from a physiatrists' evaluation to characterize the problem and then to design a rehabilitation plan to restore the him/her to their optimal functional level. Physiatrists' diagnostic tools are the same as those used by other physicians. They use the history and physical exam together with any imaging studies (x-rays, MRIs, etc) which may be required. Additionally, a physiatrist may perform electrodiagnostic testing to evaluate the nerve integrity. Electrodiagnostic testing primarily focuses on electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies. These tests help the physiatrist to diagnose conditions that cause pain, weakness, and numbness.

 

Physiatrists offer a broad spectrum of medical services intended to prevent surgery or minimize its impact on the patients life. Physiatrists may prescribe drugs or assistive devices, such as a brace or artificial limb. They also use diverse therapies such as heat and cold, acupuncture, trigger point injections, electrotherapies, massage, biofeedback, traction, and therapeutic exercise.

 

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), also called physiatry emphasizes the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders which can cause temporary or permanent impairment. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is one of the 24 medical specialties certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. The specialty focuses on the restoration of function to people with problems ranging from simple to complex physical mobility issues.

 

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is a relatively new medical specialty. Although it began in the 1920s, it did not grow rapidly until the 1940s thousands of young people were left paralyzed by polio epidemics and thousands more returned from World War II with limb amputations and other disabling injuries. As thousands of veterans came back to the United States with serious disabilities, the task of helping to restore them to productive lives became a new direction for the field. The Advisory Board of Medical Specialties granted PM&R its approval as a specialty of medicine in 1947.

 

We allow 45 to 60 minutes for a new patient evaluation. We do not overbook, so please give us as much notice as possible if you will be unable to make your appointment once scheduled. This will allow us to schedule someone on our waiting list. In order to maximize the time spent discussing your medical condition with Dr. Stein, please bring the following item to your appointment:

 

A completed copy of the New Patient Registration Form

• Copy of your medical records (your physician may fax these to our office
• Any Radiographic films (CT, MRI, X-Rays) that have been taken
• Any referrals or authorizations which may be required by you

Our office does not require referrals, but many insurance providers will only cover specialist visits with a prior referral from your primary care physician. Please check with your insurance company to determine whether a referral is required. If a referral is required, it is up to you to contact your primary care physician and request the referral. 

Visit schedules will vary depending on your individual characteristics and your specific disorder. We will discuss the expected length and duration of follow up visits during your initial consultation.

Patients have a better outcome and lower recurrence rate when they understand their disorder. As part of her emphasis on communication, Dr. Stein makes every effort to explain her impressions to you. You, in turn, are expected to play an active role in your care. Dr. Stein values your input and asks for your compliance once there is an agreed upon a plan of care. Even when a precise diagnosis cannot be determined, a treatment plan can still be developed based on educated hypotheses.

You will receive a call quickly with any lab results that require urgent attention. Other abnormal lab results will be addressed promptly by the provider that ordered the labs or tests. Normal values are usually not reported, however, you are welcome to call our office to request a copy of your results.

 

Please keep in mind that while test results can be helpful, they are not necessarily definitive. Many individuals without symptoms have incidental abnormalities on radiological studies (x-rays, MRIs, etc) showing arthritis or degeneration; similarly, many patients with genuine pain have normal x-rays.

 

Please call our office to obtain prescription refills. Requests received during regular office hours will be fulfilled the same day. Allow one business day for all routine prescription refills received after hours.