Orthopaedic Clinical Assessment and Treatment Service (OCATS) in Warrington – What you can expect at your first appointment?

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During the assessment/appointment

On arrival, inform reception of your appointment and you will be advised on where to wait.

During initial assessment you will be asked to confirm your details and will be asked permission for record sharing within our service, GP and other NHS healthcare services.

You will be asked questions about the nature of the problem and how it is affecting your function and general health and well-being.

You will also be asked questions about your general health and medical history: please remember to bring a list of your current prescribed medication – if you can’t recall the medications that you are taking.

A series of questions will be asked to rule out serious conditions and to complete relevant outcome measures to establish your current level of function and how much your problem affects your quality of life.

Following questions the clinician will perform an objective examination of the problem area and associated areas.

During face to face consultation palpation can also be used to determine the location of sensitive tissues.

The clinician will observe and then ask you to perform certain movement patterns that may help form a specific diagnosis and you will be informed of this along with the choices of management.

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Other important information

Please inform us as soon as possible if you would like a chaperone or a physiotherapist of the same gender.

Please inform us if you require an interpreter or a signer.

Children under the age of 16 should be accompanied by an adult or a legal guardian.

Please bring a pen to complete any required surveys.


What happens after your appointment

If deemed appropriate a follow up appointment will be made.

Some patients are taught how to self-manage their condition and do not require follow up.  In this case you will be offered an open appointment or be discharged from the service.

If deemed appropriate you may be offered the opportunity of onward referral to a group exercise classes or to a different service.

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