Denton County Living Well Magazine Winter 2015 | Page 14

ASK THE EXPERT
Q&A with Orthopedic Surgeons
Keith A. Heier, MD and Craig W. Goodhart, MD
Surgery Season
Postponing Surgery
May Cost More Than You Think

M

edicine is constantly changing. These
days increasing
insurance rates along with
high co-payments and deductibles are commonplace.
The high deductibles of
many plans have patients
asking, “when I should have
my surgery performed?”
November and December
Dr. Goodhart
have become the peak time
to schedule elective surgeries because many people have met their insurance
deductibles by the end of the year and they often have
time off from work or school. However, there are many
factors to consider that might make you think twice
about waiting till the end of the year for surgery.

Q:

What should patients consider before
scheduling an elective, orthopedic surgery?

A: Goodhart: The first question will be, “how will

this affect me financially?” The second question
should be whether or not waiting to have surgery
would result in further physical injury.

A: Heier: Nobody wants to spend a large

amount of money on medical care, but
oftentimes waiting too long will cost the patient
more and can lead to permanent injury.

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DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | WINTER 2015

Q:

Which type
of orthopedic
injuries can worsen
with delay?

A: Goodhart: Injuries

that occur acutely, such
as a fracture, nerve or
vascular injury, need to be
addressed immediately.
Also, structural problems
such as acute damage to
Dr. Heier
the labrum of the shoulder,
and knee injuries, such
as meniscal tears and ligament injuries, generally do better
if addressed earlier rather than later. Small tendon tears may
become larger, more difficult to fix, and more difficult to rehab.

A: Heier: Waiting to have an operative procedure

performed with these injuries will often lead to
further structural abnormality, which ultimately causes
permanent damage to the joint. Problems with one
body part may exacerbate a problem with another
body part. For example, continued limping from a
bad knee or ankle may worsen a back problem.

Q:

Which type of orthopedic injuries
can typically be addressed later?

A: Goodhart: More chronic conditions such as rotator
cuff tears, tennis elbow, and arthritis of the shoulder
hip or knee can usually be addressed at a later time.

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