What Are My Options For Torn ACL Treatment Options?

Torn ACL Treatment Options - April 13, 2016

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), is one of the four ligaments responsible for stabilization in the knee. Of the four knee ligaments, the ACL is most likely to become injured and need medical care. Injuries to the ACL generally occur when the knee is twisted and straightened at the same time – for instance – pivoting with the foot in place.

Torn ACL Treatment Options

With prompt attention, ACL injuries can be successfully treated through orthopedic sports medicine. Knowing the possible ACL treatment options can help you have informed conversations with orthopedic specialist and participate in a the development of an effective treatment plan.

Proper ACL Diagnosis

The first step in treating an ACL injury is diagnosis. Diagnosis is generally made after taking several steps.

The doctor will ask the patient specific questions about how the injury occurred
The doctor will ask about the patient’s area of pain to the knee
The doctor will perform a physical examination to determine the target area of pain and injury
A MRI or other imaging test may be ordered for confirmation

The location and severity of the knee injury is crucial to determining which of the torn ACL treatment options will best address the patient’s needs.

Rehabilitation

Depending on the severity of the ACL tear, rehabilitation through physical therapy is a viable treatment option. If the tear is only partial and the knee is stable, an individual may be a good candidate for treatment with bracing the knee and physical therapy.

Surgery

Surgery is a common way of addressing ACL tears. As one of the most common ACL treatment options, surgery allows for the ACL to be repaired or reconstructed. Through Arthroscopic Surgery, the torn ACL is sewn back together using sutures. Reconstruction takes a different approach and often uses a tendon from another area of the body in order to reconstruct the knee.

Recovery Time

Recovery from an ACL time generally takes several months. For those who are receiving surgery, full mobility and usage can be expected six to nine months after surgery. Recovery often includes physical therapy to help build strength and return range of motion after the injury. For those individuals who participate in sports, training to avoid injuring the knee again is key. Failing to make adjustments leaves athletes at risk for having another ACL tear.

Personalized ACL Treatment Options

Discover personalized ACL treatment options based upon your specific medical needs. Contact Dr. Howard Marans at OCOrthopedic+ today. Please click the icon below to schedule your consultation online – or – call 714.979.8981.

Best Reviewed Surgeon For Athletes in Malibu

Best Reviewed Surgeon For Athletes - April 8, 2016

Online reviews and personal referrals are among the best ways to find the a surgeon specializing in treating athletes. The best reviewed surgeon for athletes will have the skills and experience to properly treat a variety of sports injuries. The guide below can help athletes to identify the best surgeon in sports medicine.

Finding the Best Reviewed Surgeon for Athletes

Athletes have unique medical needs due to the nature of their sport. Unlike treatment for other individuals, the treatment of athletes is about more than reducing symptoms and restoring mobility. For athletes, the focus must be on fully restoring strength and movement, while reducing recovery time. This careful balance is not something that should be taken lightly and may not be understood by individuals who do not specialize in sports medicine. Therefore, it is best to find a surgeon for athletes to address sports related injuries.

Reviews and Referrals

Reviews and referrals are available from a number of sources. For athletes, speaking with those who are in and around your circle in your sport is a great place to start. Others who have experience with surgeons for athletes. Coaches and associations are another great source of information on these specialists. Beyond this, asking your primary physician can help, as he or she likely has existing relationships with specialists from a number of disciplines.

Insurance Acceptance

Medical insurance is the largest determining factors in an individual’s out of pocket costs. Additionally, it is the medical insurance that may ultimately determine if certain procedures are covered under the plan. Selecting a healthcare provider who accepts your insurance can decrease the amount of time you spend waiting on insurance. Additionally, this is the best way to ensure that you’re limiting your out of pocket costs.

Follow Up

Sports injuries often require specialized follow up and ongoing treatment after surgery. This process can include exercise and physical therapy. Regular follow ups are especially important after surgery. Recovery should include physical therapy and addressing the root cause of the injury. If care is not taken to address the root cause of the injury, the athlete runs the risk of having the same injury again in the future. Be sure to look for a surgeon who understands this need and who has appointment availability allowing for the treatment of your injury, both before and after surgery.

