Do you take my insurance?

We plan for your experience at West LA Hand Center to be an excellent one. To further that goal, we want you to be fully informed about our insurance and payment policies. Please also feel free to contact our office with any questions.

Insurance participation varies by physician. Please contact our office to confirm whether Dr. Freedman or Dr. Ahlquist participates with your insurance plan.

For out-of-network plans, payment may be collected at the time of service. We can provide the appropriate documentation for submission to your insurance company, and reimbursement will depend on your individual out-of-network benefits and plan.

Medicare patients are welcome. Please contact our office if you have questions regarding Medicare coverage or your expected responsibility.

Why should I see a hand and upper extremity specialist?

The upper extremity is remarkably complex. The bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand must work together for normal movement and function.

Physicians who specialize in the hand and upper extremity have additional training in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting these interconnected structures.

At West LA Hand Center, we evaluate and treat a broad range of conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand.

Please also see the Education section to learn about more common problems we treat.

Do you treat both adults and children?

Yes. Our physicians treat both adults and children with injuries and conditions affecting the upper extremity.

Will I need surgery?

Not necessarily. Many hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder conditions can be treated successfully without surgery. Whenever appropriate, we consider nonsurgical treatment, such as activity modification, medications, bracing or splinting, therapy, or injections.

If surgery is recommended, your physician will explain the procedure, alternatives, expected recovery, and potential risks and benefits so that you can make an informed decision.

Will I need an MRI before my appointment?

Usually not. Many orthopedic conditions can initially be evaluated with a medical history, physical examination, and X-rays.

If an MRI, ultrasound, CT scan, or another study would be helpful, your physician can recommend the appropriate imaging after evaluating you.

Do you offer appointments for urgent injuries?

Yes. We understand that fractures and other acute injuries may require prompt evaluation. Please contact our office, and we will make every effort to accommodate urgent orthopedic injuries in a timely manner.

Can I see you for a second opinion?

Yes. We are happy to provide second opinions for hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder conditions, including cases in which surgery has been recommended. Please bring any relevant imaging, reports, and medical records so that your physician can review them with you.

What will the length and content of first appointment be?

The length and content of the first appointment will depend upon the complexity of your issue and the amount of questions you have. Typically, the appointment will be between 30–45 minutes.

If you have any imaging, reports, or labs related to your injury, please bring them with you or have them faxed to our office at 310.828.9581 or emailed to info@westlahand.com.

You and the Doctor will discuss the reason for your appointment, what may be causing the issue, and then devise a treatment plan. Some treatments can be administered the day of your first visit.