Frequently Asked Questions

Waterbury Orthopaedic Associates provide diagnosis and treat orthopaedic diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system including the bones and joints of the arms, legs, spine and related structures such as nerves, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The goal of our fellowship-trained orthopaedic physicians is to return you to optimum health and get you back to your normal lifestyle as quickly as possible.

The frequently asked questions below are designed to answer the most common questions asked by our patients. You may also browse our website for more specific information. Should you have any further questions, please refer to our Contact page.

Billing Questions

Will you send claims to my secondary insurance?
Yes!
If I pay in full at the visit, will you still submit to insurance for me?
Absolutely!
If I pay in full at the visit, will you still submit to insurance for me?
Cash, check, MasterCard, Visa and Discover.
I need to speak to someone about my bill. Can I speak with someone in your office about it?
Yes! Unlike many medical offices who hire outside billing agencies, our billing staff works in our office and is generally available from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. to answer any billing questions you may have. Just call 203-755-0163 and ask for billing. One of our highly trained financial people will be happy to assist you.
Does my insurance pay for in office procedures?
While most in office procedures are covered by insurance, it is your responsibility to check with your plan for specific reimbursements, as each insurance contract is different.
What if I do not pay for my co-payment at the time of service?
Co-payments are required at the time of service. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and personal checks. ATM services are available in the area.

General (Non-Medical) Questions

I have a non-medical problem and I am not sure who to speak to.
Our office employs an Operations Manager who oversees the daily operations of the practice. Our Operations Manager is Robyn Lerz who is the one responsible for making sure that the office runs efficiently and smoothly.

Robyn reports to our Practice Administrator, Pam Nole. Should you have any questions, problems or concerns of a non-medical nature and you need to speak to our Administrator, you should feel free to contact her at 203-755-0163 or via email us at pnole@waterburyortho.com.
I belong to the local chamber of commerce and we are interested in having someone come in and talk to us about sports medicine. Can a doctor in your group do that?
Yes! Our physicians are always happy to provide information about a variety of topics relating to orthopaedics to the public. For information or to arrange a lecture, please contact our Administrator.
I am interested in applying for a job at Waterbury Orthopaedic Associates, P.C. How do I go about giving you my resume?
We are always interested in speaking with qualified, quality individuals regarding employment with our practice. We hire from time to time in clinical areas such as medical assistants and x-ray technicians. We also occasionally have a need for people in the financial services, administrative and reception areas of the practice.

We offer excellent benefits such as profit sharing, 401K, paid time off for vacations, sick days and personal time, health and prescription insurance, company social functions such as a holiday party and disability insurance, just to name a few.

To apply for employment with us, simply send us a copy of your resume along with a cover letter. You can also email us. We accept applications in the office from 10 am until 2 pm Monday through Friday.

Medical Questions

When can I expect test results for tests that were ordered by my doctor?
Upon completion of a test the imaging facility or provider will fax the report to the ordering physician. A follow up appointment is scheduled to review the results. In the event it is necessary for you to be seen sooner than scheduled then our office will contact you.

While it is rare, if you do not hear from us, please call our office at 203-755-0163 for advice from your physician’s medical assistant.
How long will it take for the office to call me back when I have a question or need test results?
Our highly trained staff will review your message and or test results with your doctor and return your call promptly. In the event that your physician is out of the office then the on-call provider will address your needs. Rest assured that in emergency situations, your call would be answered immediately.
I really want to speak to my own doctor when I call the office. Why do I have to speak to the medical assistant when I ask to speak to the doctor?
It is important to recognize that our physicians see patients in the office 2-3 days per week and they perform surgery at Waterbury and St. Mary’s Hospitals on a regular basis. They also participate in continuing orthopaedic education. When your physician is not immediately available for you to speak with the medical assistant can respond to your questions or concerns so that you can get information quickly.
How do I reach a doctor after hours?
During non-office hours, our phones are forwarded to an answering service. Our answering service will have the physician on call return your call. Please remember to keep your phone line free once you contact the answering service so that the physician can get back to you.
Are my medical files and information confidential?
Absolutely! We highly value the confidentiality of all of our patients and their medical and personal information. We never release information to anyone without your written consent.
Do you treat sports injuries?
The physicians and clinical staff are trained experts in the field of sports medicine. In our care of high school, collegiate and recreational athletes, we are involved in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of all sports injuries. Our diagnostic evaluations, surgical capabilities and rehabilitational facilities employ the most modern and sophisticated techniques available. Our knowledge and resources are directly focused on returning athletes to full sports participation as quickly as possible.
What is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a procedure which consists of looking in to the major joints (knees, shoulder, ankles, elbows) with a small microscope and performing procedures to correct abnormalities that may be present. This procedure is available through all of our physicians.
Do your physicians perform joint replacements?
The physicians of Waterbury Orthopaedic Associates, P.C. have performed hundreds of total joint replacements. Over the past thirty years, as improvements have developed we have remained on the forefront of technology and surgical techniques.
Do you test for osteoporosis?
Yes. We can refer you for a test for osteoporosis. This test is painless and takes about five minutes.