Shoulder surgery, Sports medicine, Shoulder replacement in West Palm Beach

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 visit to Dr. Ryan Simovitch's office centers on the shoulder, so a little preparation makes the time go further. Dr. Simovitch focuses his practice on sports medicine and the shoulder, and he completed shoulder-focused fellowship training through the Harvard Shoulder Service at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Harvard Intercontinental Shoulder Fellowship at Uniklinik Balgrist in Zurich, Switzerland. Because the exam looks closely at shoulder motion and strength, wear a shirt that allows easy access to your shoulder and upper arm, or plan to change into a gown provided at check-in.

Bring a list of your current medications, any prior shoulder imaging such as X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound, on disc or through a patient portal link, and a brief timeline of when your symptoms began and what activities bring them on. Most patients reach this office through a referring physician; if that applies to you, bring the referral paperwork or notes, since the visit moves faster when those records travel with you.

Plan for a physical examination of the shoulder's range of motion and strength, a review of your history, and a conversation about next steps, which may range from activity modification to further imaging, depending on what the exam shows. Dr. Simovitch is accepting new patients in West Palm Beach, Florida; call the office if you have questions before your visit.

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

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Simovitch?

That depends on your insurance plan, not on how you found him. Many patients come to Dr. Simovitch through a referral from another physician, since his practice focuses on shoulder conditions and sports medicine injuries, but you can also schedule directly. Check with your insurance provider or our office to see whether your plan requires a referral.

What should I bring to my first visit?

Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, and a list of any medications you take. If you have had an X-ray, MRI, or other imaging of your shoulder done elsewhere, bring a copy or disc of the images, along with any related reports, so they can be reviewed at your visit.

How long does the first visit take?

Most first visits run about 30 minutes. The time can vary depending on how much history and imaging there is to review, so plan for some flexibility in your schedule that day.

What happens during my first visit?

Your visit starts with a review of your symptoms and medical history. Dr. Simovitch will examine your shoulder, discuss any imaging you have brought, and explain what he finds in plain terms before talking through what comes next.

Will I need surgery after my first visit?

Not necessarily. Dr. Simovitch focuses his practice on shoulder conditions and sports medicine injuries, and completed fellowship training in shoulder surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital's Harvard Shoulder Service and the Harvard Intercontinental Shoulder Fellowship at Uniklinik Balgrist in Zurich, Switzerland. Many shoulder conditions are treated without surgery, and your first visit is where he determines whether non-surgical care, more imaging, or a conversation about surgical options fits your situation.

What if I have questions before my visit?

Call the office and the team can help. Dr. Simovitch's practice is accepting new patients, and staff can answer scheduling and insurance questions ahead of your appointment. This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk with Dr. Simovitch's office about your specific situation.

Ready to talk about your care?

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

Request an appointment

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