Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that is not answered here please call us or e-mail us using the telephone numbers or online form provided on our Contact Us page.

Q: What are the hours of the Walnut Creek and San Ramon Locations?

• Monday through Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
   

Q: How do I make an appointment?

• Please call:
  (925) 939-8585 for Walnut Creek
  You may call either number to make an appointment for either location.
  When scheduling for a child under 18, please note that minors must be accompanied by an adult. For follow-up visits, if your doctor tells you to come back within a few weeks, it is advisable to make that appointment before you leave the office, so we can ensure your appointment is within the suggested time period. (Click here for the appointment request form.)
   

Q: Do you have Spanish-speaking receptionists?

• Yes, several of our receptionists speak Spanish.
   

Q: What information will the appointment scheduler need when I call?

• Your full name
  Date of Birth
  Social Security number
  Insurance Carrier
  Telephone Number
  Description of your symptoms
   

Q: How quickly can I get an appointment?

• For visits of an urgent nature, we can usually schedule appointments on the same day you call or the next day.
   

Q: How long will my appointment last?

• As a new patient, your first appointment may last up to an hour.
  Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to complete the new patient forms our office will need to have on file.
   

Q: How do I get to the Walnut Creek or San Ramon office?

• Click here for maps to our locations.
   

Q: Do you accept assignment for Medicare?

• Yes,  all of the physicians here at Muir Orthopaedic Specialists are participating providers in the Medicare program.
   

Q: Do you accept Workers Compensation cases?

• Yes. Muir Orthopaedic Specialists has a comprehensive worker compensation program in place. From diagnosis to reporting to post injury worksite education and return to work, Muir Orthopaedic Specialists covers every aspect of orthopaedic worker compensation cases.

Q: How do I get a refill on my medication?

How do I get a refill on my medication? Contact your local pharmacy and have them submit a refill request to our office. Refills are approved during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Please allow at least a 24 hour turn around time. Refills requested on Friday afternoons will NOT be filled until Monday.

Q: What insurance do you accept?

• Muir Orthopaedic Specialists is affiliated with the following Independent Physician Associations (IPAs):
  John Muir Mt. Diablo Health Network
  We also are a preferred provider for most major insurance carriers.
  
  As a courtesy, we bill secondary insurance carriers for our patients.
   

Q: Where is surgery performed?

• Surgery is performed at one of the two area hospitals:
  •  John Muir Medical Center
  
  •  San Ramon Regional Medical Center
   
• Outpatient surgery is performed at our own, accredited facility — Sequoia Surgery Pavilion, or the nearby Sierra Surgicenter.

Q: When do I need to worry about the possibility of infection after surgery?

• If you experience any of the following:
  Sustained fever over 101
  Redness, swelling and warmth at surgery site
  Increased pain
  Feeling sick
  Drainage of pus from the wound

Q: How do I know if I have a fracture or not?

• The following symptoms are indicative of a fracture:
  Swelling
  Pain
  Deformity
  Difficulty using arm or leg ie: inability to bear weight or lift using arm

Q: What are the side effects of cortisone?

• Approximately 2-5% of patients may experience dizziness and facial flushing. Very rarely patients may have an unknown allergy to cortisone and have an anaphylactic reaction. Diabetics can have elevated glucose levels temporarily.

Q: For an acute joint injury should I use ice or heat?

• Typically ice is recommended for acute joint injuries. Heat works well for back injuries and chronic conditions. Both ice (15 minute application) and moderate heat (15 minute application) may be used without fear of doing harm.

Q: What should I do if my cast gets wet?

• A hair dryer on zero heat may help dry the cast. If not, call for an appointment to get it changed.