We know your time with Dr. Austin Chen is important, so in order to make it the most effective here are a few things to help you to prepare for it.
Office Information
Address:
4740 Pearl Parkway,
Boulder, Colorado 80301
The office is right off of Foothills, or the Diagonal Highway 119. Ample parking is available at the site of the building. Once parked, please head up to the second floor using the elevator to where the offices are located. The friendly front desk staff will get you checked in. If you have any questions about how to get to the office or about your upcoming appointment, please contact the office at the phone number below.
Phone: 303-502-9029
When should I arrive for my appointment?
The time you should arrive at the office for your appointment is different than your scheduled appointment time. You may be required to complete new patient paperwork or provide personal identification and insurance information prior to being seen by your doctor. Because of this, you may be asked to arrive up to 30 minutes prior to your appointment time. Please confirm your expected arrival time when scheduling the appointment.
Will I have to wait?
Personalized care doesn’t always follow definitive time schedules, and we appreciate your understanding and patience if we keep you waiting longer than you expected. Dr. Austin Chen does everything in his power to make sure he stays on time, but in some cases, patients require special attention, or he may be assessing a serious injury. Dr. Austin Chen always gives his patients the time they need to feel heard and understood, and sometimes this takes longer than expected. Feel free to bring a book or other reading material.
What should I wear to my appointment?
We recommend that you dress in comfortable clothing appropriate for your appointment. If your injury or condition involves your neck, back, spine, shoulder, or hip, you may be asked to change into a medical robe for your examination. We recommend wearing loose clothing that is easy to take off and put on. In addition, your doctor may request an X-ray during your visit. Prior to your X-ray, you may be asked to remove jewelry, eyeglasses, and any other metal objects, such as loose change, hearing aids, underwire bras, fingernail clippers, etc., that may interfere with the imaging. Depending on the area of the body that is being X-rayed, you may be asked to change into a medical gown.
What should I bring with me to my appointment?
Identification and Insurance information
- Current insurance cards (and Insurance co-payment, co-insurance, and/or deductible information, if applicable)
- Insurance referral, if applicable
- Current photo ID
Medical Information for Current Injury or Condition
All medical records, imaging (X-ray, MRI), and lab test results for your current injury or condition should be carried in or faxed from your primary care provider. If you have been evaluated or treated for your current injury or condition by another healthcare provider, please contact their office at least one week prior to your appointment, if possible, to request a copy of all medical records pertaining to your injury or condition. You can request that your records be sent directly to our office, but please CONFIRM that we have received them prior to your appointment.
Personal Documentation of Current Injury or Condition
During your appointment with Dr. Austin Chen you will be asked about the injury or condition that you are being seen for. You may find that compiling a personal documentation record prior to your visit and having the record with you during your appointment may assist you in answering some of these questions. Please note that the information in your personal document will not be used as a substitute for any official forms you will be asked to complete prior to your appointment.
Current List of Medications, Herbal Remedies and Supplements
Bring a current list of all your medications, including the name of the medication, dosage, the frequency you take the medication, and the reason for the medication. This list should include prescribed medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter medications you are taking as well as any medications you are allergic to. We recommend having this record with you as you may need to access this information during your appointment.
Medical History
Maintenance of your medical history, including all prior treatments, surgeries, conditions, and illnesses, even if they are not related to your current injury or condition, is always recommended. Have this record with you as you may need to access this information during your appointment.
List of Questions and Concerns to Address During Your Appointment
We recommend that you compile a written list of all questions and concerns that you want to address during your time at the BoulderCentre for Orthopedics. This will help to ensure that all your concerns are addressed during your appointment. Please bring a notepad and pen/pencil for recording the answers. Be sure to ask questions if you do not understand a policy, procedure, medical term, or the reason for your doctor’s diagnosis, treatment plan, recommendations, medication instructions, or post-appointment instructions. If you need additional information to take with you, ask your doctor for handouts, brochures, or online resources that you can review at home.
Emergency Contact Information
An emergency contact list is a document you should have ready and keep updated regularly. Having this list with you at your appointment may provide you information you need in completing the required paperwork.
A Family Member or Friend
You may consider asking another adult to accompany you to your appointment. Should you need a translator, please bring an adult translator with you or contact our office prior to your scheduled appointment to make arrangements. We do not recommend that you rely on a child to translate.
Will I only be seeing Dr. Austin Chen?
There may be instances when you are seen by one of our physician and medical assistants in addition to Dr. Chen. At BoulderCentre for Orthopedics, our physician and medical assistants (PAs) work closely with our orthopedic doctors including Dr. Austin Chen to provide the highest level of surgical and nonsurgical care for patients. Physician and medical assistants are highly trained and qualified healthcare providers who work under the supervision of our orthopedic doctors to take medical histories, conduct exams, diagnose and treat bone, joint, and muscle injuries and conditions, order and interpret tests such as X-rays and MRI, prescribe medications, and assist our doctors during surgery. Rest assured you are in expert hands at all times.
What will happen in my appointment with Dr. Austin Chen?
Upon seeing Dr. Chen, he will begin by talking to you about your injuries, health concerns and conditions. He will review with you any previous health information and case histories that you may have from previous providers. From there he will perform a diagnostic exam which involves testing your mobility and pain through a series of specialized movements. Based on Dr. Chen’s findings, he may request X-rays, and/or an MRI to be taken. Diagnostic injections may also be used to retrieve further information about your condition. Depending on your individual case, Dr. Chen will work with you to create a treatment plan based on your health goals and his findings. This typically begins with non surgical options, such as physical therapy, nutrition and exercise modifications, and PRP injections. When non surgical options are not the right solution for your individual case, Dr. Chen will take the time to thoroughly discuss all surgical options.
