What to Expect at Your First Appointment
What to Expect at Your First Hand Surgeon Appointment
Uncertainty about what happens at a specialist visit is one of the most common reasons people delay getting a hand or wrist problem properly assessed. Here is exactly what the consultation involves, what to bring, and what you will leave with.
Before Your Appointment
Knowing what to expect at a first hand surgery consultation removes the uncertainty that often delays people from booking. The visit is straightforward, focused, and almost always concludes with a clear answer — something many patients have not had despite weeks or months of discomfort.
What to Bring
- Imaging on disc: Any X-rays, MRI, or CT scans performed elsewhere. A paper radiology report is useful, but Dr. Chambers reviews the actual images — not just the radiologist’s written summary. Call the imaging facility to request a CD or digital transfer.
- Medication list: Including blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban), aspirin, NSAIDs, and supplements. This affects injection and surgical planning.
- ER or urgent care discharge paperwork from any recent injury visits.
- Workers’ compensation claim information if this is a work injury.
- Insurance card and photo ID.
Arrive 10–15 Minutes Early
Intake paperwork covers your medical history, current medications, and the specific history of your hand or wrist problem. Arriving early means the consultation time is spent with Dr. Chambers rather than on forms.
What Happens During the Consultation
History
Dr. Chambers will ask about your symptoms in detail: when they started, what makes them worse or better, whether there was a specific injury or gradual onset, what you have already tried (splints, injections, physiotherapy), and how the problem is affecting your daily activities and work. The history often provides 70% of the diagnosis before examination begins.
Examination
The upper extremity examination is focused and specific — not a general physical. It includes:
- Range of motion assessment of the affected joints
- Specific clinical tests for the most likely diagnoses (Finkelstein for De Quervain’s, Durkan’s for carpal tunnel, Cozen’s for tennis elbow, grind test for thumb arthritis, etc.)
- Grip and pinch strength measurement
- Sensory assessment when nerve involvement is possible
- Skin and nail examination when relevant
Imaging Review and Any New Imaging
If you brought imaging, Dr. Chambers reviews it during the consultation. If new imaging is needed — X-rays are available in the building at Raleigh Orthopaedic and can usually be obtained the same day. MRI is typically arranged for a separate appointment if needed.
Diagnosis and Plan
At the end of the consultation, Dr. Chambers will explain his diagnosis in plain language, what is causing the problem, what the treatment options are (including doing nothing), and his recommendation. This is the time to ask questions.
Same-Day Treatments at Your First Visit
Many common conditions can be treated at the first appointment itself — you do not need a separate procedure visit:
- Cortisone injection for trigger finger, De Quervain’s, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, thumb CMC arthritis
- Splinting for acute injuries, carpal tunnel, De Quervain’s, mallet finger
- Aspiration of a ganglion cyst or olecranon bursa if appropriate
If surgery is the recommended treatment, it is scheduled after the consultation. Most outpatient hand procedures at Raleigh Orthopaedic are available within 1–3 weeks.
Four Triangle Locations — Choose What’s Convenient
Dr. Chambers sees patients at four Wake County locations:
- Raleigh: 3001 Edwards Mill Road
- Cary: 6715 McCrimmon Parkway
- Holly Springs: 781 Avent Ferry Road
- Wake Forest: 11200 Governor Manley Way
No referral is needed. Same-day and next-day appointments are routinely available. Book online or call (919) 781-5600.
Frequently Asked Questions
At your first visit with Dr. Chambers, you will discuss your symptoms in detail — when they started, what makes them worse or better, what you have already tried. Dr. Chambers will perform a focused upper extremity examination including range of motion assessment, specific clinical tests for the most likely diagnoses, grip and pinch strength testing, and sensory assessment if nerve involvement is possible. Most patients leave the first appointment with a clear diagnosis, a specific treatment plan, and in many cases an in-office treatment (cortisone injection, splint) the same day.
Bring: any X-rays or imaging studies (on a disc if possible — paper reports alone are less useful than the actual images), a list of medications including supplements, your insurance card, and a completed medical history form if sent in advance. If you had a work injury, bring your workers’ compensation claim number. If you were seen at urgent care or the ER for an acute injury, bring the discharge paperwork and any X-ray CDs. If your hand or wrist has been imaged recently at another facility, call ahead to request the images — not just the report.
Not typically. The first appointment is for examination, diagnosis, and treatment planning. For conditions managed with cortisone injection (trigger finger, De Quervain’s, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow), the injection can be performed at the first visit. If surgery is recommended, it is scheduled after the consultation — most outpatient hand procedures can be scheduled within 1–3 weeks. For acute surgical emergencies (tendon laceration, distal biceps rupture), Dr. Chambers will arrange urgent surgical scheduling on the same or next day.
Allow 45–60 minutes for your first appointment. This includes intake paperwork (arrive 10–15 minutes early), the consultation with Dr. Chambers, any in-office procedures (injection, splinting), and any immediate imaging arranged in the building. Follow-up appointments are shorter — typically 20–30 minutes.
Dr. Chambers sees patients through Raleigh Orthopaedic, which accepts most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare. Workers’ compensation cases are accepted. No referral is required for any insurance plan to book directly. Call (919) 781-5600 to confirm your specific plan is accepted before your visit.
No Referral Needed. Same-Day Appointments Available.
Book directly at any of four Triangle locations. Most conditions can be treated at the first visit.
Stephen Chambers, M.D.
Dual Board-Certified Hand & Upper Extremity Surgeon · Raleigh Orthopaedic