FAQs
General
Dr. Moeller sees patients at the Burnsville, Edina and Plymouth locations. Click here for directions.
Hospitals: Fairview Ridges Hospital, Fairview Southdale Hospital, Children’s Minnesota Hospital
Surgery Centers: Minnesota Valley Surgery Center, Crosstown Surgery Center, Plymouth Orthopedic Surgery Center
We treat patients of all ages with various conditions of the elbow, forearm, wrist and hand. Our approach is a combination of both nonsurgical and surgical treatments, which varies depending on each individual patient.
Many patients can schedule directly, but some insurance plans may require a referral from your primary care provider. If you are unsure, feel free to call our office and we can help check your requirements. You may schedule an appointment online here or call Dr. Moeller’s team directly at 952-808-3015.
If you are a new patient, please complete the online paperwork that was e-mailed to you. If you are unable to complete the paperwork prior to your appointment, we ask that you please arrive to your appointment 15 minutes early to complete the registration process. In addition, please bring the following:
- Driver’s License or State ID
- Insurance information
- Copies of operation records, medical records, x-rays, MRIs and CT scans from prior doctor visits
It depends, as each patient’s situation is unique. Most often you will be seen in clinic first, and then we will determine if an MRI is necessary. If you have any questions, please contact our care team at 952-808-3015 before your appointment, and we will be very happy to address any of your questions.
Yes. The more information we have regarding your unique situation and previous care, the better equipped we are to provide the highest level of care. Bringing any previous x-rays, scans, and/or documentation (if available) is recommended. If you do not have this information, don’t worry; we will still take great care of you.
Ice is most helpful during the acute phase—typically the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury or when swelling is present. It helps cool blood flow to the area, which can reduce swelling and inflammation.
Heat, on the other hand, is best used after swelling has gone down. It can help relieve stiffness and discomfort by warming the tissues and improving flexibility. Heat is especially useful before exercises or physical therapy to help loosen up muscles and joints.
You can get corticosteroid injections every 3 to 4 months as long as they continue to provide symptomatic relief. Please contact Dr. Moeller’s care team for more specific information.
Some patients may find immediate relief or relief within the first 2-3 days from a corticosteroid injection. For others, it may take up to 2-4 weeks for the injection to take effect. The duration of pain relief from a corticosteroid injection can vary greatly. Some will last as long as a year, whereas others may last only a few months. It is also important to know that your pain may increase for a short period of time following a corticosteroid injection before it gets better. In the meantime, over-the-counter pain medications and ice are recommended.
Before your Appointment
Your first visit is all about getting to know you and your story. I’ll take time to listen carefully to your concerns, review any imaging you may have, and perform a focused exam of your hand or upper extremity.
This appointment is the starting point for building a personalized treatment plan. My goal is to make you feel comfortable and understood, so we can work together to find the best path forward for your recovery.
If you have records from another physician, provider, or hospital you may bring them with you to your appointment. If you do not have a copy, please contact the physician, provider, or hospital prior to your TCO appointment and ask them to fax records to Dr. Moeller’s team at 952-456-7531. If you have records at another facility, but are unable to access the records, our team will help assist you. If possible, let our care team know prior to your appointment, and we can try to obtain the records for you.
Yes. Feel free to have family members or friends join you for your consultation. Many patients find it is helpful to have support in the room, even just as an extra set of ears to remember the details of the visit.
You may see a member of our orthopedic team, including Dr. Moeller’s physician assistant Bridget Greiber, PA-C. She works closely with Dr. Moeller to provide expert care.
After your Appointment
Your care doesn’t end when the visit does. Whether you’ve just had an appointment or undergone surgery, you can expect accessible follow-up to support your recovery. We’re committed to being part of your complete healing journey—every step of the way.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 952-808-3015.
If an MRI/CT scan or other diagnostic test was ordered and performed, we will usually have you return to clinic to review the results together. If Dr. Moeller said she would call you with results, you will receive a phone call typically within 24-48 hours after completion of the imaging study.
If you have questions after your appointment, please feel free to contact Dr. Moeller’s care coordinator, Sarah.
P: 952-808-3015 or E: [email protected].
The amount of time will vary depending on each unique patient, and each unique procedure. Please feel free to discuss this with us during your appointment or contact us directly with any questions.
The timeframe for recovery depends on the procedure and the individual, but it is our goal to get you back to your regular lifestyle as fast as possible. You can discuss your estimated recovery time at your appointment.
Each individual experiences pain differently, and the level of discomfort can vary depending on the type of surgery performed. It is our goal to effectively manage your pain and help you transition off narcotic pain medications as quickly and safely as possible. To understand the pain expectations for your individual case, please discuss with Dr. Moeller at your appointment or contact Dr. Moeller’s care coordinator at 952-808-3015.
We understand that managing pain after surgery is an important part of your recovery. While narcotic pain medications can be necessary for a short period after surgery, our goal is to minimize their use and transition you to non-narcotic options as soon as possible. This approach helps reduce the risk of side effects and supports a safer, faster recovery.
We will provide detailed instructions before your procedure, including guidelines on bathing, fasting, and medication adjustments. For surgeries involving the upper extremity it is also important to arrange for help at home, as your dominant hand or arm may be affected. Planning ahead is important.
We will provide detailed instructions regarding fasting. If you are having a procedure under local anesthesia only without any sedation you do not have to fast.
Most patients benefit from a structured rehabilitation program to regain motion, strength, and function. We will coordinate a therapy plan as part of your recovery if necessary.
Watch for increased redness, swelling, warmth, drainage that is cloudy in color, or a fever over 101°F. Please call us at 952-808-3015 if you notice any of these symptoms.