First Visit Guide

Thank you for choosing Dr. Austin, one of the leading Orthopaedic Surgeons in San Diego, for your Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine needs. Dr. Austin and the Staff at Northwest Orthopedic Surgery are dedicated to serving you and would like to ensure that your visits with us are enjoyable and efficient. To help with this goal, we would like to ask you to complete some forms prior to your first appointment. Please either bring them with you to your appointment or forward them to us before your appointment. Please call with any questions you may have or for any other needs that may arise prior to your appointment.

Sincerely,
Dr. John Austin & the Staff at Northwest Orthopaedic Surgery

When to Arrive

You need to arrive 30 minutes early for your initial appointment in order to complete new patient intake forms.

If you have pre-registered via our online portal, please arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment.

Checking In

When you come for your appointment please remember to obtain and bring the following:

  • Driver’s License/Valid ID
  • Health Insurance Card/Information
  • Imaging Studies and Reports (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, EMG/Nerve Conduction Studies). We have the ability to view imaging studies online if they were completed at any of the following facilities.  Imaging studies completed at other locations need to be hand carried (CD, USB, or printed images) to your appointment.
    • Peak Diagnostic Imaging
    • Scripps Hospitals, Clinics, and Imaging Centers
    • Imaging Healthcare Specialists
  • List of medications (if any)
  • Referral Letter (if required)
  • Workers' Compensation claim information (if applicable)
  • Motor Vehicle Accident claim information (if applicable)

Dress Comfortably

We recommend that you wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing for your appointment.  If your injury or condition involves your shoulder or hip, you may need to change into a medical robe for your examination.  Tank tops or loose T-shirts work well for shoulder/upper extremity examination, and shorts help to facilitate lower extremity examination.

X-ray imaging may be required during your visit.  Prior to your X-ray, you may be asked to remove jewelry and any other metal objects (e.g. necklaces, underwire bras, pocket items such as keys and loose change) that may interfere with the imaging. Depending on the area of the body that is being X-rayed, you may need to change into a medical gown (especially if your clothing contains metal buttons, zippers, or metal tags).

Medical Records/Imaging Studies/Lab Results Relating to Current Injury or Condition

All Medical Records, Imaging Studies (X-ray, MRI), and Laboratory Test Results for your current injury or condition should be carried to your appointment or faxed to our office from your primary care physician.  If you have seen another healthcare provider for your current injury or condition, please contact their office at least one week prior to your appointment to request a copy of all medical records pertaining to your injury or condition.  You can request that your records be sent directly to our office, but please confirm that we have received them prior to your appointment.

Bring a List Containing the Following Information with You to Your Appointment

  • Information pertaining to your current injury or condition: Duration of Symptoms, Exacerbating Factors, Prior Treatment, and Affected Activities/Sports.
  • Current Medications (Include Name, Dosage, Frequency, and Reason for taking the medication). Include prescribed medications, herbal/homeopathic supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter medications. 
  • Past Medical and Surgical History: A list of other medical problems/conditions and surgeries (Even if they are not related to your current injury or condition).
  • List of Questions and Concerns to address during your appointment
  • Emergency Contact Information
  • Bring a Family Member or Friend. Having family and friends present during the visit can help you to absorb, process, and remember important medical information discussed during your appointment.  This helps you to get the most out of your visit and will help to optimize your care and recovery.  This is particularly important if you are considering surgery.  Should you need a translator, please bring an adult translator with you or contact our office prior to your scheduled appointment to make arrangements.

  • University of Michigan
  • Medical School University of Michigan
  • University of Michigan Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Cincinnati SportsMedicine & Orthopaedic Center
  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • Arthroscopy Association of North America
  • Scripps
  • Northwest Orthopaedic Surgery John Austin MD