Frequently Asked Questions

You can schedule an appointment by calling our office, using our online booking system, or submitting a request through our contact form. Our team will confirm your appointment within one business day.

Dr. Joshi participates with most major insurers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, EmblemHealth, Medicare, Medicaid, Oxford, and UnitedHealthcare. The full list of accepted plans is on our Contact page. We recommend contacting our office before your appointment to verify your specific coverage. Our billing team can also provide estimates for any out-of-pocket costs.

Please bring your photo ID, insurance cards, completed patient forms (available on our website), a list of current medications, and any imaging studies (X-rays, MRI) on CD or uploaded to our patient portal.

This depends on your insurance plan. Some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care physician, while others allow you to see specialists directly. Please check with your insurance provider or contact our office for guidance.

Dr. Joshi believes surgery should be reserved for cases where conservative treatments have failed or are unlikely to succeed. During your consultation, he will discuss all treatment options, including non-surgical alternatives, and recommend surgery only when it offers the best chance for improvement.

Most shoulder and elbow surgeries are performed under general anesthesia combined with a nerve block. The nerve block provides excellent pain control for 12-24 hours after surgery and reduces the need for narcotic pain medications.

Many procedures, including some shoulder replacements, are now performed as outpatient surgery, meaning you go home the same day. More complex procedures may require an overnight stay. Dr. Joshi will discuss the expected hospital stay during your pre-operative consultation.

Surgery duration varies by procedure. Arthroscopic procedures typically take 30-90 minutes, while shoulder replacement surgery takes approximately 1-2 hours. Dr. Joshi will provide a more specific estimate based on your individual case.

Recovery from shoulder replacement is gradual. Most patients wear a sling for 4-6 weeks and begin physical therapy shortly after surgery. Significant improvement in pain occurs within the first few weeks. Full recovery typically takes 6-12 months, with continued improvement up to one year.

You cannot drive while wearing a sling or taking narcotic pain medications. Most patients can resume driving 6-8 weeks after surgery, once they have adequate strength and range of motion. Dr. Joshi will provide clearance at your follow-up appointments.

Return to work depends on the type of surgery and your job requirements. Desk workers may return in 1-2 weeks (with sling), while those with physical jobs may need 3-6 months. Dr. Joshi will provide specific guidelines based on your situation.

Yes, physical therapy is a critical component of recovery for most shoulder and elbow surgeries. Dr. Joshi will prescribe a specific rehabilitation protocol, and you will work with a physical therapist to restore motion, strength, and function.

Pain management includes a nerve block (providing 12-24 hours of relief), prescribed pain medications, ice application, and positioning. Most patients transition from prescription pain medications to over-the-counter medications within 1-2 weeks.

The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that stabilize the shoulder and enable arm movement. A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of these tendons is damaged, either partially or completely. Tears can result from injury or gradual wear over time.

Some rotator cuff tears, particularly small partial tears, may improve with conservative treatment including physical therapy and injections. However, full-thickness tears do not heal on their own and may enlarge over time. Surgery is recommended when conservative treatment fails.

Shoulder arthritis is a degenerative condition where the cartilage that cushions the joint wears away, leading to bone-on-bone contact. This causes pain, stiffness, and limited motion. Treatment ranges from conservative measures to shoulder replacement surgery.

Shoulder instability typically results from a traumatic dislocation that damages the labrum (cartilage rim) and ligaments. Once these structures are injured, the shoulder may continue to dislocate or feel loose. Some people have naturally loose joints that predispose them to instability.

Total shoulder replacement replaces the damaged joint surfaces while maintaining normal anatomy—the ball remains on the arm bone and the socket on the shoulder blade. Reverse shoulder replacement switches this configuration, allowing the deltoid muscle to power the arm when the rotator cuff is damaged.

Modern shoulder replacements typically last 15-20 years or longer with proper care. Factors affecting longevity include activity level, age, and following post-operative guidelines. Revision surgery is available if the replacement wears out.

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique using small incisions and a camera to visualize and treat conditions inside the joint. Benefits include smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

The Latarjet procedure is a surgical treatment for shoulder instability that involves transferring a piece of bone (with attached muscle) to the front of the shoulder socket. This provides both bony and muscular stability and is recommended for patients with bone loss or high-risk characteristics.