Orthopedic surgery in Memphis

Preparing for your visit

What to bring, what happens at the first appointment, and how the plan is made.

Your visit

What to expect

Your first visit with Dr. Jeff Cole is a chance to talk through what is happening with your hand, wrist, or elbow and to plan next steps together. Dr. Cole practices at OrthoSouth in Memphis, Tennessee, with a focus on the hand, wrist, and elbow. He completed residency training in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Tennessee, Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, and went on to a fellowship in surgery of the hand and upper extremity at Washington University, Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. That training shapes how he evaluates problems in this part of the body, whether the concern is a recent injury or something that has been bothering you for a while.

A little preparation before you arrive helps the visit go smoothly. Bring a list of your symptoms, when they started, and what makes them better or worse. If you have had prior imaging of your hand, wrist, or elbow, such as an X-ray or MRI, bring the images or the report, or ask the ordering office to send them ahead of your appointment. Bring a list of your current medications, and the name of the physician who referred you, if your visit was a referral.

Dr. Cole is currently accepting new patients. The sections below walk through what to expect on the day of your visit, what typically happens afterward, and who to call with questions.

This page is educational and is not medical advice.

01Request a visitCall the office or use the booking link to choose a time.
02Bring your recordsImaging, prior reports and a medication list help make the first visit useful.
03Examination and discussionAn exam and a plain explanation of what is going on.
04Decide togetherThe options are laid out so you can choose the plan that fits.

Questions

Questions patients ask

Should I bring my referral paperwork?

Yes. If another physician referred you to Dr. Cole, bring any referral letter, imaging orders, or test results they gave you. Dr. Cole focuses his practice on the hand, wrist, and elbow, and having that history on hand lets him review it before he examines you rather than during the visit.

What should I bring to my first visit?

Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, and a list of current medications. If you have had prior X-rays, an MRI, or treatment notes for the same hand, wrist, or elbow concern, bring copies or have them sent ahead of your appointment.

What happens during my first visit?

You will check in, review your history with a member of the care team, and then see Dr. Cole for an exam focused on the joint or area that is bothering you. He trained in surgery of the hand and upper extremity at Washington University, Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, and his exam reflects that focus: he will look closely at motion, strength, and the specific movements that cause your symptoms.

Will I need an X-ray at my visit?

Often, yes. Hand, wrist, and elbow evaluations commonly include an X-ray taken the same day, so the care team can look at the joint alongside your exam findings. Not every visit requires one; your care team will let you know if imaging is needed.

What if my injury is urgent?

Call the office right away. Dr. Cole's practice includes urgent evaluation for acute upper extremity injuries, such as a fall or a sudden injury to the hand, wrist, or elbow, and the office can help you get seen quickly rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

What happens after my visit?

You will leave with a clear next step, whether that is a period of observation, a non-surgical treatment plan, or a conversation about surgery if your condition calls for it. Dr. Cole treats hand, wrist, and elbow conditions at OrthoSouth in Memphis, and the care team will walk you through scheduling anything you need before you leave. This information is educational and does not replace medical advice from your care team.

Ready to talk about your care?

Call the office or request an appointment. Accepting new patients.

Request an appointment (901) 621-7091

This page is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice.