MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute

Referral and authorization requirements for orthopedic care and spine specialists vary by insurance plan. If you’re unsure, check with your insurance provider.

• PPO patients: Usually do not need a referral to see an orthopedic specialist, but may need prior authorization for services like surgery or advanced imaging.
• HMO patients: Usually need a referral from their primary care doctor and prior authorization for orthopedic or spine procedures.
• Medicare patients:
  • Original Medicare: Usually does not require a referral or prior authorization for most orthopedic services (with some exceptions).
  • Medicare Advantage: Requirements vary. HMO plans often require referrals and authorization; PPO plans usually do not require referrals but may require authorization for surgery or imaging.

Our team can help coordinate referrals and approvals for your orthopedic or spine treatment.

In many cases, surgery is not the first step. At the MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute, we take a step-by-step approach to orthopedic and spine care and recommend non-surgical treatment whenever possible.

Depending on your condition, non-surgical options may include physical therapy and rehabilitation, pain-relief medications, image-guided injections, and activity or lifestyle changes. These treatments can often help reduce pain, improve movement and function, and help you avoid or delay surgery.

Our specialists also work closely with your primary care doctor to determine the right timing for care. Surgery may be considered if non-surgical treatments are not effective or if there are clear medical reasons, such as nerve compression, worsening symptoms, or loss of function. If surgery is needed, we make sure you are fully prepared for the best possible outcome.

Advanced technology can help improve the accuracy, personalization and consistency of orthopedic and spine surgery — especially for complex procedures.

At MemorialCare, tools like Mako® robotic-assisted surgery, 3D imaging and AI-supported spine navigation help surgeons create detailed plans based on your unique anatomy before surgery and provide added guidance during the procedure. This supports a more personalized approach to care, rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.

These technologies can help surgeons place implants more precisely during joint replacement surgery, improve alignment, reduce impact on healthy surrounding tissue and support better long-term joint function and spine stability. In some cases, they may also help reduce complications and support a faster recovery.

Recovery after joint or spine surgery is different for every patient and depends on the type of procedure, your overall health and your recovery goals. Many patients begin walking and performing light activities shortly after surgery, especially after minimally invasive procedures that may reduce tissue damage and support faster healing.

In general, you can expect:

• Walking and light movement soon after surgery, often the same day or within 24 hours.
• A hospital stay ranging from the same day to a few days, depending on the procedure.
• A gradual return to everyday activities over the following weeks. Many joint replacement patients can resume most routine daily activities within several weeks, although some discomfort and swelling may continue during healing.
• Return to work, exercise, driving and more physically demanding activities may take several weeks to several months, depending on the surgery and your progress in rehabilitation.

More complex procedures, such as spinal fusion or revision joint surgery, typically require a longer recovery period and may involve temporary restrictions on lifting, bending, twisting or other activities while the body heals.

Your care team will create a personalized recovery and rehabilitation plan to help you safely rebuild strength, improve mobility and return to the activities that matter most to you.

You may need DME for a short time after surgery to help you recover more safely at home. Depending on your procedure, this may include:

• For walking: Walker, cane or crutches
• For the bathroom: Raised toilet seat, commode, shower chair, tub bench or grab bars
• For daily tasks: Reacher, sock aid, long-handled sponge or shoehorn
• For spine support, if prescribed: Brace or other support device

Your care team will recommend the equipment that best fits your procedure, mobility level and home environment.

In many cases, choosing not to have surgery is safe—especially if symptoms are mild.

Non-surgical treatments for orthopedic conditions and spine problems can help reduce pain and improve movement. However, if the condition worsens over time, you may experience:

• Increased pain or stiffness
• Reduced mobility or function
• Worsening joint damage
• Increased nerve pressure

We’ll help you understand all your treatment options so you can make the best decision for your health and lifestyle.

All surgeries carry some risk, but modern techniques and careful planning help reduce complications.

At MemorialCare, we focus on safety at every stage of orthopedic and spine surgery. Advanced tools, such as robotic guidance, improve precision and consistency.

Risks vary by procedure but may include:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Implant issues
• Nerve-related problems

Your surgeon will explain your specific risks and how we work to reduce them.