FAQs
General
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Dr. Barry treats many different conditions/injuries, but most common are hip, knee and shoulder injuries. He performs knee arthroscopy (meniscus injury, ACL tears) and knee replacements. He also treats all shoulder problems and injuries, including shoulder rotator cuff repairs and labrum repairs/instability. Dr. Barry also performs a large number of shoulder replacements, including both anatomic and reverse shoulder replacements. He performs hip arthroscopy surgery for treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labrum tears. Dr. Barry’s approach is a combination of both conservative and surgical treatments, which varies depending on each individual patient.
The EXCEL Orthopedic Surgery and Recovery program is available to patients who generally healthy but have an orthopedic condition that requires surgery that is not typically done as an outpatient. The surgery is done at Blaine and Plymouth Orthopedic Surgery Centers on the third floor of the Blaine and Plymouth Clinic locations. Post operatively patients recover in the EXCEL care suite in the clinic locations. Because the patient is never admitted to the hospital there is a substantial cost savings and a lower risk of hospital acquired infections. This option is particularly attractive for patients who are paying their own bills, employers who are self-insured, worker’s compensation and patients travelling to the U.S. for their medical care because the costs are less than half of what they are in the hospital.
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
- Copies of operation records, medical records, x-rays, MRIs and CT scans from prior doctor visits
- List of current medications and any known allergies
It depends, as each patient’s situation is unique. If you have any questions, please contact your doctor’s care team before your appointment, and we will be very happy to address any of your questions.
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. Barry regarding second opinions or contact us via phone to set up an appointment or speak with a member of our care team.
In the majority of cases you do not need a referral. You can always check with your insurance company ahead of time to confirm.
If you need a refill of your prescription, please call Dr. Barry at least 24 hours in advance. Prescriptions cannot be refilled on weekends or after 5pm on weekdays.
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 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.
Before your Appointment
When a patient sees Dr. Barry for the first time, he always reminds them that “today is not a decision-making day.” The initial visit is about fact-gathering, listening to your story, and learning more about you. He will then examine your concerns, review x-rays if you have them, and begin to build a list of options for you. He wants you to feel comfortable and relaxed, so he can understand how best to help you.
You will receive paperwork from our office to complete prior to your appointment. If you do not finish your paperwork at home, please be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early to your appointment to complete your paperwork.
Bring copies of any images or other reports you would like to review to your appointment.
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.
If you have the required paperwork or any questions regarding worker’s compensation, please contact Jeni, either by calling 763-717-4113 or emailing us using the General Contact Form on the Contact & Locations page of this website. Allow for at least one full business day to properly complete the paperwork.
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
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 with the results once available.
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. You may call our clinic, or email us using the General Contact Form on the Contact & Locations page of this website.
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. Barry 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 advocate long-term use of pain medication. We take pain medication very seriously and make sure it is necessary before signing a prescription for any patient.