From Consultation to Surgery: A Canadian Timeline

Executive Summary

• When planning U.S. orthopedic surgery, Canadian patients benefit from a clear, structured timeline, as it can help make travel and treatment more predictable.
• Doing virtual consultations in advance and prioritizing pre-surgical planning by coordinating logistics with your doctor ensures a streamlined, low-stress experience.
• Modern U.S. surgical techniques, often minimally invasive or robotic-assisted, allow many patients to walk with assistance the same day and return home shortly after their procedure.
• Virtual follow-ups and coordinated care between U.S. surgeons and Canadian providers support a safe, smooth recovery from home.

Planning Your Joint Replacement Journey from Canada

For many Canadians facing long wait times for joint replacement, traveling to the United States for orthopedic surgery offers a faster, more personalized path to relief. Even though it is worth it, crossing the border for surgery requires more preparation than a typical local medical visit. A structured timeline can help patients understand what to expect, reducing stress and ensuring a seamless experience from the first consultation through full recovery.

A well-planned joint replacement journey involves coordinating imaging, arranging travel, organizing postoperative care, and maintaining continuity with both Canadian and U.S. providers. When these pieces fit together, patients enjoy smoother logistics and better surgical outcomes.

This guide breaks down each stage of the process so Canadian patients can clearly understand how a typical journey unfolds and feel confident at every step.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

The first step for Canadian patients seeking U.S. orthopedic care is the consultation, either virtual or in person. This meeting establishes whether surgery is appropriate and lays the groundwork for a customized treatment plan.

Virtual or In-Person Evaluation

Thanks to digital communication tools, many patients begin their journey through a virtual consultation. This allows U.S. orthopedic specialists to perform tasks like:

• Review the patient’s symptoms
• Discuss mobility limitations
• Evaluate overall health and suitability for surgery

For those who prefer a face-to-face interaction or who already plan to travel, an in-person consultation is also available.

Review of Medical History and Imaging

During the consultation, an experienced surgeon, such as Dr. Shane Martin, and their team of medical professionals will examine things like:

• Past injuries or surgeries
• Current and previous imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans)
• Medical conditions that may influence surgery
• Medications, supplements, or allergies
• Activity level and lifestyle demands

This information helps determine the type of joint replacement surgery needed and whether advanced techniques (like robotics or minimally invasive approaches) are recommended.

Discussion of Surgical Options and Expected Outcomes

The consultation is also a chance for patients to ask targeted questions to learn about different surgical options and potential outcomes, such as:

• Implant choices
• Surgical approaches
• Expected recovery timeline
• Pain management strategies
• Activity limitations
• Long-term durability of the replacement

For many Canadians accustomed to short, rushed appointments at home, this detailed, personalized discussion is a refreshing change.

Step 2: Pre-Surgical Planning

Once the decision is made to move forward, the next phase involves organizing everything required for a safe, well-prepared surgery.

Confirming Candidacy for Surgery

Based on the consultation findings, the surgeon confirms whether the patient is ready to proceed. This step may involve components like:

• Pre-operative lab tests
• Updated imaging
• Clearance from a primary care provider
• Review of medications
• Planning for physical therapy

These steps help ensure that every patient enters the operating room in the best possible condition.

Scheduling Surgery and Pre-Op Testing

U.S. orthopedic centers typically have significantly shorter wait times than Canadian public hospitals. Once cleared, patients can often choose surgery dates within weeks.

Pre-op testing may include procedures like:

• Bloodwork
• EKG
• Updated imaging
• Joint-specific measurements for implant planning

Some of the testing and consultations can be done in Canada before travel, while other steps can be completed shortly after arriving in the U.S.

Reviewing Travel Logistics and Payment Options

Before traveling, patients should receive clear guidance on:

• Where to fly
• What hotel or recovery accommodations are recommended
• Transportation options for clinic and surgical visits
• Payment expectations and accepted methods
• Required medical documentation for border travel

Because many Canadian patients are private-pay, U.S. clinics provide transparent pricing and bundled care packages to minimize uncertainty.

This stage ensures that no detail is overlooked and that the patient arrives fully prepared for surgery.

Step 3: Travel Preparation

As the upcoming surgery approaches, preparation shifts toward travel arrangements and practical planning.

Booking Flights, Accommodations, and Local Transport

A tourist’s U.S. surgical staff can often provide support on travel information, like:

• The best airport to fly into
• Patient-friendly hotels or short-term rentals
• Accessible transportation options for clinic visits
• Airports and airlines suitable for postoperative travel

The medical team’s goal is to reduce strain and make logistics as simple as possible for both the patient and their support person.

Packing Medical Documents and Essentials

A successful surgical trip requires bringing proper documentation and other essential items. Some examples of things that Canadian patients should pack for their U.S. joint replacement surgery are:

• Copies of imaging
• Medical summaries from Canadian providers
• List of medications and dosages
• Passport and any necessary travel forms
• Comfortable clothing for surgery and recovery
• Assistive devices such as walkers or canes (if needed)

Having these items readily available prevents delays and helps clinicians work efficiently.

