FAQs

What is the difference between an M.D. and a D.O.?

Allopathic medical schools (M.D.) teach allopathic medicine or the treatment of diseases and other conditions affecting the body's normal functioning and interventions to restore health. Osteopathic medical schools (D.O.) emphasize health promotion and preventions, but in all other aspects are similar to allopathic medical schools. M.D.s and D.O.s attend the same residency programs and must complete the same requirements to become Board-Certified.

What is a PA?

Assistant, physician (PA): A physician assistant (PA) is a mid-level medical practitioner who works under the supervision of a licensed doctor (an MD) or osteopathic physician (a DO).

The physician assistant came about in the 1960s as a response to the need for more clinicians (there was a shortage of family physicians) and better access to health care. The first PA program was developed by Dr. Eugene Stead, chairman of the Department of Medicine at Duke University, to train PAs for rural areas with dwindling numbers of physicians and nurses.

Today the term "physician assistant" has a more precise definition as it applies to the mid-level practitioner who is able to practice medicine under the auspices of a licensed physician. Although the physician need not be present during the time the PA performs his or her duties, there must be a method of contact between the supervising physician and the PA at all times. The PA must be competent in the duties he or she is performing and the physician for whom the PA is working must also be licensed and trained to perform the relevant duties.

Examples of the duties of a general PA include:

• Medical histories and physical examinations: a PA is usually can perform histories and physical examinations that do not go beyond a particular level.
• Laboratory tests: a PA can order any test which he or she is competent to interpret and provide the appropriate treatment.
• Follow-up: PAs follow patients through their hospital course, their course of treatment in a clinic setting, etc.

PAs can practice in virtually all medical and surgical specialties, provided they are properly trained and supervised. Thus, PAs can assist in surgeries.

What are OrthoNeuro's Office Hours

Our physician's are available for appointments Monday - Friday from 8:30am - 5pm at our main locations. Extended hours are available with some of our physicians. Many of our physicians treat patients at several locations. Please check with the appointment scheduler to determine which days your physician is at the OrthoNeuro location nearest to you. Previous medical records or diagnostic tests such as x-rays and MRIs pertaining to your current medical condition are necessary at the time of the appointment to assist the doctor in determining your diagnosis and treatment. These documents should be brought to your appointment with you. Please call our central line, 614-890-6555, for additional information or to schedule an appointment at any of our locations.

What are the hours of operation for Physical Therapy?

Hours of operation for physical therapy are dependent upon the location. See below:

What number do I call to schedule or reschedule a PT appointment?

Please call the clinics direct line to schedule or change an existing PT appointment. The direct phone numbers are listed below: