1. Does my insurance pay for out-of-network surgery in Texas?
Answer: Under the Texas No Surprises Act and HB 3359, many state-regulated health plans (look for the “TDI” or “DOI” logo on your card) are required to apply your out-of-network cost-sharing directly toward your in-network deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. This means you can choose a specialist at ATX Orthopedics without being penalized by a separate, higher deductible. We provide a Good Faith Estimate before every procedure to ensure total pricing transparency.
“Check your card for the TDI logo.” > If you see “TDI” (Texas Department of Insurance) or “DOI” (Department of Insurance) printed on your card, your plan is state-regulated. This means you are protected by Texas laws that require your insurance company to apply out-of-network surgery payments toward your in-network deductible.
2. Can I have a total knee or hip replacement and go home the same day?
Answer: Yes. Dr. Sean Gallagher specializes in outpatient total joint replacement. By using minimally invasive techniques—such as the SuperPATH hip approach and quad-sparing subvastus knee approach—we avoid cutting major muscles and tendons. This “muscle-sparing” philosophy allows most healthy patients to recover comfortably at home rather than in a hospital, significantly reducing the risk of infection and speeding up mobility.
3. What makes the “SuperPATH” hip replacement different?
Answer: The SuperPATH technique is a tissue-sparing approach that allows the surgeon to perform a hip replacement without ever dislocating the hip or cutting the supporting muscles and tendons. Unlike traditional surgery, there are typically no “hip precautions” or activity restrictions after surgery. This results in a more natural-feeling hip and a faster return to daily activities for our Austin patients.
4. What hand and nerve conditions does Dr. Benjamin Amis treat?
Answer:Dr. Benjamin Amis is a fellowship-trained specialist in hand and upper extremity surgery. He provides advanced treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, tennis elbow, and cubital tunnel syndrome. Using microsurgical and minimally invasive techniques, he focuses on relieving nerve compression (such as the median and ulnar nerves) to restore grip strength and eliminate numbness.
5. Do I need surgery for my knee or shoulder pain?
Answer: Surgery is always our last resort. At ATX Orthopedics, we provide a comprehensive range of non-surgical treatments including regenerative medicine injections, physical therapy coordination, and customized bracing. We use advanced imaging to determine if your injury—such as a meniscus tear or rotator cuff strain—can be managed biologically without an operation.
