Patient Information

SIU School of Medicine is dedicated to meeting the health care needs of central and southern Illinois residents. A combination of research, education and clinical services provide the latest, most sophisticated medical care in the region.

More than 180 full-time physicians and medical professionals make up SIU Physicians and Surgeons, the school’s clinical practice, which offers primary care and a variety of specialized diagnostic and treatment services -- many of which are not available elsewhere in the region.

How to Find Us

The SIU School of Medicine Division of Orthopaedics is located at 800 N. Rutledge St., Room D220, Springfield, Illinois. The mailing address is: SIU School of Medicine
Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation Division, P.O. Box 19679, Springfield, IL 62794-9679.

Traveling by Car:
From the South: Take I-55 north to Business 55 (Sixth Street). Follow Sixth north to Carpenter. Turn left on Carpenter and right on Rutledge. Go north on Rutledge for one block to Miller Street. Turn left on Miller Street. Parking ramp will be on your right.

From the West: Follow Veterans Parkway north to Jones Parkway. Turn right on Jones and proceed to the first stoplight (North Grand Avenue). Turn left on North Grand. Turn right at the next stoplight on to Rutledge. Follow Rutledge south to Miller Street. Turn right on Miller Street. Parking ramp will be on your right.

From the North or East: Take 1-55 to Clear Lake Avenue (Exit 98B). Proceed west on Clear Lake (turns into Jefferson). Turn right on First Street. Turn left on Miller Street. Parking ramp on the right.

The SIU Call Center: 217/545-8000
The center provides one telephone number for referrals and appoints. It connects referring physicians and patients to our primary care physicians and specialists, as well as to services offered through SIU Physicians and Surgeons. Representatives are available 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Outside 217 area code in Illinois, dial 1-800 DIAL SIU (1-800-342-5748). Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): 1-217-545-8038. Available from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call use your announcer and the TDD will accommodate your call.

To call the Division of Orthopaedics directly, call: 217/545-8865; fax 217/545-7901 or e-mail: orthopaedics@siumed.edu.

What New Patients Should Know:
Following a few easy, established rules can make a patient’s first visit a comfortable, mutually beneficial experience.
New patients should:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes before the first appointment
• Be prepared to provide necessary information including legal name, address and telephone number, date of birth, social security number, employment and insurance.
• Be prepared to offer documentation, such as insurance card and address of insurance company; IDPA Card; list of prescription or over-the-counter medications being taken; worker’s compensation and managed care referral information if applicable.

Patients may also be required to bring medical records, X-rays and laboratory reports to help physicians fully evaluate their medical history and conditions. New patients will receive a brochure and map, instructions, appointment date and time.

Reminders
All patients will receive an automated appointment reminder call two days prior to their appointment. In some cases, the call may be made the day prior to a scheduled appointment. Patients are asked to notify SIU at least 24 hours in advance if they cannot keep their scheduled appointment. Missing more than one appointment without notifying our office may result in the patient being terminated from our medical practice.

Hours
Clinic office hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a reduced schedule during holidays. A physician is available 24 hours a day for emergencies and may be reached before and after office hours by calling our answering service at 545-8000. The answering service will contact your physician or the physician on call and you will be called as soon as possible.

Medical Training Program
As an academic medical center, patients may see a medical student, resident or fellow, supervised by a physician or medical professional, during their office visit.

Prescription Refills
Refills can be made by calling your pharmacy, who will contact your physician’s office for necessary information. Prescriptions will be refilled within a 48-hour time frame. No prescriptions will be refilled outside of normal business hours.

Note: Because your nurse must obtain your medical chart and confer with your physician before calling the pharmacy, patients should call 24 hours prior to needing additional medication.

The Division of Orthopaedics accepts Medicare, Worker’s Compensation, CareLink and many private insurance plans. Patients should make sure our physicians are covered by their plans and provide necessary referrals before appointments. For more information, call 217-545-4966. Due to the increasing number of plan restrictions from managed care companies, patients should know the following information:

• Selected primary care doctor.
• Hospital approved by your plan.
• Laboratory and X-ray facilities approved by your plan.
• Co-payment amount.
• If a referral is needed.

Payment is expected at time of service for office visits and procedures unless patients are covered by Medicare, Worker’s Compensation or a special agency. Co-payment will be expected for HMO and IDPA as indicated by the plan. Laboratory tests and X-rays will be billed at a later date. SIU accepts cash, check, Visa, Mastercard or Discover.

As a special service, SIU School of Medicine files primary insurance claims for patients free of charge. Claims for Medicare patients are filed automatically as required by law.