Question 1

How many orthopedic surgeons are in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

City Select lists 282 verified orthopedic surgeons across 19 Arizona cities. Every listing is matched against the federal National Provider Identifier (NPI) registry, so you're seeing real, registered practices — not paid placements.

Question 2

Which orthopedic surgeons accept Medicare in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

70 orthopedic surgeons in the directory list Medicare. Use the insurance filter to narrow by Medicare, AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid), Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more — counts update for the city you choose.

Question 3

How do I find orthopedic surgeons near me?

Accepted Answer

Pick your city from the search bar or filter rail to see orthopedic surgeons in that area — the directory covers Phoenix (96), Scottsdale (78), Chandler (22), Mesa (20), Gilbert (19). You can also search by practice name, doctor name, insurance, or service to build a shortlist in seconds.

Question 4

Are the listings on City Select verified and unbiased?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every profile is sourced from the federal NPI registry maintained by CMS, and we never sell ranking. Listing order is determined by how complete a practice's verified profile is (services, providers, insurance, hours) — never by payment. Featured and sponsored placements are always clearly labelled as such and never change the directory order, a practice's verification status, or any fact on its profile. A practice can improve its position by claiming its listing and adding information — for free.

Question 5

When should I see an orthopedic surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Consider an orthopedic specialist for joint or bone pain that hasn't improved with rest, limited range of motion or stiffness, an injury that isn't healing, or trouble doing everyday activities. Seeing an orthopedist directly can save time over starting with primary care when the problem is clearly musculoskeletal.

Question 6

Does seeing an orthopedic surgeon mean I'll need surgery?

Accepted Answer

No — despite the name, orthopedic surgeons treat most problems without an operation, using medication, injections, bracing, and physical therapy first. Surgery is recommended only when non-surgical care hasn't worked or the injury clearly requires it.

Question 7

Do I need a referral to see an orthopedic surgeon?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your plan. PPO and Medicare patients can usually see an orthopedist without a referral, while HMO plans typically require one from your primary care doctor. Check your plan so the visit is covered.

Question 8

Orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist — which do I need?

Accepted Answer

They often work together. An orthopedic surgeon diagnoses bone and joint problems and handles injections or surgery; a physical therapist restores movement and strength through guided exercise. For many injuries, you'll start with one and be referred to the other as part of the same recovery plan.

Question 9

What conditions do orthopedic surgeons treat?

Accepted Answer

Orthopedists treat injuries and conditions of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons — arthritis, fractures, sprains, ACL and rotator cuff tears, back and neck problems, carpal tunnel, and joint degeneration that may need replacement.

Question 10

What happens at a first orthopedic visit?

Accepted Answer

You'll review your symptoms and history, and the doctor will examine the area, test range of motion and strength, and often order imaging like an X-ray or MRI. From there they'll explain the diagnosis and lay out options, which usually start with non-surgical care.

Question 11

Can an orthopedist help me avoid surgery?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Many joint and back problems improve with a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, injections (like cortisone), and activity changes, and a good orthopedist exhausts these before considering surgery.

Question 12

When is a knee or hip replacement actually needed?

Accepted Answer

Joint replacement is usually considered when severe arthritis or damage causes persistent pain and disability that hasn't responded to medication, injections, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Your surgeon weighs your symptoms, imaging, and how much the joint limits your daily life — it's rarely a first step.

Question 13

Does insurance cover orthopedic care?

Accepted Answer

Most plans cover medically necessary orthopedic visits, imaging, and surgery, though some procedures need prior authorization and your costs depend on your deductible and network. It's worth confirming coverage, especially before imaging or surgery.

Question 14

Does Medicare cover orthopedic care and joint replacement?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Medicare Part B covers medically necessary orthopedic visits and outpatient care, and Part A covers inpatient joint-replacement surgery, with you generally responsible for deductibles and a share of costs. Confirm specifics with your plan before a major procedure.

Question 15

How long is recovery after joint replacement?

Accepted Answer

It varies by joint and person, but many people walk with assistance within a day or two, return to light activity over several weeks, and continue improving for months with physical therapy. Following your rehab plan closely is one of the biggest factors in your outcome.

Question 16

What's the difference between an orthopedic surgeon and a sports medicine doctor?

Accepted Answer

Both treat musculoskeletal injuries; the difference is that sports medicine doctors often focus on non-surgical care and getting active people back to activity, while orthopedic surgeons also perform surgery. Many work side by side, and a sports medicine doctor refers to a surgeon when an operation is needed.

Question 17

Can an orthopedist treat back and neck pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes — orthopedic spine specialists diagnose and treat back and neck problems with therapy, injections, and, when warranted, surgery. Most back pain improves with conservative care, and surgery is reserved for specific structural problems or nerve issues.

Question 18

Should I go to an orthopedist, urgent care, or the ER for an injury?

Accepted Answer

For an obvious or severe injury — a deformed limb, inability to bear weight, or significant swelling — go to urgent care or the ER first for evaluation and imaging, then follow up with an orthopedist. For nagging or chronic joint pain, booking directly with an orthopedist is the efficient route.

Question 19

What should I bring to my orthopedic appointment?

Accepted Answer

Bring any prior imaging (X-rays, MRIs) or reports, a list of your medications, details on how and when the injury happened, and what makes the pain better or worse. The clearer the history, the faster your orthopedist can pinpoint the problem.

Question 20

When should I see an orthopedist instead of my primary care doctor?

Accepted Answer

Your primary care doctor can handle minor aches and an initial evaluation, but for a clear joint or bone injury, persistent musculoskeletal pain, or a problem that may need imaging, injections, or surgery, going straight to an orthopedist often saves a step. When you're unsure, your PCP can point you to the right specialist.

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