About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
At Agility Orthopaedics, we strive to provide our patients the exceptional orthopedic services. Please use the information below to access answers to frequently asked questions about orthopedics, orthopedic doctors, common orthopedic tests and procedures.
Appointment Questions
How do I make an appointment?
You can schedule an appointment by either calling Agility Orthopaedics at 314-786-2663 or online here
How soon can I get an appointment?
There is usually an appointment available within 24 to 48 hours. Urgent concerns may be seen sooner. Appointment requests depend on the physician’s schedule. If you are having an emergency or need immediate medical assistance, please seek care at an emergency room or call 911.
What should I bring to my appointment?
- For your first appointment you will be asked to complete a medical history form, which can be found online here. Please complete the forms prior to your office visit. If you plan to complete the forms at your appointment, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
- Driver’s license or picture ID.
- Your insurance card or other health coverage information.
- Copayment (Your insurance card will indicate your copayment amount).
- Referral form (authorization from your primary care physician), if required by your health insurance plan.
- List of all medications (both over-the-counter and prescription) including doses and how often you take them.
Where is Agility Orthopaedics located?
Agility Orthopaedics is located at 555 N. New Ballas Road, Suite 175, in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Click here for more office information or for directions to our office.
Are there wheelchairs available at your office location?
We have wheelchairs for patient use.
How do I contact an Agility Orthopaedics provider after hours?
Our office always has a provider on-call to handle after hour needs. If you need to contact us when the office is closed (after hours or on weekends), please call 314-786-2663 and the on-call provider will contact you.
How do I refill a medication prescription?
Agility Orthopaedics’ providers will only refill medications they have originally prescribed. Please double-check the name of the ordering provider before contacting our office for a refill. It is best to notify us at the time of your office appointment. If that is not possible, please contact your pharmacy and they will contact us directly. Medications will not be refilled at night or on weekends. By law, many pain medications can not be refilled over the phone.
Does Agility Orthopaedics treat workers’ compensation injuries?
Agility Orthopaedics specializes in the treatment of the injured worker. Our orthopaedic surgeons and trained staff have extensive experience in providing specialized service to meet the needs of both the patient and employer. We provide immediate appointments for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. We also provide independent medical evaluations (IMEs) and second opinions. Agility Orthopaedics has a dedicated workers’ compensation hotline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of care to the injured worker and return them to the work force in a timely manner.
Orthopaedic Medical Questions
What is orthopaedics?
Orthopaedics (alternatively orthopedics) is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions, disorders, and injuries of the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves. A doctor who specializes in this medical specialty is called an orthopaedic (orthopedic) surgeon or orthopedist.
Is it orthopaedics or orthopedics?
Orthopedic is the Americanized version of the word orthopaedic. Both refer to the medical specialty focusing on the body’s musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. The spellings are virtually interchangeable in the United States.
What is the educational training of an orthopedic surgeon?
Board-certified orthopedic surgeons have successfully completed a minimum of 13 years of formal education:
- Undergraduate: Four years of study in a college or university
- Medical School: Four years of study in a school of medicine
- Orthopedic Residency: Five years of study at a major medical institution
Board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons have completed:
- Undergraduate: Four years of study in a college or university
- Medical School: Four years of study in a school of medicine
- Orthopedic Residency: Five years of study at a major medical institution
- Fellowship Training: One year of specialized education in an accredited fellowship program
All orthopedic surgeons continue their medical education yearly to stay current in orthopedic knowledge and skills.
Is my physician board-certified and what does that mean?
Both Dr. Nadaud and Dr. Rabenold are board-certified physicians. Certification is a rigorous process of testing and peer evaluation that is designed and administered by specialists in a specific area of medicine.
The intent of the certification process, as defined by the board members of the American Board of Medical Specialties, is to provide assurance to the public that a certified medical specialist has successfully completed an approved educational program and an evaluation, including an examination process designed to assess the knowledge, experience and skills requisite to the provision of high-quality patient care in that specialty.
What does “fellowship-trained” mean?
A fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon has completed a minimum of 13 years of higher education and has completed an additional year of specialty training in a specific field of orthopaedic surgery in an accredited fellowship program.
The specialty training is in one specific area in which the doctor will specialize under the guidance of top orthopaedic specialists. Both Dr. Nadaud and Dr. Rabenold are fellowship trained.