Best Reviewed Surgeon for Athletes in Malibu

OC Orthopedic+ Dr. Howard Marans has continually been rated as the best surgeon for athletes in Malibu. Discover what sets Dr. Marans apart from other sports medicine surgeons by clicking the icon below – or – calling 714.979.898 to schedule your consultation.

What Are The Costs Associated With Shoulder Impingement Surgery?

Shoulder Impingement Surgery - April 4, 2016

One of the most common painful medical condition impacting the adult shoulder is impingement syndrome. This condition is the swelling of the shoulder due to a rotator cuff injury. Because the muscles in the shoulder are surrounded by bones, they are limited in the amount of room they have to swell. This results in an increase of pressure in the shoulder, resulting in reduced or no blood flow and muscle damage.

Shoulder Impingement Surgery Cost

Surgery is one treatment method to correct shoulder impingement. Understanding what contributes to shoulder impingement surgery cost can help patients to understand if this treatment option can address their needs while managing their budget. Many factors determine the full cost of shoulder impingement surgery. From the surgeon’s time to the ancillary costs not covered by medical insurance. Patients must have a clear understanding of their insurance coverage and select a surgeon who accepts their insurer’s plan.

Pre-Surgical Costs

Surgery is often used after other non-invasive options are not successful – rest, physical therapy, medication, and bracing provide rehabilitation and relief for many patients. The cost of these non-invasive treatment options are significantly less than surgery. Other pre-surgical costs include laboratory test.

Type of Surgery

There are three primary methods of corrective surgery. Each method directly impacts the shoulder impingement surgery cost.

Arthroscopic Surgery – Small incisions are used to access the shoulder. Then, small instruments and a camera are passed through these incisions to make the necessary repairs. This method is less expensive and has a shorter recovery time.
Open Surgery – In this treatment option a large incision is made in order for the doctor to have full access to the injured area. Both, the cost and recovery time associated with open surgery are greater.
Arthroplasty – This treatment method is the most complicated. In this procedure the damaged area is either repaired or replaced in a complicated procedure. There is an extended recovery period needed for shoulder arthroplasty and this treatment method has the highest cost.

Personalized Information on Shoulder Impingement Surgery

For personalized information on shoulder impingement surgery cost based upon your individual needs and medical insurance, contact OCOrthopedic+. Dr. Howard Marans accepts most PPOs and works with other insurance plans to provide service at a reasonable cost. Please click the icon below to schedule your consultation – or – call 714.979.8981.

What Will a Consultation with a Top Orthopedic Surgeon Cost?

Orthopedic Surgeon - March 30, 2016

The cost of consulting with a top orthopedic surgeon will vary with each patient, depending on the diagnostic testing performed to determine the cause of the medical condition. An orthopedic doctor specializes in the care of injuries and degenerative diseases associated with the musculoskeletal system.

Orthopedic Surgeon Consultation Cost

As a pain sufferer with limited range of movement, the orthopedic surgeon consultation cost may be a small price to pay to receive an accurate diagnosis. Only with a precise diagnosis of the condition will a patient be able to receive an optimal treatment outcome for the injury or disease.

Consultation Cost

Determining the orthopedic surgeon consultation cost or estimation may be done at the time of the appointment. An appointment may be scheduled by the primary care physician or by direct patient contact.

OC Orthopedic+ can provide you with an estimate of your orthopedic surgeon costs.

The amount of health care coverage is the largest factor in determining costs.
Without any type of coverage, the orthopedic surgeon consultation cost could add up to around $400.
The amount of co-pays, deductibles and percentage of coverage by the health care provider.
The consultation may require pre-authorization by the insurance company.
To ensure coverage of the orthopedic surgeon consultation cost, contacting your insurance carrier rior to making the appointment date may be required.
The consultation must be referred by a primary care physician in order to be covered.
The orthopedic surgeon is within the preferred provider’s network.
Out of network surgeons may result in higher out of pocket costs.

