We are often asked by our patients if they can visit an OSMC doctor without their primary physician’s referral. Yes, you can! But, be sure to understand the details.
If you know that your condition is specific to services treated by an orthopedic specialist, booking an appointment directly can often save you time, money, stress and additional pain.
It’s a common practice to visit your primary care physician first when you have a health concern. But, having a referral from your primary healthcare provider is not a requirement to see a specialist at the Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Northern Indiana, Inc. (OSMC).
New Patients are Welcome at OSMC!
“Our goal is to get our patients the orthopedic care that they need – when and where they need it. We are proud to serve Michiana with our convenient clinic locations and Walk-in OrthoCARE clinics,” said Robin McLaughlin, Chief Operating Officer at OSMC.
OSMC has a team of healthcare providers who provide a variety of services in our six convenient Indiana locations, including two walk-in clinics. We also offer virtual telehealth services for safety and convenience.
Robin continued, “We treat a large variety of musculoskeletal concerns at OSMC, including conditions affecting your neck, back and spine, shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist, hip, knee, foot and ankle, and more. Aches and pains in these areas can often be alleviated using conservative treatments. If more serious treatment is needed, our providers can handle that as well.”
Learn more about General Orthopedics >>
When Must You Get a Referral? …Insurance may play in.
Although OSMC doesn’t require a referral from your primary care provider, some health insurance companies do require patients to obtain a referral before seeing a specialist. Please check with your insurance provider before making your appointment with us to confirm their authorization process.
Will you be receiving physical therapy treatment with OSMC? If so, in this instance you will need a referral from your primary care physician or medical provider for it to be covered by your insurance.
If you find that you do need an initial referral for insurance purposes, OSMC accepts them from providers by fax, phone, or email. You can bring the official signed prescription order from your pro
vider to our office when you arrive for your appointment.
How Do You Get Started as a New Patient?
New patients can find answers to frequently asked questions and new patient forms on our website. Completing these forms before you arrive in our office can save you some time during your first appointment with us.
If you aren’t sure if you should visit your primary care physician first for a referral or if you can book an appointment directly with us, we’d be happy to help you figure that out.
Give us a call at (574) 264-0791. We look forward to helping you feel better!
This blog post is not intended to provide personal medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment to you or to any other individual. It is information for educational purposes only. You should not use this information in place of a consutatation or the advice of a healthcare provider.