Dr. Bhatt sees patients at the Eagan (Viking Lakes) and Burnsville locations. Click here for directions.

Hospitals: Fairview Southdale and Fairview Ridges Hospitals
Surgery Centers: Minnesota Valley Surgery Center (Burnsville) and Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center (Eagan Viking Lakes)

As a hand and upper extremity specialist, Dr. Bhatt treats conditions of the fingers, hand, wrist and elbow in patients of all ages. She operates on nerves, tendons, ligaments and bones. She also treat sports injuries of the hand and wrist in athletes of all ages. She performs wrist arthroscopy procedures.

Commonly performed surgeries include carpal tunnel release, CMC arthroplasty, distal radius fracture fixation, trigger finger releases, and wrist arthroscopy.

Her approach is a combination of both conservative and surgical treatments, which varies depending on each individual patient. She works closely with the hand therapy department and frequently prescribes custom splints or individualized hand therapy as part of treatment.

If you are a new patient, please arrive to your appointment early in order to complete the registration process. In addition, please bring the following:

• Driver’s License or State ID
• Referral (if required by insurer)
• Insurance information
• Please send any records of prior operations, medical records, x-rays, MRIs and CT scans from prior doctor visits if I am seeing you for the same condition or as a second opinion
• List of current medications and any known allergies

It depends, as each patient’s situation is unique. We prefer to order MRI studies if the result will guide treatment and help clinical decision making. If you have any questions, we will be very happy to address any of your questions at your appointment regarding advanced imaging.

Yes, absolutely. The more information we have regarding your unique situation and past history, 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 should be used during the acute phase (first 24 to 48 hours) following an injury, or whenever there is swelling. Ice decreases blood flow to the area, which in turn decreases swelling and inflammation. Heat does the opposite. It increases blood flow to the area and can provide pain relief once the swelling and inflammation has subsided. Heat is good to use prior to doing any exercises or physical therapy as it warms up your muscles.

You can use the General Contact Form on the Contact & Locations page of this website to get in touch with Dr. Bhatt regarding second opinions or contact us via phone to set up an appointment or speak with a member of our care team

You can get cortisone injections every 3 to 4 months as long as they continue to provide symptomatic relief.

Some patients get immediate relief from a cortisone injection. For others, it may take up to 2 weeks for the injection to take effect. However, most people notice at least some relief within 2 to 3 days. The duration of a cortisone injection can vary greatly. Some will last as long as a year, whereas others may last only a few days. It is also important to know that occasionally pain can get worse following a cortisone injection before it gets better. In the meantime, over the counter pain medications and ice are recommended.

The initial visit is about fact-gathering, listening to your story, and learning more about you. I’ll then examine your concerns, review x-rays if you have them, and begin to build a list of options for you. I want you to feel comfortable and relaxed, so I can understand how best to help you.

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 to let them know we will be requesting them.

Yes, of course. Feel free to have family members or friends join you in 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.

After your appointment, or after surgery, you can expect prompt and accessible follow-up treatment. Care continues long after surgery and we want to be a part of your complete healing process. If you ever have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If an MRI scan or other diagnostic test was ordered, you will be called to set up the imaging appointment once insurance approves the request. Dr. Bhatt generally prefers to review MRI studies in the office as it usually prompts a conversation about treatment like casting, therapy or surgery.

If you have questions after your appointment, please feel free to contact us. You can call our clinic directly, or contact us using the General Contact Form on the Contact & Locations page of this website.

The amount of time will vary depending on each unique patient, and each unique procedure. Please feel free to discuss this with us in 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 likely recovery time at your appointment.

Each individual will experience different pain levels, but it is our goal to have you feeling 100% as soon as possible. To get an idea of the pain expectations for your individual case, please discuss with Dr. Bhatt at your appointment.

Please note that we strive to get our patients off narcotic pain medication as soon as possible. It can be needed shortly after surgery, but we do not prescribe long-term use of pain medication. Generally pain medication prescriptions are reserved for patients we operate on. We take pain medication very seriously and make sure it is necessary before signing a prescription for any patient.