Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT WILL BE REQUIRED PRIOR TO MY SCHEDULED JOINT REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE?

• -The first step is undergoing Pre-Surgical Testing and attending an informational Joint replacement class at the hospital you are scheduled. This occurs usually about 2-3 weeks prior to surgery, both being completed on the same day.
• -Secondly, following that appointment – You will be required to come into the office for a Pre-Operative appointment, where both you and the doctor will have an opportunity to review all tests performed and answer any questions that you may have.
• -Lastly, a Medical Clearance is required from either your Internist or Primary Care Physician, confirming that you are optimized for the proposed procedure. This is normally obtained 7-10 days prior to your scheduled operation.

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WHAT IS PRE OPERATIVE RADIATION THERAPY? AND WHY WOULD SOMEONE BE REFERRED PRIOR TO THEIR TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT?

• -Heterotopic Ossification describes bone formation at an abnormal anatomical site, usually in soft tissue. Radiation Therapy is a preventive measure that is referred to patients requiring a Hip Replacement and who is a candidate for such treatment– in order to prevent this from occurring.
• -We know that every individual going for a joint replacement procedure is different, and not everyone would be required to undergo this particular treatment. However, depending on the age of the patient and their particular severity – The doctor will determine this at the time of your consult visit.

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WHERE DOES THE DOCTOR PERFORM HIS SURGERIES?

• -Currently, he is operating primarily at St Francis Hospital – located in Roslyn, NY – with privileges to operate at Winthrop Hospital or Northshore-Long Island Jewish Medical Center as well.

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WHAT DAYS DOES THE DOCTOR OPERATE ON?

• -Generally, his current days are Monday and Tuesdays. Please speak with the Surgical Coordinator for more details on specific dates and times.

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WHEN SHOULD I CALL TO SCHEDULE MY OPERATION?

• -Patients who are ready to book their procedures should make every effort to call at least 2 months in advance – to allow for a more convenient and accommodating appointment. However, we do understand that there are emergency cases that come across – and we will make every effort to schedule procedures as soon as possible.

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SHOULD I BE DOING ANY PHYSICAL THERAPY EXERCISES PRIOR TO A REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE?

• -Once he or she schedules a surgery date, the doctor recommends that any exercises being performed – be stopped – to avoid worsening the patient’s current condition.

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WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE ANY METAL OR COSTUME JEWELRY ALLERGIES? DOES THIS AFFECT ME GETTING A REPLACEMENT?

• -If you have a past medical history of this known allergy or have had any abnormal reaction to being exposed to metal or costume jewelry – The doctor/Medical Assistant/Physician Assistant/ and Surgical Coordinator must all be notified. This is required to ensure that the proper hypoallergenic device can be ordered and prepared for your upcoming procedure.

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WHICH MEDICAL DEVICE COMPANY(S) DOES DR DIMAIO UTILIZE FOR HIS JOINT REPLACEMENTS?

• -The doctor will determine the details for specific implants at the time of your consult visit with him. For further details, you can discuss this at that time.

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HOW DO I SET UP TO DONATE MY BLOOD, AND IF NEEDED, HAVE IT READY AT THE HOSPITAL FOR UPCOMING SURGERY?

• -Please advise the Surgical Coordinator at the time of scheduling surgery so that an order can be sent to the New York Blood Center for accommodation.

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENT BETWEEN A POSTERIOR VS AN ANTERIOR APPROACH DURING A HIP REPLACEMENT?

• -With the Posterior approach, a surgical incision is along the outer buttock – and the anterior approach, an incision is along the front or slightly to the side of the hip. As far as the healing and recovery period – the doctor will discuss which approach would be to the patient’s benefit at the consultation appointment.

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WHICH REHAB FACILITIES DOES THE DOCTOR RECOMMEND FOR IN-PATIENT SERVICES POST OPERATIVELY AFTER DISCHARGE FROM THE HOSPITAL?

• -When you are seen at your Pre-Operative appointment – The Physician Assistant and the Doctor will discuss which facilities would be in-network, depending on which particular insurance plan you have.

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WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING PROPER AUTHORIZATION FOR MY SURGICAL PROCEDURE AND HOSPITAL STAY?

• -The Surgical Coordinator will contact your insurance company about 3-4 weeks prior to your scheduled procedure and request the approvals. Varying on which coverage you have – will depend on which one requires Pre-Authorization. No phone calls from the patient are necessary.

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WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE A WORKERS COMPENSATION CASE OR NO-FAULT COVERAGE? IS THIS ACCEPTED?

• -Both are acceptable, but will require authorization from either your Workers Comp or No-Fault carrier BEFORE any scheduling is done. The Surgical Coordinator will request approval the same day you are consulted with the doctor.

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-IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AT THAT TIME IN ORDER TO EXPEDITE THE PROCESS OF YOUR CASE APPROVAL:

1. 1) Carrier Name – Case #
2. 2) Date of Work injury or Motor Vehicle Accident
3. 3) Claim Adjuster or Case Worker (First & Last name) – Telephone #

DOES THE DOCTOR EVER DO PARTIAL REPLACEMENTS OR RESURFACING OF ANY KIND?

• - Yes, when indicated in patients with arthritis limited to one knee compartment (approximately 2%)

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HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER MY SURGERY?

• -Dr. DiMaio will discuss your individual case and his expectations about your recovery during your pre-operative visit.

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WHAT OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES WOULD I BE RESPONSIBLE FOR? (Before & After Surgery)

• -Of course every insurance plan is different for our patients. Some are required to meet Deductibles, Co-Insurance fees, and Co-Pays depending on the rendering services.
• -Please call the number located on either the front or back of your insurance card, and speak to one of the Customer Service Representatives about your current policy details.

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IS THE ANESTHESIOLOGIST IN-NETWORK OR OUT-OF-NETWORK?

• -Each Hospital coordinates pairing all Anesthesiologists with the individual insurance the patient has before any services are rendered. Be sure to discuss this with Registration at the facility you are scheduled in for Pre-Surgical Testing.

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CAN I REQUEST A PRIVATE ROOM FOR MY HOSPITAL OR IN-PATIENT REHAB STAY?

• -Unfortunately, there are no guarantees on availability when reserving private accommodations at either facility. However, you can definitely speak with the Hospital and Rehab Coordinators before your procedure.

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HOW IS TRANSPORTATION SET UP FOR MY TRANSFER FROM THE HOSPITAL, TO THE REHAB FACILITY? IS THIS SERVICE COVERED THROUGH INSURANCE?

• -While being admitted at the hospital during your stay, a coordinator will arrange for this to take place upon discharge. Most Insurance companies will not cover this service and the patient may be subject to a fee before transport. Please discuss this with the hospital staff prior to discharge.

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