First Visit Guide

A first visit here is a conversation, an examination and a plan. Most new patients are with us about 45 minutes.

Before You Come

• A photo ID and your insurance card — Bring a driver’s license or other valid photo ID along with your insurance card.
• Your completed intake forms — Our office emails or texts you a secure link once your appointment time is confirmed. There is no app to download and no password to create. Finish it before you come and check-in takes about a minute.
• Your imaging — Upload your MRI, X-ray or CT scan ahead of time so Dr. Buford can review it before you arrive. A disc works too. Upload your images.
• Reports from any prior treatment — Operative reports, injection records and therapy notes for the same problem are the most useful things you can bring.
• A list of your medications — Include everything you take regularly, prescription and over the counter.
• The questions you want answered — Write them down before you come. It is the easiest thing to forget once the visit starts.

What Happens at Your Visit

1. Check in — Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time. If you were not able to finish your forms at home, arrive 20 minutes early and you can complete them here.
2. We talk first — What hurts, how it started, what you have already tried, and what you want to get back to doing.
3. Examination — Dr. Buford examines the joint or region himself.
4. Imaging, in the office as needed — Ultrasound and X-ray are both done here when they are indicated, and any studies you have had elsewhere are pulled up and reviewed with you.
5. What we found, and your options — Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), BMAC (stem cells), MLS laser therapy, physical therapy, or surgery. That conversation includes the times a procedure is not the right answer.
6. Your plan — You leave knowing what happens next. If an orthobiologic injection is the right step for you and you want to move forward, it can often be done the same day.

Questions before you come? Call (877) 777-8883. For directions, parking and building entry, see Visit Us. Not booked yet? Request an appointment.

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