Clear Answers Before Your First Visit
Whether you are dealing with a sports injury, joint pain, or a hand and wrist problem, it helps to know what to expect. Below are the questions patients ask most often at Chicago Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery, with offices in Tinley Park and Chicago, Illinois. If you don’t see your question, call us at (708) 263-2000 - Chicago Office or (708) 263-2000 - Tinley Park Office and our team will be glad to help.
Request an AppointmentOrthopedic and Sports Medicine Care at Two Convenient Offices
Our practice offers a full range of care for bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. You can explore everything we do on our services page, including orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, hand and upper extremity care, non-operative procedures, physical therapy, on-site diagnostics and testing, and shockwave therapy.
We see patients at our Tinley Park office and our Chicago office, and both locations are equally ready to help you. The answers below cover the practice as a whole, from scheduling to treatment options. If you are new to us, our new patient page walks you through the first visit step by step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Practice
What conditions and injuries does your practice treat?
We treat problems of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. That includes sports injuries, joint pain, arthritis, tendon and ligament tears, fractures, overuse injuries, and hand, wrist, and upper extremity conditions. Our services page lists each area of care in more detail.
Where are your offices located?
We have two offices that serve patients equally. Our Tinley Park office is at 7543 183rd St, Tinley Park, IL 60477, and our Chicago office is at 1301 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653. You can find directions on our Tinley Park office page and our Chicago office page.
What are your office hours?
Both offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Call (708) 263-2000 - Chicago Office or (708) 263-2000 - Tinley Park Office if you have questions about availability.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can call us at (708) 263-2000 - Chicago Office or (708) 263-2000 - Tinley Park Office or request a visit online through our appointments page. Let us know which office is more convenient for you, and our team will find a time that works.
Can I choose which office I visit?
Yes. Both the Tinley Park and Chicago offices are fully part of our practice, so you can choose whichever is closer or easier to reach. Tell our team your preference when you schedule.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
Many patients schedule directly with our office. Some insurance plans do require a referral from a primary care provider, so we recommend checking your plan’s rules or calling us before your visit. Our team can help you figure out what is needed.
What should I expect at my first visit?
Your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms, your medical history, and your goals, and will examine the affected area. Depending on your condition, imaging or other testing may be recommended. You will leave with a clear explanation of your options and next steps. Visit our new patients page to see what to bring and how to prepare.
Do I have to be an athlete to see a sports medicine doctor?
No. Sports medicine care is for anyone with an active lifestyle or a musculoskeletal injury, whether the pain started on the field, at work, in the gym, or during everyday life. Weekend walkers, weekend warriors, and competitive athletes are all welcome. Learn more about our sports medicine services.
Who are the doctors at your practice?
Our orthopedic surgeons are Gregory L. Primus, M.D. and Robert W. Coats II, M.D. You can read about them, along with the rest of our clinical team, on our team page, or learn what sets us apart on our Why Choose Us page.
When should I see an orthopedic specialist?
Consider making an appointment if pain, swelling, stiffness, or weakness lasts more than a few days, keeps you from your normal activities, or keeps returning. You should also seek care promptly after a fall, twist, or impact that causes sudden pain, a visible deformity, or trouble putting weight on a limb. Early evaluation often leads to simpler treatment and a faster recovery.
Will I need surgery?
Not necessarily. Many conditions improve with non-surgical care such as rest, physical therapy, injections, or other conservative treatments. Surgery is considered when those options are not enough or when an injury needs repair. Your doctor will explain all of your choices so you can decide what is best for you. Read more about non-operative procedures and orthopedic surgery.
What non-operative treatments do you offer?
We offer a range of treatments designed to relieve pain and restore function without surgery. Our non-operative procedures page explains the options available, and your doctor will recommend the approach that fits your diagnosis.
Do you offer physical therapy?
Yes. Physical therapy is part of our care, helping patients rebuild strength, regain motion, and recover after an injury or surgery. Our team includes Dr. Casey Coleman, PT, DPT. Learn more about our physical therapy services.
Can I get imaging and testing at your office?
We provide on-site diagnostics and testing so you can get answers without being sent to a separate facility whenever possible. That helps your doctor reach a diagnosis and start a treatment plan sooner. See our on-site diagnostics and testing page for more.
What is shockwave therapy and who can it help?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic energy waves to stimulate healing in injured tissue. It is often used for persistent tendon and soft tissue pain. Your doctor can tell you whether it is a good fit for your condition. Visit our shockwave therapy page to learn more.
Do you treat hand, wrist, and elbow problems?
Yes. We care for conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow, and the rest of the upper extremity, including injuries from sports, work, and daily activities. See our hand and upper extremity care page for details.
What insurance do you accept?
Insurance participation can vary by plan, so the best way to confirm your coverage is to call us at (708) 263-2000 - Chicago Office or (708) 263-2000 - Tinley Park Office before your visit. Our team can answer questions about coverage and help you understand what to expect.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of your current medications, and any imaging, test results, or records related to your problem. If you have forms to complete, our new patients page explains how to get them done ahead of time so your visit goes smoothly.
Where can I read what other patients say about your practice?
You can read feedback from patients on our patient reviews page. We appreciate every patient who shares their experience.
Ready to Get Back to Doing What You Love?
Call (708) 263-2000 - Chicago Office or (708) 263-2000 - Tinley Park Office or request a visit online to meet with our team at our Tinley Park or Chicago office. We will listen, find the cause of your pain, and help you take the next step toward recovery.