Each of the specialists in the Iowa Orthopaedic Center sees patients in our convenient offices on a regular basis. Visits with the physicians normally are done on an appointment basis, unless it is an emergency situation. If your insurance carrier does not require a referral from your primary care physician, you do not need a referral to see one of our specialists.

A sincere attempt is made to adhere to the appointment schedule. Unfortunately, patients do not have emergencies or complications on schedule, so delays are sometimes unavoidable.

Enclosed are a patient information history sheet and a general information form for you to complete and bring with you at the time of your appointment. The information will be placed in your medical record. A complete and accurate questionnaire will assist us in serving you better.

You will also need to bring your health insurance cards so we may scan them for your file. If there is ever any change in either your health insurance or personal history, please notify the office by phone, when you visit, or come for an appointment.


If you have had x-rays or treatment by any other physician or hospital for your musculoskeletal problem, a copy of the x-ray and report along with a copy of any previous treating physician's opinions should accompany you to your appointment. This information is a necessary part of your appointment. This information can be very helpful to the IOC physician in prescribing a course of care. Simply contact your physician or hospital so the information will be ready for you to pick up and bring with you to your appointment.


Our offices are equipped with the latest technology used to aid in the diagnosis of orthopaedic problems. Our staff has a wealth of experience in orthopaedic care.
If there should be a need for surgery or hospitalization, patients can choose from the following Des Moines hospitals - Mercy Medical Center, Iowa Lutheran Hospital, and Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Surgery and hospitalization are also available at the Pella Regional Medical Center in Pella, Iowa, and at the Trinity Regional Medical Health Center in Ft. Dodge, Iowa.


Many office visits require x-rays for the proper diagnosis and treatment of orthopaedic injuries. You could receive one billing for your physician's reading of the x-ray and another billing that would represent the usage of the x-ray equipment. These are two separately billed charges. Should you have any questions about this or your x-ray procedures, please contact our billing department at (515) 282-5288.


Some orthopaedic concerns will require additional diagnostic testing, possibly even surgery, at one of the Des Moines hospitals, in Pella, Fort Dodge, or one of the many county hospitals we serve.

Should your orthopaedic, physical medicine, or podiatric specialist order special diagnostic testing, our office will contact a hospital that is convenient for you. Someone from the hospital will then contact you to schedule the test. After that test has been completed, please call the Iowa Orthopaedic Center office to schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the results with your physician from our office. The follow-up appointment should be 7 to 10 days after your test, unless the physician has directed you otherwise.

If surgery is required, an Iowa Orthopaedic Center staff member will schedule the surgical procedure at a hospital that is convenient for you. You can expect a call from the hospital nurse who will be requesting information needed before you have surgery.
Because many insurance companies require presurgical notification from the patient as well as from our office, check your insurance requirements with your carrier. It is a good practice to carry any medical insurance cards with you in your purse or wallet when you come to the hospital.



Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Your appointment can be made in person, by phone, by your primary care physician, or by a hospital emergency room staff member. Calls for appointments need to be made during our regular business hours by calling 515-247-8400 or 800-642-6381. If you are requesting an appointment for a work-related injury, please make sure the office is advised of this.


Call immediately if you have an emergency medical situation, regardless of the hour. Our office phone numbers are 515-247-8400 and 800-642-6381 in Des Moines, or 641-621-1390 in Pella, or in Fort Dodge 515-574-8333.

After normal office hours, our answering service will take your message. The physician on call will return your call as soon as possible.


Our fees are based on the services performed by our physicians. Payment is expected following your visit with us and can be made with cash, check, debit card, or MasterCard, Visa or Discover credit cards. Should payment be a cause of financial concern for you, arrangements can be made in advance with one of our patient account representatives.


Some insurance companies now require a referral from your primary care physician before seeing a specialist. If your insurance carrier requires a referral, please make sure you have obtained this referral number prior to your appointment.


Our physician specialists have arrangements with several insurance plans for direct payment of your medical costs to the Iowa Orthopaedic Center.

Those insurance plans currently include: Medicare, Medicaid, all Wellmark plans, Healthcare Preferred, CIGNA PPO, Primary Care, Open Access, BAAl, John Deere Health Plan, United Healthcare and Coventry. Because participation with insurance carriers changes periodically, please contact the office if your insurance carrier is not listed.

You should note that very few insurance companies pay all the costs associated with your medical care. Most will have some type of deductibles, co-pays, or other guidelines. Nevertheless, the entire medical fee is your responsibility.

We do file insurance claims with most insurance carriers. However, our contract to provide your medical care is with you and not your insurance company. Therefore, you are responsible for full payment of your account with us for whatever your insurance does not cover. Not all insurance companies send your benefit payment directly to us. Consequently, you may be asked to pay for your office visits at the time of your appointment with us. All co-payments required by your insurance company should be paid at the time of your visit with us.


Insurance companies require that you report work-related injuries to your employer before you seek medical attention. All medical care and treatment must receive prior authorization by the employer or the workers' compensation carrier.


Our contract for service is with you, and we require payment for your orthopaedic care at the time of your visit. However, our staff can assist you with necessary information you may need to pursue liability claims for which you receive treatment.


Prescription refill requests are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday only. Please call and ask to speak to your physician's nurse. The nurse will need to know the name of your prescription, and the name and phone number of the pharmacy you want contacted for the refill. We also accept prescription renewal calls during regular business hours from your pharmacist.


Disability and Family Medical Leave forms, along with other kinds of forms that request information from us regarding your medical diagnosis and/or treatment plan, will be completed for you at a nominal fee.


Please bring the following with you to your appointment or surgery.

· Insurance card

· Copies of x-rays or MRI scans related to your current condition

· A referral number, if required, by your health insurance company.