Welcome and General Patient Information

Welcome to Southern Orthopaedic Specialists, a medical corporation composed of orthopaedic surgeons, highly trained in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal problems involving the extremities and spine. The physicians in our practice have added expertise in sports medicine, joint replacement, hand surgery, spine problems, adult reconstruction, trauma and work-related injuries. Our doctors are certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery or are Board-eligible. Several of our physicians also hold faculty appointments at Tulane and L.S.U. Medical Schools.

Definition
Orthopaedic Surgeon: A physician specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system. This complex system includes the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves and allows you to move, work and be active. (* Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)

The orthopaedist's scope of practice includes disorders of the body's bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Fellows have completed four (4) years of medical school and at least five (5) years of an approved "residency" in orthopaedics. In addition, fellows must pass a comprehensive oral and written exam, be certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, and submit to stringent membership review processes prior to admittance to the Academy.

Once devoted to the care of children with spine and limb deformities, orthopaedic surgeons now care for patients of all ages, from newborns with clubfeet to young athletes requiring arthroscopic surgery to older people with arthritis. And anybody may break a bone. 

History
Southern Orthopaedic Specialists was established in 1945 by Dr, Rufus H. Alldredge, a prominent and well-respected orthopaedic surgeon in the Southeast United States. Dr. Alldredge soon welcomed to the practice world-renowned hand surgeon Dr. Daniel C. Riordan and Dr. J. Kenneth Saer, the first team physician for the New Orleans Saints. Over time, our physicians have continued the tradition of excellence, pioneering innovative orthopaedic techniques and providing exceptional orthopaedic care to the Southeastern United States for over 50 years. The practice has continued to serve as team orthopaedic physicians for the New Orleans Saints for over 30 years and has provided orthopaedic services to many colleges and high schools in the area.

Offices
For the convenience of our patients, our physicians practice at three locations within the greater New Orleans area. Our main office at 2731 Napolean Avenue provides the convenience of free, off-street, security-monitored covered parking. In addition, this location offers an on-site x-ray suite, a patient education video center and a minor procedure room for treatments which do not demand general anesthesia or special conditions.

Our office in New Orleans East is next to Pendleton Memorial Methodist Hospital at 5640 Read Boulevard, and our Metairie Office is located at 3800 Houma Boulevard at the Kawanee Street intersection. Both of these satellite locations offer free parking for out patients. The physicians of Southern Orthopaedic Specialists have privileges at major hospitals throughout the Greater New Orleans area: Memorial Medical Center - Baptist and Mercy campuses, Pendleton Memorial Methodist Hospital, East Jefferson General Hospital, Touro Infirmary, Doctors Hospital, Kenner Regional Medical Center, Lakeland Medical Center and Children's Hospital.

Managed Care
Each of the physicians are participating providers on most of the insurance plans available in the Southestern United States. Although managed care is not a new concept, we find that many patients still voice valid concerns. Cooperation among physicians and the managed care industry remains our primary goal in providing quality medical care for our patients. When a patient is referred to Southern Orthopaedic Specialists, our physician becomes part of the managed care team. Following a visit with the doctor, prompt, informative reports are delivered to the primary care physician. These include treatment guideline and cost-effective recommendations if further testing is required.

Check In and Payment Policies
At your first visit, we request that you complete a patient registration form and complete medical history. These form are available on the website. During your initial visit, the reception desk will make copies of your insurance card. On subsequent visits, please notify the front desk of any changes which may have changed since your last appointment.

So that we may effectively assist you in filing your medical claim and to avoid claims payment delays, please familiarize yourself with your insurance contract rules and benefits.

Patient co-payments are due at the time of service. It is thee patient's responsibility to obtain all necessary referrals and referral forms for office visits. If the paperwork is not in our office at the time of your arrival, your visit may be postponed to a later date.

Insurance claims will be filed by our office to all insurance plans in which we participate. Our office may request your assistance in obtaining reimbursement from your insurance company. In accordance with state statue, payment from your insurance company is expected within 25 - 45 days of the filing date. If payment is not received within the time allowed, a second, final claim will be forwarded to your insurance carrier as a courtesy. If your insurance carrier does not honor the financial liability associated with your care, our office will proceed with collection action.

If payment is not received, VISA, Mastercard and Discover will be accepted to enable you to fulfill the financial obligations associated with your care. Charges not covered by an insurance carrier which are the patient's responsibility are due within 30 days of the date of service.

Additional Information

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Southern Orthopaedic Specialists
Team Doctor for the New Orleans Saints National Football League Team
http://www.southern-ortho.com
Main Office: 2731 Napoleon Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70115-6953
Telephone Number: (504) 897-6351

The information provided here is for educational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Southern Orthopaedic Specialists assumes no responsibility for how this material is used. Please check with a physician if you suspect that you are ill. Also note that while Southern Orthopaedic Specialists frequently updates its contents, medical information changes rapidly. Therefore, come information may be out of date.