Preparing for Your Appointment

When preparing for your appointment with Dr. Thomas Obermeyer, it will be helpful for you to consider several items to ensure a smooth and gratifying encounter.

Details of Your Appointment

Dr. Obermeyer sees patients at three different office locations (Bartlett, Elk Grove Village, and Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates) and we ask that you please confirm the office location prior to leaving for your appointment.  Please be aware of driving conditions, construction delays, and any parking considerations (valet parking is offered at the Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates location).

If you are a new patient or returning for the same condition after one year, Dr. Thomas Obermeyer and his team request that you arrive approximately 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.  We will require you to provide identification and insurance information and fill out digital intake forms.

What to Bring

• Current photo ID
• Current insurance card(s)
• Insurance co-payment, co-insurance, and/or deductible deposit information, if applicable
• Insurance referral, if applicable*

*Please verify that our office has received the referral prior to your appointment. Having a copy of your insurance referral is strongly recommended to ensure you can be seen through your plan.

Injury History and Orthopedic Records

If you have sustained an injury and have been evaluated in the urgent/emergency care setting or are seeing Dr. Thomas Obermeyer for a second opinion, please bring all records to your appointment.  This includes physician and emergency department notes, imaging radiology reports, and discs of imaging files (X-ray, MRI, CT).  It is also recommended you fax these materials to (847) 885-0026 prior to your appointment so we can ensure your history is on file.  Please bring a CD of any X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to be uploaded.

If you have been evaluated or treated for your current injury or condition by another healthcare provider, please contact their office at least one week prior to your appointment, if possible, to request a copy of all medical records pertaining to your injury or condition. You can request that your records be sent directly to our office, but please confirm that we have received them prior to your appointment by calling Medical Records at (847)285-4200 ext. 4195.

Medical History

We want to understand your complete medical history even though we are focusing on your orthopedic shoulder or knee condition.  It is recommended you bring a list of this medical history including current diagnoses and treatments, as well as surgical and procedure history.  You may consider contacting your primary care physician or cardiologist prior to your appointment to obtain a copy of your most recent history and physical examination which usually has this history listed already.

Medication List

Bring a current list of all your medications, including the name, dosage, and frequency.  This list should include prescribed medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter medications you are taking as well as any medications you are allergic to.

Bring a Family Member or Friend

Your medical decisions are important, and we want to use every resource available to ensure you understand your condition and treatment options.  Sometimes seeing a doctor can be overwhelming and you might miss certain details of your evaluation.  In addition to reading information on this website, Dr. Obermeyer recommends you consider asking a spouse, caregiver, or friend to accompany you to your appointment.

If You Need a Translator

Should you need a translator, please bring an adult translator with you or contact our office prior to your scheduled appointment to make arrangements.  We do not recommend that you rely on a minor to translate.

What to Wear

We recommend that you dress in comfortable clothing for your appointment so your condition can be appropriately evaluated. Having loose fitting clothing that allows you to expose your shoulder or knee is recommended.   We can provide you with a medical gown to change into and expose your shoulder or knee, if needed.

How Long Will I Wait?

Dr. Thomas Obermeyer will tailor his evaluation and treatment discussions to your specific condition and ensure your questions are answered.  No two patients are the same; personalized care does not always follow neat and predictable time schedules.  Some patients have serious injuries or require special attention, and this may cause delays.  Dr. Obermeyer and his team greatly respect your time.  If delays do occur, we will inform you of the duration of the delay and make every effort to see you as soon as possible.  We appreciate your understanding.