Our Frequently Asked Questions

What is orthopedics?

The field of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of the musculoskeletal system (bones, nerves, and joints).

Are you open on the weekends?

We are not open on the weekends. However, we open early during the week to help accommodate your schedule. You may also send a request to schedule an appointment online if you would like us to contact you during our next scheduled business day.

Centralia Clinic: Monday – Friday: 7 am – 5 pm

Olympia Clinic: Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5 pm

What does my doctor specialize in?

To see what area each doctor specializes in, click their name below to visit their biography page:

Keith R. Birchard, MD

Michael Dujela, DPM

Chad L. Bender, MD

Christopher A. Hawkins, MD

Do you accept my insurance?

Every plan is different. Our team will notify you if a referral is required. Some of the common plans requiring a referral or authorization include:

  • Soundpath
  • AARP Medicare Complete
  • Most Medicaid Plans
  • Most Tricare Plans
  • Some Kaiser Permanente Plans

Why are there two charges on my surgery statement for the same thing? Have I been double billed?

When you have surgery, you will receive a statement for the facility, the surgeon, and the anesthesiologist. The statement(s) will list each procedure performed & the fee for each procedure.

If you have any questions on your billing from Washington Orthopaedic Center, feel free to contact our billing department at 360-736-2889 ext. 319.

What is co-pay?

A dollar amount contracted between you and your insurance carrier, due at time of service.

What is co-insurance?

A percentage of the insurance benefits that you are responsible for.

What’s a deductible?

A yearly dollar amount that you are responsible for based on the type of coverage you have selected with your insurance company. Your deductible generally renews annually.

How long shall I expect to be at my appointment?

The amount of time that each appointment lasts varies from person to person. You should plan on your appointment lasting an hour, which may include having x-rays taken as well.

I have already had X-rays taken for this condition; do I need more?

Great! If we have the x-rays on file, or if you have them on a disk, we may not need more. However, depending on how long ago the x-rays were taken & the views on the x-rays, more may be needed. Our clinical support team & your provider will work with you on deciding if additional x-rays are needed.

Do you treat for neck or back issues?

No – however, we do specialize in all other orthopedic conditions.

What is the ASC?

The Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) is a free-standing ASC that specializes in outpatient orthopedic surgical procedures, from total hip replace to bunionectomy and carpal tunnel surgery. Our facility was designed by our physicians to create cost-effective, same-day surgery, which means that our patients are released to go home shortly after their surgery is finished.

Learn more about our ASC here

Is the ASC the same as Providence Hospital?

No – Our ASC is privately owned by our physicians at Washington Orthopaedic Center and has no affiliation with Providence Centralia Hospital.

Is Washington Orthopaedic Center where I come for my post op appointment?

Yes – Post operative appointments are always in our clinic. Each case is different; therefore, your surgery scheduler will inform you of where you need to be and schedule the post-operative appointment with you.

Where do I go for my Pre-Op?

Pre-ops are at the ambulatory surgery center or clinic and sometimes at Providence Centralia Hospital. Every case is different, so your surgery scheduler will inform you of where you need to be.

Where are you located?

We have three locations. They are in Centralia, Olympia, and Elma.

Our Centralia Clinic is located at 1900 Cooks Hill Road, Centralia, WA 98532

Our Olympia Clinic is located at 704 Lilly Rd SE, Olympia, WA 98501

Our Elma Clinic is located at 600 East Main Street, Elma, Washington 98541

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