Before Your Appointment
A little preparation can help your physician better understand your condition and make the most of your first visit.
If you have questions about your insurance, authorization, previous imaging, or anything else you may need before your appointment, please call our office.
What to Bring
Please bring the following to your appointment:
- Photo identification
- Insurance card
- Referral or authorization, if required by your insurance plan
- Relevant medical records, if you have them
- Prior imaging related to your current problem, including the actual images when possible, not only the written report
- A current list of your medications
- Any new patient forms our office has asked you to complete in advance
Please arrive early enough to complete any remaining paperwork before your appointment.
Previous X Rays, MRIs, and Imaging
If you have already had an X ray, MRI, or other imaging related to your current problem, please let our office know where it was performed and bring the actual images with you when possible.
Your physician will consider your imaging along with your symptoms and physical examination to better understand your condition.
You do not need to obtain an MRI on your own before your appointment. Your physician will determine whether additional imaging is necessary after evaluating your condition.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your physician will take the time to understand your symptoms or injury, how the problem is affecting you, and what you want to get back to doing.
Your visit may include a physical examination and review of appropriate imaging. Your physician will then explain what may be causing your problem and discuss the treatment options that may be appropriate for your individual condition and circumstances.
Seeing an orthopaedic surgeon does not automatically mean you will need surgery. Nonsurgical treatment may be considered when appropriate. If surgery is recommended, your physician will explain why and discuss your options with you.
Insurance and Authorizations
OC Sports & Orthopaedics participates with many insurance plans, but coverage and network participation depend on your individual plan.
Some insurance plans may also require a referral or authorization before you can see a specialist. Please make sure any required authorization has been obtained before your appointment.
If you are unsure about your coverage or requirements, contact your insurance carrier, primary care physician, medical group, or our office before your visit.
Your Physician and Location
OC Sports & Orthopaedics sees patients in Mission Viejo, Anaheim, and San Juan Capistrano.
Dr. Daniel Duggan sees patients in Mission Viejo, Anaheim, and San Juan Capistrano.
Dr. Sharoun Porat sees patients in Mission Viejo and Anaheim.
Our physicians divide their time between seeing patients in the office and performing surgery, so physician availability varies by location and day. Please refer to your appointment information or call our office if you are unsure where your appointment is scheduled.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Go to the emergency room rather than waiting for an office appointment if you have:
- An obvious deformity after an injury or suspected major fracture/dislocation
- An open fracture or bone visible through the skin
- Loss of circulation to an arm or leg (cold, pale, blue, or no pulse)
- New significant numbness, weakness, or loss of function after an injury
- Severe uncontrolled bleeding
- Rapidly increasing swelling or severe pain after an injury, especially if it seems out of proportion
- Signs of a serious infection (significant redness/swelling with fever, drainage, or rapidly worsening symptoms)
- Any significant head, neck, or spine injury, particularly with neurological symptoms
- Any major trauma with possible injuries beyond the musculoskeletal system
For less severe, stable injuries with no immediate threat to the limb or overall health, calling the office first is reasonable. When uncertain and symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, the physician's stated preference is that the patient seek emergency care rather than wait.
Have Questions Before Your Visit?
If you are unsure what to bring, whether your authorization is complete, where your appointment is scheduled, or whether you should bring previous imaging, call our office before your visit.
Our staff can help you understand what you need so you can arrive prepared for your appointment.