Orthopedic Urgent Care
Common Questions
As your local, trusted orthopedic specialist in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area, we understand that learning about your orthopedic needs can be confusing. Let this page guide you through the common questions and concerns about visiting Summit’s Orthopedic Urgent Care. Our commitment is not just to treat your injury but to ensure you make informed decisions about your well-being to live at your summit.
At Summit Orthopedics, our team brings experience and compassion to every appointment at our urgent care centers. Whether you’re seeking information about locations, insurance coverage or more, we are eager to provide you with answers. We believe in nurturing a collaborative relationship with our patients, creating a space where questions are not just welcomed but encouraged.
Browse these commonly asked questions to learn more about frequent orthopedic concerns. At Summit Orthopedics, we will equip you with the knowledge to navigate your orthopedic journey seamlessly. Your well-being is our priority, and we look forward to leading you toward better health.
Do I need to make an appointment to be seen at Summit’s Orthopedic Urgent Care?
No appointments are necessary – just walk in during Summit’s Orthopedic Urgent Care hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
How is Summit’s Orthopedic Urgent Care different from a nonspecialized urgent care clinic?
Summit’s Orthopedic Urgent Care is an extension of our regular orthopedic clinic. Most insurance companies will charge a larger copay for urgent care and emergency room visits. Since Summit’s Orthopedic Urgent Care is an extension of our regular clinic, patients typically pay a regular office visit copay.
Who will see me at Summit’s Orthopedic Urgent Care?
Our Orthopedic Urgent Care is staffed by experts who are highly trained in orthopedics, including: sub-specialty surgeons, non-surgical physicians and PA-Cs (certified physician assistants). Additionally, an orthopedic surgeon is always on call for serious injuries.
Why is Summit’s Orthopedic Urgent Care staffed with PA-Cs and not physicians?
PA-Cs are specially trained health care providers that function with physician oversight but not direct supervision. Our PAs working at Summit’s Orthopedic Urgent Care locations have extensive backgrounds in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. All the PAs spend significant time with doctors, gaining valuable experience in caring for all types of musculoskeletal injuries.
Most acute (sudden onset) injuries, including a sports injury or one from a car accident, are evaluated and treated in a similar way. PAs can immediately determine what injuries require further diagnostic care and treatment, such as an MRI, CT, splinting, crutches, ice, compression, and pain medications. These are all easily directed by the PA. With this treatment and direction, Summit’s Orthopedic Urgent Care PAs provide excellent care, further diagnosis, enables the patient to follow up with the right provider and facilitates patients returning to activities of daily living just as quickly as if seeing a physician during that visit.
Will I be seen by an orthopedic surgeon at Orthopedic Urgent Care?
Summit’s Orthopedic Urgent Care is staffed by PA-Cs who have completed special training in orthopedics and are supervised by orthopedic surgeons and non-surgical physicians. An orthopedic surgeon is always on-call for more serious injuries.
Do I need to see my primary care physician or go to a nonspecialized urgent care first, before coming to Summit’s Orthopedic Urgent Care?
Most insurance companies do not require a referral for orthopedic urgent care, which means you can come directly to the specialist with your orthopedic concern. You get a diagnosis and treatment plan right away rather than having to pay for extra appointments. We have great relationships with local urgent care and primary care offices who often send their patients to Summit’s Orthopedic Urgent Care, but in most cases patients aren’t required to go there first.
Can I get an MRI at Summit’s Orthopedic Urgent Care?
Summit Orthopedics has four MRI locations and some evening hours available. An MRI requires a separate appointment which can be ordered and scheduled at your Summit
Orthopedic Urgent Care visit if the provider thinks this study is necessary. Sometimes the MRI can be done the same day, but it depends upon availability and your insurance.
Will my insurance company cover my visit at Summit’s Orthopedic Urgent Care?
As with any medical care, it is always recommended that you check with your insurance company to determine the coverage available with your insurance plan. You can refer to your plan’s benefit manual or your insurer’s website, or call the number on the back of your insurance card for details about your specific benefits.
Ready to discuss your orthopedic health with one of our experts? Make an appointment with Summit Orthopedics today.