Orthopedic Surgeon Consultation

Receiving the best care for orthopedic needs starts with the first consultation. Dr. Howard Marans will use all information to execute a treatment program designed around the patient’s injury or disease. Dr. Marans accepts PPO and will work with most insurance companies to provide the best outcome without creating a financial burden. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

Reviews of Top Orange County Shoulder Surgeons

Shoulder Surgeon - March 25, 2016

The shoulder is a remarkable part of the human body. The flexibility of the shoulder allows a person to rotate the arm into various positions which may make the area may be more susceptible to injury. A shoulder injury can limit range of motion and have a negative influence on daily living. Finding the best orthopedic specialist to repair and restore function to the shoulder is critical to returning to normal daily activities.

Reviews of Shoulder Surgeons

The decision to have surgery can be an overwhelming, emotional experience. Shoulder surgeon reviews will help give a patient peace of mind. Reviews can come from a variety of sources.

Check with your primary care physician or other health care professional for referrals.
In some situations, a referral from a health care professional will be the only way the medical insurance will cover the appointment and surgery.
Ask your insurance provider for referral.
If the surgeon is out of network for health care coverage, the out of pocket costs could be higher.
Ask friends, family members, and co-workers for referrals.
Contact OC Orthopedic+

Online Shoulder Surgeon Reviews

The Internet is an amazing resource tool with numerous online databases to check out shoulder surgeon reviews. As a potential patient, take the time to research surgeons within your area who specialize in shoulder surgery.

Research the local databases, online review sites, and statewide review sites
Research the American Academy of orthopedic Surgeons
Research the American Medical Association

Credentials to Search

Take the time to read the shoulder surgeon reviews and focus on the credentials that are the most important for a potential patient. Begin with the surgeon’s background information, including:

Education and medical degrees
Credentials and specialized training
Board certifications
Experience in area of shoulder surgery
Area hospitals where the surgeon is associated.

In the Orange County area – Dr. Howard Marans – is one specialist who is always at the top of shoulder surgeon reviews and referrals lists. Dr. Marans serves the entire Southern California area.

Dr. Marans has over 30 years of experience providing each patient individualized attention. Dr. Marans always begins with a complete medical history, physical examination, and sophisticated diagnostic testing, providing an accurate diagnosis.

Shoulder Surgeon

Upon receiving the accurate diagnosis, Dr. Marans will proceed with the best course of treatment option. Your treatment options may begin with non-surgical methods – Physical Therapy – before proceeding with surgery. Dr. Marans is dedicated to giving patients an optimal outcome to aid in getting back to a normal, active lifestyle. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

Who Is The Best Sports Medicine Doctor In Orange County?

Sports Medicine - March 21, 2016

Orange County offers numerous ways to stay fit and healthy. Everyone has the chance to participate in sports related activities year round because of the favorable weather. Both amateur and professional athletes love every aspect of their chosen sport. Any type of injury or ailment can keep the player away from the game, sports training, or healthy activity.

Orange County Sports Medicine Doctors

Adding to the injury is the overwhelming task of finding one of the best sports medicine doctors to help restore the player to optimal health.

Referrals

The best way to start searching for sports medicine doctors is through referrals. Start by compiling a list from a variety of sources.

Consult the primary care physician.
Call the medical insurance representative to ensure which sports medicine doctors are within the health coverage network.
Consult with others within the peer network including teammates, coaches, friends, and family members.
Search online reviews. Numerous sites are dedicated to effectively helping find the best sports medicine doctors within a specific geographical area.
Contact or search the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons websites to find top rated sports medicine doctors.

Factors to Consider

After compiling the list of the area’s sports medicine doctors, consider specific key factors to narrow down the search.

Availability: Every sports participant expects minor aches and pains as part of the training or game. After an injury, the pain factor may increase significantly. Waiting to see a doctor is not an attractive option. An injured player will want to see a doctor immediately.
Addresses Concerns: Bedside manner is critical to the overall care of the potential patient. The best doctor will give individualized care from the first consultation appointment through the entire treatment process. The doctor will start by taking the time to address all concerns and answer questions in a way to make the patient feel at ease with the choice of care. If a patient does not feel comfortable, a second opinion should be sought immediately.
Accurate Diagnosis: The best doctors will strive to give an accurate diagnosis as the basis to plan a course of treatment. The diagnosis will be figured from a full medical background, physical examination, and various testing procedures.
Non-surgical Techniques: Another component of a quality doctor is the use of minimally invasive procedures. Unless the injury is too severe, non-surgical options should be part of the treatment care plan including physical therapy, rest, prescription drugs, steroid injections, and bracing for support.
Surgical Options: Arthroscopic Surgery is performed by making small incisions as a means to insert small medical instruments and repair the damage. The procedure minimizes the recovery time to allow the patient to return to the sport as soon as possible.

