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Frequently Asked Orthopaedic Questions

The check-in process was efficient. All the staff members were professional and cordial.
General

If you have hand issues ~ Dr. Dooley is who you want as your physician. Knowledgeable, honest and validated my concerns. Wouldn't go anywhere else. Staff is superb and helpful.

Vitals
The referral to the Physical Therapy Specialists was great! I really appreciate the efficiency of this practice in terms of taking me back at my scheduled appointment time, efficiency through x-ray, and not having to wait for the doctor. These attributes really made the experience.
General
If you live in the Reno area, you just can't do better than Great Basin Orthopaedic. I'm someone with knee problems going way back decades, as well as other orthopedic issues, so I think I know what I'm talking about. Don't settle, get the best, go to Great Basin, or, as they call it GBO. I promise you will be glad you did.
Wanda H.
I hurt my foot playing softball last summer. My friend referred me to Great Basin Orthopaedics. The doctors were super nice, and the employees were super nice, too. I hope to be back on the softball field this summer.
Kelly M.
Very friendly and knowledgeable! Gave detailed information as appointment progressed! Thank you!!!!
Lonnie Shields
Prompt professional knowledgeable service encountered from all staff members very patient oriented practice. Very pleased with my visit.
Mary B.
I will follow Amy wherever she goes. I relate to her because of her approach, and I trust her judgment and treatment plan(s) without hesitation.
Larry Brumberger
Great care from all levels!!! Excellent care from the emergency room to rehab! Follow-up care will be excellent, also!!! Excellent care, excellent recovery, makes healing much faster, perfect recipe!!!
General
This place has truly been a godsend since my ACL surgery. Amy knows how and when to increase my activity levels. So lucky to have her helping with my recovery.
RedandJodi Muratori
the staff at Great Basin is excellent from the phone, front desk, nurses and x-ray tech. very pleasant to deal with.
General
Gracias por toda la ayuda durante la visita.
General
I'm very pleased with everything they have done for me.
Betty T.
Great service. Nice staff. Would recommend to anyone needing knee replacement.
Jil L.
Thorough, knowledgeable and professional
Jim Gaskill
I love how smoothly everything runs here. My doctor is amazing the nurse is great too. From checking in, to follow ups to my surgery (ACL) everything went so smoothly and even my post op care. I wish all my doctors outside ortho would go so smoothly! Great job guys!
Sharon B.
I was never a patient, but as an intern I enjoyed my time working here. The Doctors who run the practice are top notch. Work environment is structured organized and cheerful. I was offered a position but they couldn't get it approved but they gave me the help I needed to get my degree!
Austin Noriega
The x-ray tech Kathy was a pleasure. I was crying from the pain and she even took the time out to hug me.
General
Tina is knowledgeable, compassionate and has me on my way to recovery!
Elizabeth Korinek
Amazing professional! She made a custom splint for our son (who lost the tip of his thumb) so he could get back to playing sports. She squeezed him in without an appointment. Thank you!
stacy becker
Very professional! Very friendly, helpful and respectful.
Dawn S
Absolutely positive experience!
Catherine Oppio
Great staff, great service. In and out with answers and a plan.
Lenny Mad
I have been going to GBO for many years and the staff and doctors are amazing and easy to talk to about your conditions , as well as, procedures if needed.
Sandy Dunn
It was a great visit. I felt heard and cared for, and left feeling very satisfied. I immediately texted a friend to recommend GBO.
General
Frequently Asked 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 (alternatively, orthopedic) surgeon or orthopedist.

How do I choose an orthopaedic specialist at GBO?

You are welcome to call and request an appointment with any one of our specialists. Read about their specialties here. However, if you are unfamiliar with our doctors, our team can help match you with the orthopaedic specialist best equipped to treat your concern.

What is a bone and joint specialist?

At GBO, our practice is devoted to the specialty of orthopaedics which is defined as the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. All of our physicians are board eligible or board certified bone and joint specialists who have undergone specialty training in orthopaedics and are equipped to treat all disorders and injuries of the skeletal system and its related joints, ligaments, and muscles. Orthopaedists and orthopaedic surgeons also are experts in the prevention, treatment, and repair of orthopaedic issues, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of bone and joint disease.

If I have chronic foot pain, how can seeing a foot and ankle specialist benefit me?

A foot and ankle orthopaedist is specialty trained to address the bones, soft tissues and joints of the foot and ankle. While our entire team of orthopaedic doctors are experts in the medical and surgical management of all bones and joints, we have doctors who have chosen to specialize in foot and ankle due to personal passion and interest.

Is it important for my high school athlete to see a sports medicine physician?

A sports medicine physician is specialty trained to understand the specific mechanics of bones and joints and how to treat sport injury and help the athlete avoid injury. Both orthopaedic specialists and sports medicine orthopaedists understand the entire musculoskeletal system, but a physician with an expertise in sports medicine focuses on the non-operative treatments of sports injuries. Our team of physicians is on the sidelines at local sporting events helping identify and treat athlete injury.

Are all orthopaedic specialists also sports medicine doctors?

No, sports medicine is a specialty area of study.

What is an orthopaedic hand specialist?

A hand specialist is an orthopedic doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders in the hand, wrist, and forearm. Great Basin Orthopaedics has orthopedic surgeons who specialize in the hand and upper extremities (as well as hand-specific occupational therapists to assist in recovery). They have chosen to focus their training and work on this complicated area of the body and have a unique understanding of the complex networks of blood vessels, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones that make up the hand and fingers.

Do all orthopaedists treat all bone and joint problems?

Orthopedic surgeons are board-certified or board eligible medical doctors with a minimum of 14 years of conventional education. While all Great Basin Orthopaedics surgeons have knowledge of the entire musculoskeletal system, some have chosen an area of specialty. Our team will help you identify the surgeon best equipped and most experienced in your injury area.

Will I need physical therapy?

Your doctor will be able to fully answer this question after your diagnosis and treatment. Should physical therapy be prescribed, Great Basin Orthopaedics has a physical therapy clinic upstairs from their medical clinic for your convenience and to help ensure continuity of care from diagnosis through full injury rehabilitation.

What does board-certified mean?

The orthopaedic surgery board certification exams offered by American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) enables successful candidates to present themselves to the public as qualified medical specialists in orthopedic surgery. Completing the orthopedic surgery board certification exams indicates mastery of orthopedic surgery skills and knowledge, as well as a professional commitment to adhere to the ABPS Medical Code of Ethics.

Once a doctor has completed an orthopedic residency at a major medical institution, the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery offers a written test to become board eligible. If the written test is passed, the doctor becomes “eligible” to take the oral test, after two years in practice. When the doctor passes the oral exam, the doctor becomes “board certified” and is considered a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. All Great Basin Orthopaedics surgeons are board certified (or board eligible if they are within the first two years of their practice).

What is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon?

A fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon is a doctor who has completed a minimum of 13 years of education and has completed an additional year of specialty training in a specific field of orthopedic surgery in an accredited fellowship program. There are fellowships in several areas of orthopaedics including: hand & upper extremity, adult hip and knee, trauma, sports medicine, spine, pediatric and foot and ankle.