Frequent Questions
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring these items to your appointment:
- Drivers license or valid photo ID card
- Current medical insurance card and co-payment amount
- A list of your prescription medications and drug allergies
- A list of your medical conditions and prior surgeries
- X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, Nerve Tests, or other studies related your problem, if applicable
- Completed patient questionnaire: Please download, print, and complete the new patient form, located here.
Where is your office located?
Raleigh Hand Center is conveniently located at 3404 Wake Forest Road, Suite 303, just north of the 440 Beltline. Our office is located on the third floor of Medical Office Building 7, which is adjacent to the Duke Raleigh Hospital Emergency Room. A parking deck is available in front of the building. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Please note, we will be moving office locations in late-July 2013 to the corner of Dresser Court and Wake Forest Rd, one block north of our current location. Click here for more information.
What are your normal business hours?
The RHC office is open from 8:30 AM until 4:45 PM, Monday through Friday. We observe most major holidays. Our doctors are on-call after hours 24-7, year-round.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept most major insurance plans. Please check with your insurance carrier if a referral is required from your primary care physician. Co-payments are requested at the time of service. Payment plans are available for self-pay patients.
Will I see a physician at my appointment?
Yes. All patients are evaluated and treated by Raleigh Hand Center physicians. We do not employ physician assistants (PAs) or nurse practitioners (NPs).
Are Raleigh Hand Center doctors board-certified?
All RHC physicians are either board-certified or board-eligible in orthopaedic surgery and hand surgery. All five physicians have completed a 5 year residency in orthopaedic surgery with an additional year-long fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery.
Which hospitals do Raleigh Hand Center surgeons use?
RHC surgeons have reserved operating rooms at Duke Raleigh Hospital and Capital City Surgery Center, a new ambulatory surgery center partnership with WakeMed hospital. The RHC office also has a minor procedure room and cast room for appropriate cases.
Are surgeons trained in non-operative treatment as well as surgery?
Yes. Accredited fellowships in hand and upper extremity surgery provide comprehensive training in both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. Surgery is only recommended after considering the non-surgical alternatives.
Do RHC doctors and therapists treat children?
Yes. RHC staff treat people of all ages. They commonly evaluate and treat infants with congenital hand conditions, children with injuries of the hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder, and adolescents with sports injuries.
Do RHC doctors treat shoulder problems?
Yes. All RHC doctors are orthopaedic surgeons and have experience in non-operative and operative treatment of many shoulder conditions.
How do I get short-term disability and FMLA forms signed?
Please bring the requested forms to our front office for processing or fax them to 919-872-6739. Most forms will be completed by our office staff in about 2 weeks. A fee will be charged for completing most forms.
How do I request a prescription medication refill?
Please call 919-872-3171 during regular business hours to speak with our clinic staff regarding medication changes or prescription refills. In most cases, pain medications will not be refilled by phone after hours or on weekends.
WhoM should I call if I have an emergency after hours?
Please call 919-872-3171 to speak to the RHC physician on-call. For life-threatening emergencies, please call 9-1-1 or contact your local emergency room.
How do I make a new appointment at the Raleigh Hand Center?
Please call 919-872-3171 to request an appointment or fill out a request online. Patients with urgent problems can often see a physician on the same day or next day.
Does Raleigh Hand Center treat workers compensation patients?
Yes. If you would like to refer a patient, please download, print, and complete the workers compensation request form and fax to our office at 919-872-6739. Call 919-872-3171 for urgent requests.
What is the HIPAA patient privacy notice?
This document describes how information about you may be disclosed based on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. You will be asked to sign a form related to HIPAA at your first visit. Please download and read the HIPAA notice to save time during your visit.