Getting ready for your first hip or knee appointment

You do not need to know exactly what is wrong before booking an appointment. If hip or knee pain is getting in the way of work, sleep, walking or the activities you enjoy, a consultation can help you understand the problem and decide what to do next.

Seeing Mr Amit Shah does not commit you to an operation. The starting point is your symptoms, your priorities and what you want to get back to.

What happens at the appointment?

Mr Shah will ask about your symptoms, examine the joint and review any imaging that is available. It helps to explain when the pain started, where you feel it, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your day.

You may need an X-ray or other tests before a treatment decision can be made. Depending on the problem, the next step might be exercise, physiotherapy, medicines, an injection or surgery. The aim is to find the right option for you, with the benefits, risks and alternatives discussed in clinic.

What should I bring?

• A list of your medicines, allergies and relevant medical conditions.
• Any referral letter, previous clinic letters or scan reports you already have. If scans were done elsewhere, tell the booking team so they can advise how to make the images available.
• Your insurer’s details and authorisation reference, if you are using medical insurance.
• The questions you want answered. A short note about your symptoms can be useful.

You are welcome to bring someone with you if that would help.

Self-pay or medical insurance?

If you are paying for your own care, ask your chosen hospital for a consultation quote and how payment is arranged. If further treatment is recommended, request a written quote and check what is included before deciding.

If you are using medical insurance, check your cover and any referral or authorisation requirements before the appointment. Ask about your excess and whether consultations, scans and any proposed treatment are covered. A procedure code helps identify treatment; it does not confirm that your insurer will pay.

Choose the clinic that works for you

Mr Shah sees patients in Blackpool, Chorley, Blackburn and Lancaster. Choose your hospital and use its booking details to arrange an appointment.