Slovenia has been plagued by long waiting times for years. Orthopaedists are among the most sought-after doctors. And because of the complexity of procedures that they conduct, orthopaedic surgeries are usually associated with the longest waiting times. On 1 February 2021, the average waiting times at that time were announced publicly. At the top of the list were waiting times for were orthopaedic spinal surgeries necessitated by infection or spondylosis.
At that time, the average spinal surgery waiting time was between 500 and 700 days, i.e., one to almost two years. Although different expert groups have been dealing with the healthcare reform for quite a while, no change in waiting times can be noticed. Due to the nature of their work, orthopaedists remain among the most sought-after specialists. Namely, many people suffer from injury due to improper lifting, walking, movement, or posture at work. Also not uncommon are sports injuries, and patients often visit an orthopaedist for the treatment of rheumatic conditions or arthritis.
Below, we will consider a few of the reasons why visits to specialists in the field are so common:
Below, we will consider a few of the reasons why visits to specialists in the field are so common:
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Pain in the back and spine
Spinal pain caused by poor posture and strain often occurs after the age of 40, however, it is not limited exclusively to this age group. Such pain is particularly distressing if it hinders movement or prevents normal locomotion and activities. This makes it all the more important to provide for waiting times that are as short as possible. Through surgery, an orthopaedic surgeon can vastly improve the patient's condition, well-being, and mobility.
Below, we will consider a few of the reasons why visits to specialists in the field are so common:
Below, we will consider a few of the reasons why visits to specialists in the field are so common:
Joint pain or arthritis
Joint pain is often the consequence of falls or accidents any may become chronic over time. Ankles, knees, hips, wrists, and elbows are particularly vulnerable. Joint pain is often accompanied by muscle pain as well as swelling and bruising. A professional exam will determine the cause of the condition and help identify the appropriate treatment.
Neck pain resulting from poor posture
Long periods of incorrect posture while working, sitting, or walking can lead to neck and back pain. Working with a computer is no exception, as it puts strain on wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Take care of proper posture. If you experience pain, schedule an exam where a specialist will examine you, recommend therapy, and prescribe exercises.
Our self-pay orthopaedic clinic conducts professional examinations
Our self-pay orthopaedic clinic conducts professional examinations
The self-pay orthopedic clinic operates in the context of the Aristotel Health Centre, which has been authorized to provide different specialist exams since 1998. Initially, our activities were concerned primarily with general and occupational medicine. However, over time, we successfully attracted a significant number of experts and expanded our activities based on the need for specialist services.
Our self-pay orthopaedic clinic conducts professional examinations
The self-pay orthopaedic clinic collaborates with specialists, Mitja Mächtig, MD, and Prof. Oskar Zupanc, MD. Both are renowned experts in the field. This way, the self-pay clinic provides not only check-ups, testing, and therapies, but also enables access to services that are usually associated with long waiting times. These include, among other, joint aspiration and nerve block, hyaluronic acid infiltration, intra-articular or soft tissue injections, and second opinion of specialist.
The initial orthopaedic examination may be completed by a self-pay orthopaedist
The initial orthopaedic examination may be completed by a self-pay orthopaedist
Because the first orthopaedic exam is as a rule vital for subsequent referral, it should be performed by a seasoned expert. A self-pay orthopaedist has experience working both in hospitals and outpatient clinics, meaning his or her professional experience is entirely comparable to other specialists.
The initial orthopaedic examination may be completed by a self-pay orthopaedist
That is why it makes no difference whether your first specialist examination was concluded in a private or public clinic. The difference, however, is in the waiting time. Due to the nature of their work, self-pay orthopaedists are not bound by the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS) reimbursements and can instead provide their services regardless of the number of procedures approved by the insurance company. This in turn significantly reduces waiting times. A specialist in a self-pay clinic can provide the service as the need appears, i.e., then moment when the patient starts experiencing pain. This expedites recovery and helps the condition improve faster. However, the patient can actually substantially improve the recovery time by observing instructions on exercise, physical therapy, and nutrition.