Thomas N. Conner, MD

Schedule Online Call for Appointment
763-520-7870

FAQs

General

Click here to see Dr. Conner’s locations.

Click here to see Dr. Conner’s hospital and surgery center affiliations.

The EXCEL Orthopedic Surgery and Recovery Program is available to patients who are generally healthy but have an orthopedic condition that requires joint replacement surgery that is not typically done as an outpatient. Post operatively patients are transported to a specially designed medical apartment a few blocks away, where there is nursing and medical staff available 24 hrs/day and 7 days a week.  Because patients are 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 traveling to the U.S. for their medical care because the costs are less than half of what they are in the hospital.

Before your Appointment

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

When a patient sees me for the first time, I always remind 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. 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 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.

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.

Bring copies of any images or other reports you would like to review to your appointment.

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.

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

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. My Care Coordinator will follow up with any of your needs or requests as necessary.

If an MRI scan or other diagnostic test was ordered, you will be called with the results once they are accessible. We will contact you at the number you provided in your registration, a brief message will be left if you are not available. If you do not hear from us within 3 days of your scan, please contact us. We will discuss your plan of care and next steps during the call.

If you have questions after your appointment, please feel free to contact my Patient Care Coordinator, Shawn at 763-302-2225. She will assist you with answering your questions or messaging me for further support.

After Surgery

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.

Injections

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.