Make informed decisions about your back and joint pain
Get a thorough understanding of your diagnosis and maximize your ability to recover. Hinge Health's whole-body approach to care looks beyond just physical causes, addressing emotional and lifestyle factors as well.
With your Hinge Health EMO, you can…
You can depend on Hinge Health’s expert care
“It was the EMO program that gave me peace of mind I needed”
Duane
Hinge Health member
Expert opinion, exceptional member experience.
FAQs
What is the value of receiving an Expert Medical Opinion?
EMO gives you the opportunity to speak with an unbiased specialist about your back or joint condition and to ask questions that may not have been answered by your surgeon. Our expert team is here to support you so you can make the best decisions about your MSK health. Common questions members have asked during EMO include:
- Is surgery the best path for me?
- What else can I try to manage my pain before deciding on surgery?
- Are there activities I should be avoiding?
- What's the most likely outcome after surgery?
- If surgery is in my future, how can I prepare for surgery to enable the best outcome?
You will receive a detailed report about your condition that includes tailored education about your diagnosis, a review of your condition and imaging findings, and the treatment options that are most appropriate for you. Additionally, you will develop a plan with our providers to ensure you feel confident going forward with next steps.
Do I need imaging or an appointment with a surgeon before an EMO?
For our team to provide an EMO, we do need recent imaging (x-ray, CT, or MRI) and a consultation with a clinician at a surgeons office, which may be a surgeon (MD) or another provider like a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant.
Do I need to provide my records before the appointment?
After you’ve provided contact information for the specialists and facilities that you’ve been to, our team will obtain the records to perform the EMO.
What does an EMO involve?
The typical steps in the EMO process are:
- Fill out an EMO application questionnaire
- Our team of experts reviews your application
- You will be scheduled a 45 minute intake call
- Our board-certified Orthopedic Surgeons and Pain Specialists will thoroughly review your case.
- We will then provide you with a detailed PDF report and have a video call to discuss your case and next steps
How long does the EMO process take?
In total the process takes approximately 7-10 business days to complete. Timing is dependent on how quickly we are able to obtain your necessary medical records from external providers.
Are EMOs available for traumatic fractures?
Not at this time.
Can I receive an EMO for a body part that I am not enrolled in Hinge Health for?
Yes, you can have an EMO for your knee, shoulder, hip, neck/upper back or low back, regardless of your Hinge Health program body part.
What if I already have surgery scheduled?
You can still receive an EMO if your surgery is more than 4 weeks away from the date you apply. We want to ensure there is enough time to complete the EMO and for you to make any changes to your plan, as appropriate.