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Friedrich Boettner, MD PC Knee & Hip Replacement Surgeon New York, NY / Patient Info / FAQs / General FAQs

General FAQs

How can I make an appointment?

You can call the office or submit an appointment request form here. Usually we will ask you a few questions to make sure that we actually are the right doctor for you. We also sometimes request an x-ray prior to the appointment. So if you already have an x-ray/MRI or report you can just mail it or upload it in our online appointment form. The goal is to make sure that any test necessary to diagnose your condition is ordered in advance and that you leave our office with a diagnosis and treatment plan.

What happens if Dr. Boettner does not accept my insurance?

Dr. Boettner participates with a number of insurances

  • Medicare
  • Oxford Freedom and Medicare Advantage
  • United Healthcare (HMO,EPO, POS, PPO) (we do not participate with the Empire Plan)
  • Aetna (HMO,EPO, POS, PPO)
  • BCBS (PPO, EPO and INDEMNITY, HMO, POS)

We also see patients with out of network benefits. Especially patients with BCBS the Empire plan, GHS, and Cigna patients can see the practice if they have out of network benefits. We strive to minimize any out of pocket expense and will work with you if you have financial needs.

What do I do if I need to reach the office?

If you have a clinical questions you can call the office at 212-774-2127. Alternatively you can reach out to Dr. Boettner or one of our PAs by email. Email is the fastest way to get an answer from Dr. Boettner and his team on days that he is in surgery.

You can reach Friedrich Boettner, MD and Obed Flores, PA at [javascript protected email address]

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring all medical documents that you have from prior orthopedic care or medical appointments. Also it is very helpful if you provide us with real images on a disc or hard copy when you come in and not just the report from the outside radiologist. In addition you will need to bring

  • Drivers License or a valid ID
  • Insurance information
  • Referral Letter (if required)
  • Copies of prior medical reports
  • x-rays, MRI’s, CT scans (actual images and report)
  • List of medications (if any)

How can I reschedule an appointment?

Telephone the office during business hours and allow at least 1 day’s notice so that we can offer your appointment time to patients on our waiting list. You will receive an automatic reminder email or call the day before your appointment.

We recognize that your time is valuable, and we make every effort to run on time. Occasionally emergencies or patients require more time, and these cause scheduling delays beyond our control. We apologize if we keep you waiting.

How can I obtain a copy of my medical records?

Per the HIPPA Privacy Rule, if you would like your medical records from Dr. Boettner sent to you or a third party, you must complete a Medical Records Request form. Please contact our office to obtain this form.

What happens if Dr. Boettner schedules me for surgery?

Our team will schedule one day with a number of medical appointments for you. Usually this will involve a chest x-ray (tell us if you had one in the last 6 months) as well as blood work and an EKG. You will also have the chance to meet one of our medical doctors. This make sure a medical doctor in the hospital will know you and can guide your medical care during the hospital stay. We will also get an up to date blood count. If you have any major medical condition (coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes etc.) we strongly recommend that you meet with your primary care doctor or specialist prior to surgery to make sure he is aware that you have surgery.

If you have an infection, like an ingrown toe nail or tooth abscess this will have to be addressed prior to surgery. You will also have to stop any blood thinner in advance. Please consult with your medical doctor about the time (Plavix 7 days, Coumadin 6 days, Baby Aspirin can be continued until day of surgery) We can also schedule you for a patient education class where you can learn about your procedure and the hospital stay. Please talk to Nadeen or Leslie about scheduling you for the patient education class.

How do I go about donating blood? How long before surgery do I donate?

Rarely patients will be required to donate blood prior to total knee or total hip replacement. In our practice less than 5% of the patient ultimately require to donate blood prior to surgery. Dr. Boettner heads the Blood Preservation Center at HSS. We will review the guidelines for the Blood Preservation Center and options for donating blood. Our office will assist you if you would like to donate blood by sending a request to the New York Blood Center, which has locations throughout the tri-state area. Usually blood donations are schedule 2-4 weeks prior to surgery. Dr. Boettner utilizes Tanexamic acid to reduce the risk of blood transfusions in high risk patients.

When will I be admitted and discharged?

You will be admitted the day of surgery and usually will stay in the hospital for 2 – 3 days after a total hip or total knee replacement. Today most patients undergoing total hip replacement and resurfacing will leave after 2 days.

What is post-surgery protocol?

Following, hip replacement surgery, most patients are in the hospital for 2-3 days. You begin walking with the physical therapists in the hospital starting the day of or the day after your surgery. Most patients require physical therapy for 4 weeks to 6 weeks after surgery. Initially the therapist will come to your house but after 2-4 weeks we encourage you to see an outpatient therapist. All patients recover at different rates. Dr. Boettner will be happy to discuss your specific rehabilitation protocol with you in the office.

Following knee replacement surgery, most patients stay in the hospital for 3 days. Most of our patients undergoing total knee replacement will go home. We participate in an intensive home rehab protocol arranged by the Visiting Nurse Service of New York. If you decide to go to rehab and your insurance covers the rehab our social worker will help facilitate a smooth transition from the hospital to the rehab center. By the time of discharge, most patients are walking with a cane or walker. Most patients are able to get rid of their walking aids within the first 4 weeks. It is critically important to work with a physical therapist for at least the first 6 weeks after surgery in order to regain motion in the knee. You should be able to fully straighten out your knee by 7 days and achieve 110 degrees of flexion by 2 weeks.

How long can I stay in rehab?

If inpatient rehab is needed an acute rehab facility will usually care fore your for 7-10 days. If you live alone or have nobody that can help you you might decide to go to a sub-acute rehab institution or nursing home that can provide services for many weeks if needed. The overwhelming majority of our patients go home and rehabilitate in the comfort of their own home.

Who do I talk to about Discharge Planning?

Our social worker will work closely with us while you are in the hospital. She organizes all discharge planning including home care and inpatient rehabilitation. All of this will be organized while you are in the hospital after your surgery. If you would like to discuss this prior to surgery, please call the Division of Patient Care & Quality Management, Case Management Department at ( 646) 797-8503.

Who will remove my sutures after surgery?

All our patients undergoing primary total knee or total hip replacement will receive resorbable sutures and a glue that allow you to shower right after surgery. These sutures will not need to be removed.

If you had a revision surgery please make sure to have the staples removed by 2 weeks. If you have allergies to resorbablesuture material please tell Dr. Boettner about this prior to your surgery. Also please inform us if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to tape.

How many follow-up appointments will I have after surgery and when will they be?

Routine follow-up for patients is 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 1 year following surgery. However, we will see you as often as it takes to make sure you reach the desired outcome from your surgery. Please make sure to follow up with us every 1-2 years thereafter.

Following surgery, do I need to take antibiotics when going to the dentist?

Yes, you will need to pre-medicate with antibiotics for any future dental procedures. You can call the office staff for a prescription.

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