What to Expect at Your First Elbow Appointment

Before Your Appointment

Booking

You do not need a referral from your primary care doctor to see Dr. Chambers. Call (919) 781-5600 or book online directly. Same-day and next-day appointments are frequently available. Let the scheduler know which of the four locations is most convenient — Raleigh, Cary, Holly Springs, or Wake Forest.

What to Bring

• Insurance card — Raleigh Orthopaedics accepts most major insurance plans
• Photo ID
• Any prior imaging — X-rays or MRI on CD or from an imaging portal. If you don't have them, Dr. Chambers can order new imaging at your visit if needed
• List of current medications
• Notes on your symptoms — when it started, what makes it worse, what you've tried

Paperwork

Patient registration forms are available online through the Raleigh Orthopaedics patient portal. Completing them before your visit saves time. You can also arrive 15 minutes early to complete them in the office.

At Your Appointment

The History

Dr. Chambers will ask about your symptoms in detail — when they started, the exact location of pain, what activities make it worse, what you've tried, and your goals for treatment. There are no rushed 5-minute visits. You'll have the time to explain what's going on.

Physical Examination

A focused elbow examination including assessment of range of motion, strength, tenderness location, and specific provocative tests that help identify the diagnosis. The exam is the most important part — imaging confirms what the examination suggests.

Imaging

X-rays can be obtained at the office if needed. If an MRI or additional study is required, Dr. Chambers will order it at the appointment and coordinate with the imaging center. Most common elbow conditions can be diagnosed on clinical examination alone — not every patient needs an MRI at the first visit.

The Plan

At the end of your appointment, Dr. Chambers will explain your diagnosis clearly and walk through your treatment options — conservative and surgical. You'll understand exactly what is happening, why, and what to expect. You'll leave with a specific, actionable plan.

Insurance & Payment

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

PRP injection note: PRP is generally not covered by insurance for musculoskeletal conditions and is an out-of-pocket expense. Pricing can be discussed at your consultation.

Ready to Schedule?