Patient FAQ — Appointments, Insurance & More

No. Dr. Chambers at Raleigh Orthopaedics accepts patients directly — no referral required. Simply call (919) 781-5600 or book online. This applies to all four locations: Raleigh, Cary, Holly Springs, and Wake Forest.

Same-day and next-day appointments are frequently available. Call (919) 781-5600 as early in the day as possible for the best chance of a same-day appointment. For non-urgent conditions, you can typically be seen within 1–3 business days.

Any of the four locations — choose whichever is most convenient for you. Raleigh: 3001 Edwards Mills Drive. Cary: 6715 McCrimmon Pkwy. Holly Springs: 781 Avent Ferry Rd. Wake Forest: 11200 Governor Manly Way. Dr. Chambers sees patients at all four.

Insurance card, photo ID, any prior imaging (X-rays or MRI on CD or imaging portal link), list of current medications, and a description of your symptoms and how they started. Arrive 15 minutes early if you have not completed online registration.

Raleigh Orthopaedics accepts most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Medicare, Medicaid (select plans), and many others. Call (919) 781-5600 to verify your specific plan before your appointment.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection is generally not covered by most insurance plans for musculoskeletal conditions, as many insurers still classify it as investigational despite growing clinical evidence. It is typically an out-of-pocket expense. Pricing is discussed at your consultation. Many patients find the long-term results well worth the cost compared to repeated cortisone injections.

Yes — cortisone injections are generally covered by insurance as a standard treatment for elbow tendinosis and arthritis, subject to your deductible and copayment. Coverage specifics vary by plan.

Surgery costs vary widely depending on the procedure, anesthesia, and facility fees. Raleigh Orthopaedics' financial counselors can provide cost estimates based on your specific situation. Call (919) 781-5600 to speak with the billing team.

Dr. Chambers completed his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at Georgia Tech, medical school at Mercer University, orthopedic residency at the Campbell Clinic (Memphis), and fellowship training in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. He is dual board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Hand Surgery (CAQ) and is an ASSH member with 14+ years of experience.

Yes. Dr. Chambers treats patients of all ages — from toddlers with nursemaid's elbow to teenagers with Little League elbow and growth plate injuries, to adults and elderly patients. Pediatric elbow conditions are a significant part of his practice.

Yes. Dr. Chambers personally performs all surgical procedures for his patients at Raleigh Orthopaedics. He does not delegate surgery to trainees or mid-level providers.

Most orthopedic guidelines recommend no more than 2–3 cortisone injections in any single site, spaced at least 6–12 weeks apart. Repeated cortisone injections in the same tendon are associated with tendon weakening and worse long-term outcomes for conditions like tennis elbow. If 1–2 cortisone injections have not provided lasting relief, PRP is a better option.

Yes — with modifications. Dr. Chambers recommends activity modification rather than complete rest. The goal is to reduce the loading that is causing the tendon damage while maintaining general fitness and conditioning. Specific exercise restrictions depend on your diagnosis and treatment stage.