Frequently Asked
Questions
Answers to the most common questions about orthopedic care, appointments, surgery, insurance, and recovery at Restore Orthopedics & Spine Center in Orange, CA.
Answers to the most common questions about orthopedic care, appointments, surgery, insurance, and recovery at Restore Orthopedics & Spine Center in Orange, CA.
In most cases, no. Many patients self-refer for orthopedic evaluations. However, some insurance plans — particularly HMOs — require a referral from your primary care physician. We recommend checking with your insurance carrier before scheduling. Call our office at (714) 598-1745 and we will help you navigate the process.
We offer same-week appointments for most new patients. Urgent or acute injuries can often be seen within 24–48 hours. Our orthopedic urgent care accepts walk-in patients during regular office hours for acute injuries that cannot wait.
Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any relevant imaging (X-rays or MRI) you have had done. If you have not already completed your new patient forms, you can download them at restore-patient-forms.html. Arriving 15 minutes early helps ensure a smooth check-in.
We offer virtual follow-up appointments for established patients in some circumstances. New patient evaluations and post-surgical visits typically require an in-person visit so we can examine you properly. Call our office to discuss whether a virtual appointment is appropriate for your situation.
We accept most major PPO and HMO insurance plans, Medicare, Medi-Cal, workers' compensation, and personal injury liens. For a current list of accepted plans, please call our office or visit our Insurance page. We will verify your benefits before your appointment so there are no surprises.
Yes. We treat work-related injuries and accept workers' compensation insurance. Our staff can help coordinate authorizations and communicate with your claims adjuster. Please let us know at the time of scheduling that your injury is work-related so we can ensure proper paperwork.
Yes. We offer self-pay pricing for patients without insurance coverage. Please call our billing department to discuss rates and payment options before your appointment.
Surgery is recommended only after conservative treatment has been exhausted. Our philosophy is preservation over procedure — physical therapy, injections, bracing, and activity modification are always explored first. If conservative care has not provided relief after a reasonable trial (typically 6–12 weeks), or if the injury requires surgical repair to heal properly (such as a complete ligament tear), surgery may be the right next step. Your surgeon will discuss all options at your consultation.
Minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions and specialized instruments — often including a camera (arthroscope or endoscope) — to perform procedures that would otherwise require large incisions. Benefits include less blood loss, less postoperative pain, reduced risk of infection, shorter hospital stay, and faster return to activity. Our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques whenever clinically appropriate.
Most orthopedic procedures are followed by a structured physical therapy program to restore strength, flexibility, and function. Your surgeon will provide a specific rehab protocol, and we can refer you to a physical therapist who specializes in post-surgical orthopedic rehabilitation. Starting therapy at the right time — not too early or too late — is critical to a good outcome.
Recovery time varies widely depending on the procedure: minor arthroscopic procedures may require 2–4 weeks, while major reconstructions (ACL, joint replacement, spinal fusion) may take 6–12 months for full recovery. Your surgeon will give you a realistic timeline at your consultation and update it as your recovery progresses.
Absolutely. We welcome patients seeking a second opinion before committing to surgery or a major treatment plan. Bring any prior imaging, operative reports, and consultation notes. Our surgeons will provide an honest, independent assessment of your condition and treatment options. Visit our Second Opinion page for more information.
A spine surgeon specializes in surgical treatment of spinal conditions — performing procedures like spinal fusion, disc replacement, and decompression. A pain management specialist focuses on non-surgical and minimally invasive interventional treatments — injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulation. At Restore Orthopedics, we have both types of specialists working collaboratively to give you the most complete and appropriate treatment plan.
The majority of back pain episodes — even significant ones — resolve with conservative management: activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted injections. Only a small percentage of patients with back pain ultimately require surgery. Our approach is always conservative first, with surgery reserved for patients who have not responded to appropriate non-surgical treatment or who have a condition that is best treated surgically (such as spinal instability or progressive neurological symptoms).
Relief from epidural steroid injections varies considerably. Some patients experience several months of significant relief; others have a shorter response. Injections are typically performed in a series of up to 3 per year. They are most effective when combined with physical therapy to address underlying muscular and postural contributing factors.
Schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified orthopedic specialists.
View accepted insurance plans and learn about our billing process.
Our specialists provide honest, independent second opinions on any orthopedic condition.
Call our team — we’re happy to answer any question before you book your appointment.