Question 1

How do I book a consultation at Ortho South?

Accepted Answer

We believe that confusing referral processes, a lack of choice regarding care providers, lengthy wait times, and limited face-to-face interaction with an orthopedic surgeon should not be the norm in orthopaedic care. To book a consultation at Ortho South, simply email or call the clinic location where you would like to be assessed, or fill out our online booking form.(https://www.orthosouth.ca/booking-form) No referral is required! Virtual consultations are also available. Our dedicated staff will assist you in obtaining any other imaging studies or medical documentation that may be helpful for your appointment.

Question 2

What is the wait time for a consultation at Ortho South?

Accepted Answer

Consultations are usually booked within 1-2 weeks. Same-day appointments are accepted if there is availability on the schedule or any last-minute cancellations. 
Please note, that if you have not yet had medical imaging studies completed, or have not had the correct imaging studies completed, this may delay booking your consultation. If imaging studies are recommended, Ortho South admin staff can help arrange for these to be completed privately, usually within 1-2 days for plain X-rays, and within 1-2 weeks for advanced studies such as an MRI or CT scan.

Question 3

What treatments are offered at Ortho South?

Accepted Answer

Both surgical and non-surgical treatment options are offered at Ortho South. The best treatment option for your orthopaedic problem often depends on several factors, including the nature of the problem, your functional abilities and demands, your individual goals and treatment timelines. Click the links for further details about orthopaedic s(https://www.orthosouth.ca/surgical-care)urgic(https://www.orthosouth.ca/surgical-care)al care (https://www.orthosouth.ca/surgical-care)and non-surgical care (https://www.orthosouth.ca/non-surgical-care)offered at Ortho South.

Question 4

Where do Ortho South consultations and follow-up visits occur?

Accepted Answer

Ortho South offers consultations and follow-up visits both in person and virtually, depending on patient preference and the nature of the problem. In-person visits are available at the Ortho South clinic in Calgary, or the Specialist Referral Clinic in Vancouver. Virtual visits are, of course, arranged at your convenience from the comfort of your home.

See our contact us (https://www.orthosouth.ca/contact-us)page for more information.

Question 5

What is the Specialist Referral Clinic (SRC) in Vancouver?

Accepted Answer

The Specialist Referral Clinic (SRC)  is an independent private surgery clinic in Vancouver, BC. The SRC works collaboratively with Ortho South and provides clinic space as well as administrative support for Dr. Costa (https://www.orthosouth.ca/team-members/dr.-anthony-j.-costa)to see patients in Vancouver. Dr. Costa offers in-person consultations, follow-up care, and other non-operative treatment such as injection-based therapies at the SRC clinic. The SRC is affiliated with the Cambie Surgery Centre, where Dr. Costa provides surgical care to Ortho South patients.

Question 6

Will I see an actual orthopaedic surgeon at Ortho South? How much time will I spend with the surgeon during my appointment?

Accepted Answer

While there may be a role for other treatment providers to be involved in your orthopaedic care at some stage, your appointment time at Ortho South will always be spent with an orthopaedic surgeon.  Consultations are booked for 45 minutes to an hour, and follow-up visits are scheduled for 20-30 minutes to ensure adequate time with your surgeon to discuss your problem, as well as your function, ideas, feelings, and expectations.

Question 7

Is Ortho South a surgical facility? If I need surgery, where does this occur?

Accepted Answer

Ortho South is much like any other orthopaedic surgery office or clinic space where consultations and follow-up visits occur with your orthopaedic surgeon. While Ortho South is not a surgical facility in itself, our surgeons do have surgical privileges to operate at several accredited surgical facilities in Calgary and Vancouver. If you require surgery, your procedure will be booked and provided by your Ortho South surgeon at one of the following facilities:

Calgary
Canadian Surgery Solutions (CSS)
Rockyview Surgical Centre

Vancouver
Cambie Surgery Centre

Question 8

Do I have to pay out-of-pocket for imaging studies and other investigations at Ortho South?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is yes.  
If an imaging study or lab test is ordered by an Ortho South surgeon, or any other private care provider to pursue private orthopedic care with Ortho South, this service is not covered by the public healthcare system in your home province. Further, you will not be entitled to seek reimbursement from the respective public healthcare system in your home province.
If imaging studies or lab tests have already been completed in the public system, and you have access to the results, it may not be necessary to repeat these studies or tests. However, if these studies/tests are outdated or inadequate for your private orthopedic care, your Ortho South surgeon may need to order additional studies/tests, and you will be required to pay out-of-pocket for these studies.

Question 9

If I pay out-of-pocket for private orthopaedic care at Ortho South, can I seek reimbursement from the public healthcare system in my home province?

Accepted Answer

No. Patients receiving private orthopaedic care at Ortho South are not entitled to seek reimbursement from the public healthcare system.

Question 10

Do surgeons at Ortho South refer patients for care in the public system?

Accepted Answer

Except in the case of urgent/emergent medical needs, we do NOT refer patients to care providers in the public system. 
However, if you choose to have a private consultation at Ortho South, this may give you further clarity about the nature of your orthopedic problem and may make it easier for you and your family physician to have discussions about a referral in the public healthcare system if you choose to pursue that route. You and your family physician are of course welcome to use any documentation from your Ortho South consultation to potentially help facilitate a referral to the appropriate specialist in the public system.

Question 11

Does Ortho South accept patients who need treatment for acute fractures (broken bones)?

Accepted Answer

No. Unfortunately, these types of problems are best managed in the public system as they are time-sensitive, often requiring immediate assessment and more urgent treatment. You should seek care at an emergency department or urgent care center for these types of orthopedic problems.

Question 12

Does Ortho South accept patients with acute (new) injuries such as a sports-related knee injury, possible rotator cuff tear, or a distal biceps tendon rupture?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You may phone the office, email Ortho South, or use the online booking form on the website to book a consultation for these types of problems. No referral is required. If you do not yet have imaging, this can be organized by Ortho South staff.
Please be advised that you may be directed to the emergency department or urgent care if a fracture is identified or suspected as we are not able to treat these types of problems at Ortho South.

Question 13

Are there any other types of orthopaedic problems that cannot be seen at Ortho South?

Accepted Answer

Ortho South is unable to accept patients for acute fractures, spine-related conditions, foot and ankle problems, or any issues related to a previous joint replacement surgery completed by another surgeon. 
If you are seeking surgery and are unsure if it can be managed at Ortho South, please see our “Surgical Care” page for a list of procedures performed by Ortho South surgeons.(https://www.orthosouth.ca/our-team)

Question 14

Does Ortho South offer care for spine or back related issues?

Accepted Answer

No. Unfortunately we do not have surgeons that specialize in spine or back related issues.

587-288-3405

Your Guide to Getting Started: Explore Our Helpful FAQ