PREPARE FOR YOUR VISIT
What should I ask
my specialist?
Start with the decision you face. Bring the questions that matter to your appointment.
These excerpts come from our decision guides, medically reviewed by Charles A. DeCook, MD on September 24, 2026. They are educational summaries, not quotations or personal recommendations from Dr. DeCook.
What are my alternatives to knee replacement?
Options include exercise and physical therapy, weight care when appropriate, pain medicines, walking aids, and selected braces or injections. The useful question is which option could help your symptoms and goals at this stage—not how many treatments you can try.
Take these questions with you
- Which option addresses my main limitation?
- What change would count as meaningful benefit?
- When should we reassess the plan?
What are my alternatives to hip replacement?
Hip arthritis care can include exercise, weight care when appropriate, walking support, medicines, and selected injections. Knee-specific treatments should not automatically be applied to the hip. A clinical assessment helps distinguish hip-joint pain from other causes.
Take these questions with you
- Is the hip joint the likely source of my pain?
- Was this treatment studied in hip arthritis?
- What would change the recommendation?
PRP, cortisone, or gel injections for knee arthritis?
These injections are not interchangeable. Cortisone is used for short-term symptom relief; recommendations for gel injections and PRP differ. None should be presented as a proven way to regrow an arthritic joint. Selection depends on the joint, disease stage, risks, and goals.
Take these questions with you
- Does the evidence match my joint and arthritis stage?
- What is the whole course likely to cost?
- Does this affect the timing of a planned operation?
What can help advanced or “bone-on-bone” arthritis?
Advanced arthritis does not mean there is nothing left to discuss. Supportive care can address symptoms and daily function, while a surgical evaluation can clarify replacement. Claims that an injection rebuilds a worn joint require evidence that symptom improvement alone cannot supply.
Take these questions with you
- What is the goal of another nonsurgical treatment?
- Is a claim about symptom relief being presented as joint repair?
- What would make surgery appropriate or inappropriate for me?
What does Medicare cover for knee arthritis?
Coverage depends on the treatment, medical necessity, documentation, supplier or provider, and your plan. A treatment being covered does not mean it is the best choice for you. Ask for a benefit check and a written estimate before committing.
Take these questions with you
- Which Medicare benefit and policy apply?
- What records or authorization are needed?
- What will I owe if coverage is denied?
When should I consider knee or hip replacement?
A surgical evaluation is useful when symptoms continue to limit the life you want despite appropriate care. The decision brings together your symptoms, examination, imaging, medical risks, and preferences. A consultation is a chance to understand the choices, not a commitment to surgery.
Take these questions with you
- What findings make replacement a reasonable option?
- Which personal risks should be addressed first?
- What support will I need during recovery?