Arranging a Support Person or Caregiver

Most U.S. orthopedic centers encourage patients to travel with a family member or trusted friend. This person can assist with essential aspects of medical tourism, including:

• Transportation
• Medication reminders
• Navigating hotel accommodations
• Meal preparation
• General safety during early recovery

For those unable to bring someone, some clinics help arrange professional caregiver support.

Travel preparation concludes with a final verification of appointments and pre-surgery instructions, ensuring a smooth transition into the surgical phase.

Step 4: Day of Surgery

For many patients, surgery day is both exciting and nerve-wracking. A clear understanding of what happens helps relieve anxiety.

Typical U.S. Hospital Experience

Patients arrive at the surgical center or hospital and complete a standard check-in process. The surgical team then performs steps like:

• Taking pre-operative vitals
• Carrying out final imaging (if needed)
• Verifying the surgical site
• Reviewing anesthesia options
• Answering questions and walking the patient through consent forms

Patients are introduced to the anesthesiologist, nurses, and support staff who will be assisting throughout the procedure.

Minimally Invasive or Robotic-Assisted Techniques

Many U.S. orthopedic surgeons, including those at the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale facility, use advanced surgical technologies such as:

• Robotics-assisted tools, like the CORI surgical system, for precision
• Smaller incisions to spare muscle and soft tissue
• Navigation tools to guide implant placement
• Modern anesthesia protocols to reduce nausea and downtime

The techniques above are designed to improve accuracy, reduce pain, and speed up recovery.

Length of Stay and Early Mobility

One of the most significant advantages Canadian patients appreciate is the efficiency of U.S. surgical centers.

There are many Canadian success stories at the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale. In fact, essentially all patients walk the same day and leave the surgical center shortly after surgery, an approach known as outpatient joint replacement. This is made possible by minimally invasive techniques that preserve soft tissue, pain protocols that minimize discomfort, and early mobility that reduces the risk of complications.

Patients receive clear instructions and support before being discharged to their hotel or recovery accommodation.

Step 5: Post-Operative Recovery

Recovery begins immediately after surgery and continues throughout the stay in the United States. Read through the considerations below to tailor your expectations for post-op care abroad.

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

Patients often begin working with a physical therapist within hours of surgery. Some examples of skills and movements that post-surgery physical therapy focuses on are:

• Safe walking techniques
• Range-of-motion exercises
• Strengthening routines
• Proper use of mobility aids
• Techniques to reduce swelling

Rehabilitative physical therapy enhances long-term joint health, builds confidence, and promotes independence as quickly as possible.

Guidance on Safe Movement and Wound Care

During the first few postoperative days, patients receive detailed instructions on aspects of at-home care, such as:

• Showering procedures
• Bandage changes
• Recognizing normal healing vs. complications
• Resting positions for hip or knee replacements
• Pain medication schedules

U.S. orthopedic teams are careful to ensure patients feel comfortable before returning home.

Benefits of a Recovery-Friendly Environment

Staying in a quiet, comfortable hotel or recovery suite allows patients to focus on healing without the daily responsibilities of home. Some environmental aspects that can help Canadians recover more easily are:

• Controlled temperature
• Easy access to healthy food
• Minimal household duties
• Proximity to healthcare support

The combination of modern techniques, supportive environments, and nutrition plays a prominent role in joint replacement recovery.

Step 6: Returning Home

Once cleared by the surgeon, usually within a few days, patients can safely return to Canada to complete their recovery.

Virtual Follow-Ups

Patients can continue their care through virtual appointments, during which the surgeon may review incision healing and assess progress in mobility, adjusting exercise routines accordingly. 

They can also answer questions and make recommendations for further therapy. These remote check-ins ensure continuity without requiring repeated travel.

Continuing Physical Therapy in Canada

Patients receive detailed instructions and therapy plans that they can bring to Canadian physiotherapists. Some things that an uninterrupted transition of physical therapy treatment can promote are:

• Proper technique
• Consistent strengthening
• Avoidance of harmful movements
• Timely progression through recovery phases

Clear documentation supports seamless communication between the U.S. surgeon and Canadian providers.

Collaboration Between U.S. and Canadian Teams

When it is beneficial for the patient, most U.S.-based clinics can share medical records and notes with family physicians, rehabilitation specialists, and Canadian orthopedic surgeons.

This ensures that the U.S. surgeon you choose and your Canadian medical provider both have the information needed to support a safe, successful recovery.

Maximizing Confidence in Your Surgical Outcome

Traveling for orthopedic surgery is a significant decision, but a well-planned timeline helps remove uncertainty and promote peace of mind. By understanding each step, from consultation to post-op follow-up, Canadian patients gain clarity, confidence, and control over their joint replacement journey.

Preparation, communication, and active participation in rehabilitation are all key to achieving long-term success. When patients follow a structured plan and partner with experienced U.S. orthopedic specialists, they can enjoy faster relief, improved mobility, and a smoother recovery.

If you’re a Canadian patient exploring U.S. orthopedic surgery, the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale can help guide you through every step, from initial consultation to successful recovery. Our privately operated structure and fast, efficient techniques can also help you skip the line and access care sooner so that you can experience relief as quickly as possible.

Contact the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale today to schedule your orthopedic consultation and begin planning your personalized surgical timeline.