Dr. Nadaud completed his orthopaedic fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Rabenold completed his orthopaedic fellowship training in shoulder and elbow at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, TX and a traveling fellowship in Nice and Annecy, France. In addition to their fellowship training, both Dr. Nadaud and Dr. Rabenold have extensive training in general orthopaedics and sports medicine.
What is a physician assistant (PA)?
A physician assistant, commonly referred to as a PA, is a licensed health care professional who practices medicine with physician supervision. PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat conditions, order and interpret tests, write prescriptions and assist our orthopedic surgeons in surgery. Please click here to learn more about Agility Orthopaedics’ physician assistants.
What is arthroscopy? How is arthroscopy performed?
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure during which the internal structure of a joint is examined for diagnosis and treatment of problems inside the joint.
During arthroscopic surgery, either a general, spinal, or a local anesthesia will be given depending on the condition. A small incision of the size of a buttonhole is made through which the arthroscope is inserted. Other accessory incisions will be made through which specially designed instruments are inserted. After the procedure is completed, arthroscope is removed and incisions are closed.
What is the difference between X-Ray, MRI and CT scans?
All three are imaging studies used by your provider in diagnosing orthopaedic conditions and injuries. X-Ray is the most common technique and provides a two dimensional image of the interior of the body. Images appear on the x-ray based on the various densities of the body structures. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses magnetic waves to produce images rather than ionizing radiation like x-rays and CT scans. The images are three dimensional, which enhances the provider’s ability to diagnose problems. MRIs are best for imaging soft tissue, showing very fine soft tissue details in the shoulder and knee. However, because of the magnetic field, people with surgical clips, metallic fragments, cardiac monitors or pacemakers cannot have an MRI scan. CT (Computerized Tomography) uses x-rays that move in an arch around the body part being imaged, creating a three dimensional image of it. CT scans are an advanced form of x-ray technology used in detecting diseases in the soft body tissues and can provide images of internal organs. CT scans help diagnose bone fractures, bone tumors and internal injuries and bleeding.
What is a physical therapist?
A physical therapist is licensed by the state, specializing in therapy programs for musculoskeletal injuries and disorders, sports injuries, post-operative rehabilitation and massage therapy.
What is Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)?
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, also known as PM&R, is a specialty area of medicine focused on improving and restoring an individual’s functional ability. Further, this field of practice aims to improve quality of life for a wide range of people suffering from disabilities or physical impairments resulting from disease or injury.
What is a Physiatrist?
A Physiatrist is a medical doctor that has been trained in the specialty area of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Patients suffering from physical impairments of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, brain, spinal cord and nerves may benefit from working with a physiatrist. Physiatrists work with a team of other medical professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, orthopaedic surgeons, primary care doctors and neurologists in order to develop a treatment plan specific for the individual. Additionally, physiatrists often involve non-medical professionals such as social workers, psychologists and vocational counselors to ensure treatment addresses many facets of the patient’s life. In many cases, the physiatrist takes lead on developing and facilitating the treatment plan in order to optimize overall care of each patient.
What services can a PM&R physician provide?
- Variety of injections, including spine, using fluoroscopic guidance
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS) Electromyography (EMG)
- Spasticity management
- Trigger point injections for certain muscle disorders
- Joint injections
What is the educational training of a PM&R physician?
Physiatrists complete four years of medical school after completing an undergraduate degree. Further, they spend four additional years in a physical medicine and rehabilitation residency.
What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse that has additionally completed either a master’s or doctoral degree program along with advanced clinical training. NPs are qualified to diagnose and treat medical problems, order and interpret diagnostic testing, prescribe medications, perform non-surgical procedures including various therapeutic injections, offer education & counseling, and make referrals for a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions. Nurse practitioners are governed by their state rules and regulations and practice in accordance with these laws.
Billing and Insurance Questions
Which insurances do you accept?
For more information and to review a list of the insurance plans that Agility honors, please click here. We strongly recommended that you are familiar with your insurance plan and the extent of coverage that is available under your specific insurance plan. If you are not familiar with your insurance coverage, we suggest you discuss your policy with your employer or insurance company before your incur any charges.
What is the co-payment for an office visit?
A co-payment (co-pay) for an office visit is determined by your insurance company and is your portion of the payment for the visit. Co-pays are due at the time of your appointment. We have signed an agreement with the insurance companies we participate with to collect a co-pays for any charges incurred during your visit.
How can I pay my bill?
We accept almost all forms of payment including cash, check or credit card. We accept VISA, Mastercard, Discover and American Express credit cards. You can make a credit card payments over the phone by calling 314-786-2663.