Common questions

Most patients are referred by another doctor, often an emergency room physician or a primary care provider, after a broken bone or other injury. Dr. Cole's practice is built around orthopedic trauma, the treatment of fractures and injuries that need urgent, specialized care, so referring physicians in the Memphis area often send patients his way when an injury falls outside routine care. If you have questions about scheduling, the office can walk you through the process by phone.

Dr. Cole completed a fellowship, additional focused training beyond residency, in orthopedic trauma at Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Before that, he completed his residency, the multi-year hospital training that follows medical school, at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, through Erlanger Baroness Hospital, and earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He is board-eligible in orthopedic surgery. This path, a general orthopedic residency followed by fellowship training focused specifically on fractures and complex injuries, is what surgeons who concentrate on trauma care typically complete.

Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, and any imaging or paperwork related to your injury, including x-rays or discharge papers from an emergency room visit, if you have them. A list of current medications and a short summary of how the injury happened also helps the visit go quickly. If you were referred by another physician, their office may have already sent records ahead, but bringing a copy yourself is always a good backup.

That depends on your specific plan, so the office is the best place to ask. Coverage varies by insurer and by procedure, and the office staff can verify your benefits and explain any costs before your visit. Bringing your insurance card to every appointment helps this go smoothly.

If Dr. Cole recommends surgery, he will walk you through what the procedure involves, what to expect during recovery, and how to prepare, before you leave the office. Timelines vary by injury, so a firm plan is set once the specific fracture or injury pattern is confirmed. Because his practice is centered on trauma care, this conversation, covering the type of injury, the repair options, and the expected course of healing, is one he has with patients regularly.

Call the office first, even outside business hours, since the phone line typically includes instructions for after-hours situations. For a true emergency, such as a sudden change in feeling, color, or severe new pain in an injured limb, go to the nearest emergency room rather than waiting for a callback.

Dr. Cole sees patients in Memphis, Tennessee. Contact the office directly for the exact address, hours, and directions. This information is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with Dr. Cole's office about your specific situation.