For Patients

What To Expect

Appointment

During your initial clinic visit with Dr. Kohring, she will review current imaging including weight-bearing radiographs taken during your initial consultation as well as additional and past imaging you have had done. She will discuss your history related to your foot/ankle condition or injury, perform a physical exam, and discuss your diagnosis and treatment plan. She will work with her clinical staff to provide you with an efficient and thorough clinic visit and will ensure all of your questions are answered before you walk out of the office.

What to bring to your appointment:

• Outside imaging including MRI, CT, and previous radiographs performed at outside facilities. Please bring both the CD with the actual images and the paper radiology report. Our staff will upload this information to our imaging and electronic medical record systems.
• If you have had previous surgery or procedures performed on your foot or ankle, please bring paper copies of these reports with you to your first appointment. 

Surgery

Planning for Surgery

Please review Dr. Kohring’s “Foot & Ankle Surgery: What to Expect” handout prior to surgery to understand how to prepare for your upcoming surgery and expectations for after surgery. Also review the “Post-Operative Pain Management” document prior to surgery to prepare you for pain control after your surgery. Both of these documents will provide you with helpful information to make sure you are as prepared as possible before undergoing surgery. Dr. Kohring’s clinical staff will also assist you prior to surgery to ensure you are ready to go for your operation.

• Foot & Ankle Surgery: What to Expect handout
• Post-Operative Pain Management handout

Surgery will either be done at Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists’ outpatient surgery center, called TOSC, or at the hospital if you require an overnight stay. You will receive a call the day before surgery to confirm your arrival time and location. 

​​Preoperative Checklist

• Surgery date, date of 1st post-operative appointment will be scheduled for you when you schedule surgery.
• Handicap parking pass form (if needed)
• Medical equipment prescription & list of local medical equipment stores
  • Knee scooter (alternatively ~$100 on Amazon or Walmart)
  • Crutches
  • Wheelchair
• Physical Therapy referral (if needed)
• Other Helpful Information
  • Even-Up Shoe Lift
  • iWalk

Do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Kohring’s clinical staff via telephone or the Athena patient portal messaging system with any questions or concerns prior to, or after surgery. We are here to help you!

Helpful Information

Electronic Medical Record (Athena) Messaging System

Using NWOS’ electronic medical record messaging system is the most efficient way to connect with Dr. Kohring and her staff. 

Please review the following handout to learn more about how to sign-up and use this messaging system:

• Athena Portal Sign-Up

Rehabilitation Protocols

• Dr. Kohring’s Operative/Non-Operative Functional Achilles Rehabilitation Protocol
• Plantar Fasciitis Stretches & Treatment
• Achilles Stretches

Patient Resources

• Shoe Inserts
• FootCareMD.org
• OrthoInfo.org
• FootEducation.com

Schedule an Appointment