Best Sports Medicine Doctor in Orange County, CA

In Orange County, Dr. Howard Marans will explore all medical means to give his patients the best care for optimal results. For over 33 years, Dr. Marans has maintained a successful practice treating sports medicine in Orange County. Dr. Marans strives to rehabilitate sports injuries using the most effective and cost-efficient means available in the medical industry. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

Sports Medicine Physicians In Orange County, CA

Sports Medicine - March 18, 2016

An Orange County, CA sports medicine physician will focus on helping an athlete improve performance or recover from an injury. From professional athletes to weekend warriors, participating in sports training and physical activities bring about aches and pains – major and minor in nature.

Sports Medicine in Orange County

When the pain increases or an injury has occurred, seeking an Orange County, CA sports medicine physician is the next step.

Focuses on the Athlete

A sports medicine physician focuses on the athlete’s unique needs. Beginning with an accurate diagnosis, the orthopedic specialist will work the athlete to achieve a fast and optimal recovery. Administering various components will help the specialist determine the right course of treatment based on the results.

Reviewing the athlete’s complete medical history will help determine how the injury occurred
Physical examination
Medical testing including, x-rays, MRIs, and other imaging resources

Athletes are normally at the highest level of physical fitness. An injury may cause a disruption or change in the overall fitness level of the person. Depending on the degree of injury, returning to the sport may not be an option. An accurate diagnosis and course of the treatment plan are vital to achieving the best possible outcome.

Course of Action

The accurate diagnosis will determine the course of action in the treatment program. Under some circumstances, the injury may be due to improper training techniques, including over-training or insufficient warm-up practices. Conservative methods may be used to restore the athlete to a normal active lifestyle.

Rest: An injury or weakened muscle may just need time to heal.
Ice: Applying ice to the injured area may help reduce swelling and inflammation.
Physical Therapy: Specific exercises or stretching techniques to strengthen the muscles around the injured area may be implemented.
Bracing: The use of a brace or support aid may help in the healing process.
Drugs: Prescription, over the counter medications, or injections may be administered to help reduce the pain and other symptoms.

Surgery

When an injury is too severe or other approaches do not yield the desired results, surgery may be the only option available. The surgical technique depends on the type and extensiveness of the injury. In most cases, the surgical technique is one of the two following procedures.

Arthroscopy: A less invasive surgical method performed by inserting instruments through small incisions around the injured area. The sports medicine Orange County specialists can use this technique to view, diagnose, and repair the injured area with a shortened recovery time.
Traditional Surgery: Severe injuries with multiple medical factors may require traditional surgery, allowing the physician to gain visual access to the damaged area. The major drawbacks to this approach are a hospital stay and longer recovery time.

Prevention

A sports medicine physician will focus on preventing future injuries as part of the treatment plan. Athletes have an overall desire to return to the sport as soon as possible. The physician will guide the athlete to ensure the introduction back to the training routine is done with proper techniques. Measures are implemented to help eliminate or reduce the risk of repeating or developing a new injury.

Orange County’s Best Sports Medicine Provider

In Orange County, CA, Dr. Howard Marans strives to achieve an optimal outcome for every athlete’s recovery from a sports-related injury. Dr. Marans can also help an athlete improve performance. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

Is Shoulder Arthritis Treatment Covered By Insurance?

Arthritis Treatment Insurance Coverage - March 14, 2016

In the United States, millions of people suffer from pain due to arthritis. When arthritis settles into the shoulder joints, mobility can be difficult and painful.

Treatment for Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis treatment can help to substantially alleviate the symptoms.

Medical Insurance

Under most circumstances, medical insurance will cover the cost of essential health care procedures and medication for shoulder arthritis treatment. The best way to determine if the treatment is part of your coverage is to contact your provider’s claims representative. Depending on your policy’s terms co-pays, deductibles, and qualifying factors will determine the amount of out of pocket costs you may pay for shoulder arthritis treatment.

