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

Where is your office located?

Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center is located at 3701 Wake Forest Road, Suite 100, just north of the I-440 Beltline. Our office is located on the northwest corner of Dresser Court and Wake Forest Rd, one block north of Duke Raleigh hospital complex.

What are your normal business hours?

The office is open from 8:30 AM until 4:45 PM, Monday through Friday. We observe most major holidays. Our doctors are always on-call after normal office hours 24-7 for emergencies year-round, including holidays. We are the only practice in Wake county with a hand specialist on-call 24-7-365. 

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 to Shoulder Center physicians. We do not employ physician assistants (PAs) or nurse practitioners (NPs).

Are Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center doctors board-certified?

Yes. All physicians are dual board-certified in orthopedic surgery and hand surgery. All six physicians have completed a five year residency in orthopedic surgery with an additional year-long fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery.

Which hospitals do Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center surgeons use?

Our surgeons have reserved operating room time at Capital City Surgery Center, an ambulatory surgery center partnered between private community surgeons and WakeMed hospitals. The physicians have a financial interest in Capital City Surgery Center. The office also has a minor procedure room and cast room for appropriate cases. The physicians also have privileges at Duke Raleigh Hospital and WakeMed Raleigh Hospital.

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 RHSC doctors and therapists treat children?

Yes. Our staff treat patients 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 RHSC doctors treat shoulder problems?

Yes. All doctors are orthopedic surgeons and have experience in non-operative and operative treatment of many shoulder conditions. The are board certified in orthopedic surgery.    

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 within 10 business days. A fee will be charged for completing most forms.

How do I request a prescription medication refill?

Please call our office at 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 our office at 919-872-3171, follow the prompts on the phone, and you will be connected to the RHSC 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 to Shoulder 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 in most cases.

Does Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center treat workers compensation patients? 

Yes. If you would like to refer a patient, please download, print, and complete the workers compensation 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). You will be asked to sign a form related to HIPAA at your first visit. Please read the notice online to save time during your visit.