Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
99% of the time, no! The vast majority of insurance plans do not require a referral to an orthopedic surgeon. That being said, there are some exceptions, most notably Tricare. Our staff are familiar with those, so just ask when you call.
As a patient, do I have a choice to have my orthopedic surgery at OrthoNebraska or do I have to go where my doctor says?
Every patient has a choice in where they would like to have their surgery, although certain physicians only operate at certain hospitals. It’s no different at OrthoNebraska. When you and your physician are discussing where to have your surgical procedure, you may request to have it done at our hospital.
What insurance do you accept?
Most people think of insurance in terms of just the provider, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield. In reality, there are many different plans provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield. Most commonly, these are based on your employer or private plan. While plans by one provider tend to be similar, ultimately each plan has its own set of in-network providers. While we will verify that your insurance can be used when you come in for your visit, to avoid unpleasant surprises, it is recommended that you verify with your insurance provider that you are in network before you make an appointment. Imaging or Surgery require advance planning and we will approve those ahead of time.
When Is My Appointment?
We send text, email or voicemail appointment reminders, depending on your preference, for all appointments except for surgery.
The time you should arrive for your surgery will be on your printed surgical instructions.
If you’ve misplaced your reminder or just want a verbal confirmation, call (402) 609-3000 and follow the prompt to the correct department.
We also send appointment confirmations for clinic or office visits within 24 hours of you having made the appointment.
How Do I Cancel or Reschedule My Appointment?
For any clinic or office appointments, you can reschedule easily by replying to your text or email reminder, or by calling (402) 609-3000, Option 1, Option 1. Call (402) 609-3000, Option 1, Option 1 to cancel your appointment. You should call this same line if you feel you need to cancel or reschedule surgery.
For Imaging appointments, call (402) 609-1800 to cancel or reschedule.
For physical or hand therapy, call (402) 609-1750 to cancel or reschedule.
How can I request a prescription refill?
If there is no change, simply contact your pharmacy. If your prescription has run out and a new one is needed, contact your physician’s nurse by calling (402) 609-3000 Option 1, Option 2 during normal business hours.
What is the Recovery Timeline from Surgery?
This depends on the procedure that was performed. See the individual treatment page for your procedure to learn more about general recovery expectations. Your care team should also be prepared to discuss this with you as part of the risks, benefits and alternatives to surgery as a proposed part of your treatment plan.
Where are My Post-Op Instructions?
OrthoNebraska uses a combination of print materials given at surgery, surgical instructions given at scheduling, surgical education pages and a portal or communications platform called Get Well that helps keep you on track both before and after surgery to ensure the best outcome possible. If you have a question and have misplaced the appropriate materials or cannot find the answer, please call (402) 609-3000, Option 1, Option 2 for your surgeon’s nurse.
What are visiting hours and current visiting policies at OrthoNebraska’s Hospital?
Visiting hours are limited to Monday through Friday from 7:00AM-7:00PM and Saturday & Sunday from 9:00AM-5:00PM. Any visitor under the age of 19 will not be permitted.
We would be happy to discuss your personal needs prior to your arrival. Please feel free to reach out to your care team or call (402) 609-3000.
Does the hospital have a cafeteria or dining area?
Yes. At the Oakview Hospital where surgery is performed, patients and guests may order from the OrthoNebraska Cafe for breakfast, lunch and dinner options. The cafe also serves gourmet Starbucks™ coffee drinks as well as fresh pastries, sandwiches and salads.
Is there a gift shop at OrthoNebraska?
Unfortunately, we do not have a gift shop at our hospital. The great thing is that we are located close to many other places where you could pick up gifts and other items. The closest floral shop is located within Family Fare at the northwest corner of 144th and Center.
Can I have a guest stay overnight at the hospital with me?
Yes. Typically, one guest is allowed, but speak to your care team if you believe your situation merits an exception. Visiting hours are limited to Monday through Friday from 7:00AM-7:00PM and Saturday & Sunday from 9:00AM-5:00PM. Any visitor alone under the age of 19 will not be permitted. As always, proper hand hygiene is strongly encouraged in all areas.
How much is my surgery, or visit, going to cost?
OrthoNebraska would be happy to assist you in identifying the cost of your surgery. Since each surgery can be different, we will need some basic information from you. Please call us at (402) 609-2423 and be prepared to answer the following questions. Once we have this information, we can help you find the approximate cost of your visit.
- What is the CPT Code of the service you are to have? Your physician team can provide this for you.
- Who is the physician ordering the service?
- Is this service being performed as the result of an accident or other third party responsibility? If the answer is yes, we will need some additional information.
- Do you have insurance?
- What insurance do you have?
- What is the insurance policy number?
- What is the insurance group number?
- Have you met your deductible? How much do you have left to meet it?
- What is your co-insurance percentage?