Accurate Diagnosis

Pain and limited range of movement are two main factors with shoulder arthritis. An accurate diagnosis will be the basis for the various treatment options.

Medical history to determine the beginning of the symptoms
Physical examination of the shoulder area to find signs injury, weakness, tenderness to the touch and pain under applied pressure.
X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging tests to rule out any other type of condition or injury

Should arthritis treatment options with desired outcomes should be discussed. During this time, feel free to ask questions. A highly, qualified orthopedic specialist will treat each patient in an individualized manner by addressing each concern.

Non-Surgical Shoulder Arthritis Treatment

Depending on the degree of degeneration, the treatment option will vary with each individual. At the lower end of the shoulder arthritis, treatment costs are the non-surgical methods. The methods may be used as a way to ease the arthritic conditions of the shoulder area.

Rest or change in lifestyle by reducing shoulder movements may help reduce the pain.
Ice compresses applied to the shoulder area for 30 minutes every three hours or as directed by the health care professional.
By applying ice, the inflammation may be reduced easing painful symptoms.
Over the counter or prescription drugs to help decrease the pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroid injections into the shoulder area to aid in the reduction of the inflammation may be a temporary fix.
Physical therapy may be prescribed to help strengthen the muscles to increase the range of motion to the shoulder area.

Surgical Treatment

When the shoulder pain or arthritic condition affects daily activities, the orthopedic specialists may recommend surgery. Depending on the type of coverage, medical insurance usually covers the surgery of an arthritic shoulder. The surgery is designed to help a patient return to a normal, active lifestyle.

Arthroscopic surgery is performed through small incisions around the affected area to allow for the insertion of miniature medical instruments.
The surgeon will use a small camera to view the area allowing for the instruments to clean around the joint that may be causing the pain.
The procedure does not discard of arthritis completely.
Joint replacement may be used when the arthritis is advanced.
The damaged joint will be replaced an artificial one to help restore movement.

Shoulder Arthritis Treatment

Dr. Howard Marans understands a patient’s simple desire to return to the simplest of daily activities without the limitations of painful arthritis. Accepting various insurances – including PPO – Dr. Marans will design a personal shoulder arthritis treatment plan to achieve an optimal outcome without creating an overwhelming financial burden on the patient. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

Orthopedic Surgeons and Specialists in Fountain Valley

Orthopedic Surgeon - March 11, 2016

Beginning with a patient’s medical history and current symptoms creating distress to any part of the musculoskeletal system, including:

Bones
Joints
Tendons
Muscles
Ligaments
Nerves

Fountain Valley Orthopedic Surgeon

A Fountain Valley orthopedic surgeon will work with each patient to find the best treatment possible. Achieving an accurate diagnosis in imperative to preparing and executing an effective and cost-efficient to treatment plan.

Finding the Best

Each patient will have specific needs for wanting to find the best Fountain Valley orthopedic surgeon. At first, the task for finding an orthopedic surgeon may seem overwhelming. With referrals and reviews, the list of a potential Fountain Valley orthopedic surgeon will be minimized.

Ask your primary care physician for a recommendation.
Your primary care physician will have experience dealing with orthopedic surgeons within the area.
Under some circumstances, the recommendation of your primary care physician is needed to proceed with specialized care.
Consult your medical health care insurance provider’s claims representative for referrals and/or in network doctors.
Depending on the policy agreement, the medical insurance provider may have specific criteria and surgeons within the health care network.
Finding care outside of the network may increase out of pocket costs.
Ask for referrals from trusted family members, friends, work colleagues and others within the social peer network.
Use the Internet to research and review a leading Fountain Valley orthopedic surgeon and specialist within the area.
Medical reviews are available on various sites including social media outlets.
Consult professional databases including the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and American Medical association.
The databases are accessible online with various features to aid in researching the available specialists within a specific geographical area.

