The essentials
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Photo ID & insurance cards | Registration and benefits verification |
| Medication list with doses | Safety: several medications affect surgical planning and anesthesia |
| Prior imaging (disc or facility name) | Avoids repeat X-rays and shows how your joint has changed over time |
| Operative reports from prior joint surgery | Essential for revision evaluations: implant make and model guide the plan |
| List of treatments already tried | Insurance often requires documented conservative care before approving surgery |
| Your questions, written down | The best visits are conversations, so come what you want answered |
| A support person (optional) | A second set of ears helps, especially when discussing surgery |
If you use a CPAP, walker, or brace
Mention it. Sleep apnea, mobility aids, and bracing all factor into surgical and anesthesia planning.
Comfortable clothing
Wear or bring shorts if your knee is being evaluated; it makes the examination easier and faster.