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We understand that going to the doctor’s office can be confusing – our goal is to make the patient experience less complicated for you and your family. Below we’ve addressed some commonly asked questions. As always, if you have a question or concern, give us a call at 716.204.3200.
Please Note: All HIPAA signatures must be updated annually.
Celebrating Patient Outcomes
Have you had a great experience with UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine or UB OrthoCare urgent care? Share your story, so we can join you in celebrating your healing journey!
Patient Success Stories

From Barely Walking to Pain-Free: Why This Math Teacher Calls Dr. Gurske Her ‘Hero’
“Dr. Gurske performed surgery on heel spurs on both of my feet about eight years apart. Both surgeries required controlled ruptures of my Achilles...

Alexa Zurek Returns to Golfing & Hiking Pain-Free After Meniscus Transplant Surgery
“Dr. Wind performed a meniscus transplant on me. The surgery took away knee pain I had been experiencing for years and allowed me to get back into...

Concussion Treatment & Physical Therapy Help Patient Recovering From PCS & Vertigo
“The best part of my experience was at physical therapy (PT), when my therapist went to test my BPPV and I no longer felt the intense vertigo that I...

Back to an Active Lifestyle After Foot Reconstruction Surgery
“Dr. Gurske and her Physician Assistant Nora have been awesome in taking care of me through my 10 years of foot/ankle troubles. Dr. Gurske knew...

It Gave Me My Life Back
“It gave me my life back. Who wants to walk around in pain? Before the surgery, I couldn’t stand for more than three or four minutes because of the...

Back to Work Pain Free
“I cannot give enough praise for the total package service this whole team gave me throughout my appointments, surgery, follow-ups and physical...

UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Helped Laurie Kearney Get Back on Her Feet After a Life-Altering Accident
“Oh my gosh, I am 200% improved [after my knee replacement surgery]! I have my legs back, like when I was 35. I know I can’t do everything I used...

I No Longer Have Any Knee Pain
“Dr. Rachala is not only very professional but also very kind and personal. He remembers my parents, whom he has cared for, and my husband, and...

Dave O’Neill Is Now Able to Sleep & Enjoy an Active Lifestyle Without Shoulder Pain
“The best part was that one week after surgery, it felt better than it had prior to surgery. I am now sleeping a full night, at least seven hours....

Retired Physician Executive Regains Mobility & Arm Use After Long-Awaited Shoulder Replacement Surgery
“I wanted to know who was the best, and I found him… Not only is Dr. DiPaola competent and an expert, but he is also confident. You know you are in...

Thanks to UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Kari Church can once again revel in playing softball!
At 25 years of age, Kari Church is currently an assistant teacher at a preschool/daycare facility and very much enjoys hunting, bowling and four...

Patient Voices Appreciation for Longtime Connection with UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
“I try to leave a note when people do a great job. I try to let them know because it feels good to hear that you’re doing your job the right way.”...

Always Go with the Best When It Comes to Knee Replacement
Not surprisingly, Jack DeCarlo heard about UBMD’s Dr. McGrath numerous times. So, he told himself, “If you want to get fixed up and be back at it,...

I Simply Wanted a Better Quality of Life
I was hellbent on not having a hip replacement at age 45, but getting your life back and getting the quality of life back is well worth it.” “It’s...

They Told Me My “Hip Was Shot”
Olympic weightlifting and Strongman Champ Tony Kalisz undergoes hip replacement in order to compete once again Tony Kalisz is 45 years old, married...

At First, She Was Told She Was Too Young for Such a Knee Procedure
That’s before Lara Haberberger met with the team at UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Lara Haberberger is 46 years old and has worked at...
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I schedule or change an appointment?
To schedule or change an appointment, please call our office at 716.204.3200 during normal daytime business hours (Monday through Thursday 8am-5pm, and 8am-4:30pm on Fridays).
Please provide 24-hour notice by telephone if you are calling to cancel.
Do I need a referral from my primary care physician?
If your insurance provider requires a referral, it must be in acquired prior to scheduling your appointment.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
In addition to instruction provided by your orthopaedic physician’s office, bring the following to your appointment:
- Your insurance card
- Photo ID
- Credit card, cash or personal check for necessary payments (ex: copays, high deductible, etc.)
- Any relevant images (ex: x-ray, MRI, CT scans, etc.)
- List of medications, supplements, vitamins and allergies
- For worker’s compensation cases, please bring the items listed above in addition to:
- Date of injury
- Your employer’s name and address
- Your employer’s insurance carrier’s name and address
- Your worker’s compensation case number
- For no-fault cases, please bring the items listed in the first section in addition to:
- Date of accident
- Insurance carrier’s name and address
- Claim number
How long should I plan on being at your office?
I do not speak English/I am hearing-impaired. Do you have an interpreter?
For our non-English speaking patients, we offer an interpreter service via telephone or in-person. For telephone interpretation, we use LanguageLine Solutions. We also use Service Bridges, Inc., and the International Institute of Buffalo for in-person interpreting. If you’d like to use this service, please inform the physician’s staff ahead of time. This is free of charge for the patient.
For our deaf patients, we utilize Deaf Access Services. A representative will meet you for your appointment and translate the conversation between you and the physician. This is free of charge for the patient.
How will you remind me of my appointment?
Who do I contact about billing questions?
For questions about your personal care, contact your physician’s office either via phone or through our patient portal (link). If you don’t know your physician’s direct phone number, call 888-608-0322.
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Why can’t I be seen for a worker’s compensation/no-fault injury during OrthoCare hours?
New York State mandates that any worker’s compensation or no-fault injuries are seen by a physician, or by a physician assistant/nurse practitioner only if their supervising physician is on-site. During OrthoCare (urgent care) hours, physicians are not always on-site.
What insurance plans do you accept?
Click HERE to view our insurance participation list.
It is the patient’s responsibility to be aware of their insurance coverage, policy provisions and authorization requirements. Not all UBMDOSM providers participate with all insurance companies. Please verify whether the physician accepts your insurance coverage when scheduling an appointment. We bill non-participating insurance companies as a courtesy to you. This may require that payment is required before service. Any outstanding balances are the responsibility of the patient.
Are you accepting new patients?
All of our physicians are accepting new patients. Call 716.204.3200 to schedule an appointment.
How early should I arrive to my appointment?
For established patients, we ask that you arrive 15 minutes early.
What can I do on the patient portal?
The patient portal is an excellent resource for patients (and for our staff)! You can request prescription refills, send messages to the physician, update/change medical history, and request appointments. For more information, click HERE.
Who do I contact about my medical care?
For questions about your personal care, contact your physician’s office either via phone or through our patient portal (link). If you don’t know your physician’s direct phone number, call 716.204.3200 and you will be directed.
Can I bring my pet to the office?
No, please refrain from bringing pets or any animals into our offices.