Make the Appointment

When you search is over, make the appointment to see a Fountain Valley orthopedic surgeon – like Dr. Howard Marans. Before going to the appointment take the time to write out various questions to ask the doctor. Individualized attention and care are the main factors in finding a highly qualified orthopedic surgeon. The questions may include:

What are the doctor’s credentials? Board certifications?
How many similar procedures are performed on a regular basis?
What are the primary risks to proceeding with this type of treatment?
What is the desired outcome for this specific treatment program?
Does the procedure result in a specific amount of improvement?
What are the non-surgical treatments available? How would this approach help?
Does the procedure require a hospital stay?
How much physical therapy will be needed after the surgery?

An orthopedic surgeon should take the time to answer each question to make the patient feel comfortable with the choice. Individualized care is important for achieving a successful outcome. If, at any time, the patient does not feel comfortable with the choice, a second opinion should be the next step in the care process.

Leading Orthopedic Surgeon in Fountain Valley

In the Fountain Valley area, Dr. Howard Marans is specialized in the treatment and care of the musculoskeletal system. For over 33 years, Dr. Marans has successfully treated the orthopedic needs of his patients in a timely and cost-efficient manner

In some cases, Dr. Marans will see the patient the same day as the accident. Accepting most insurances – including PPOs – Dr. Marans will execute a precise treatment plan to achieve an optimal outcome without creating a financial burden on his patient. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

Costs Associated With Orthopedic Knee Surgery

Orthopedic Knee Surgery - March 7, 2016

Every year millions of people visit local doctor offices or other health care professionals for knee injuries. The mobility of the knee consists of many working components, leaving it vulnerable to various injuries, including:

Fractions
Dislocations
Ligament tears
Degenerative disease

Orthopedic Knee Surgery

In some cases, simple non-invasive procedures are used as a successful treatment option. Severe damage due to injury or disease may require surgical methods to help a person return to a mobile, pain-free lifestyle. The costs associated with orthopedic knee surgery depend on a variety of factors.

Medical Coverage

The biggest contributing factor to the cost of orthopedic knee surgery is the extent of the patient’s medical insurance coverage. Each policy has different terms and conditions prescribed for payment of health care services. Under most circumstances, orthopedic knee surgery is a covered medical procedure through most health insurance policies.

Depending on the policy, a patient may have out of pocket costs for co-pays and/or deductibles. Contacting the medical insurance company’s claims department will help determine the amount of a patient’s out of pocket costs incurred from an orthopedic knee surgery procedure. The health care coverage may only be authorized for in network orthopedic surgeons. Finding out the required procedure for receiving complete orthopedic knee surgery costs coverage will help keep a patient from receiving a surprise final bill. Without medical insurance, the orthopedic knee surgery could cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Testing

An accurate diagnosis is essential for preparing and executing a treatment plan. In order to achieve an accurate diagnosis, the orthopedic surgeon will consider a variety of factors.

Medical history
Explanation of how the injury occurred
The amount of time the knee problem has become an issue in disrupting one’s daily activities
Physical examination
Testing including, x-rays, MRIs, and other imaging equipment

After the diagnosis is confirmed, a treatment program will be designed around the individual patient’s needs.

Surgical Approach

In less severe cases, a change in routine, weight management, rest, or support devices may be used as a way to ease the symptoms without creating a large expense for the patient. Physical therapy or injections are also successfully used. The minimally invasive approach is usually at the lower end of the cost scale.

When the conservative approach does not yield the desired results, surgery is the next option. The costs associated with surgery will depend on the type surgical approach used to repair or replace the damaged area surrounding the knee.

Arthroscopy requires the use of tiny instruments inserted into small incisions to repair the damage to the knee
Arthroscopy is normally the lower cost approach
Open surgery allowing the surgeon a better view of the damaged area
Joint replacement is the most costly surgical approach
Without medical insurance, a patient could pay extremely high out of pocket costs for these invasive treatment procedures

Other Factors

Along with medical insurance coverage, other factors contribute to the final cost.

Hospital stay
Pre-existing conditions
Follow up care, including physical therapy

Leading Orthopedic Knee Surgery Provider in Orange County

Leading orthopedic knee surgery provider – Dr. Howard Marans – works with every patient to find the most cost-effective treatment program. Working with PPOs and other insurance companies, Dr. Marans strives to provide the highest level of care without creating an overwhelming financial burden on the patient. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

Make an Appointment