Frequently Asked Questions
Knee
A new joint, called a prosthesis (praas-THEE-sis), can be made of plastic, metal, or ceramic parts. It may be cemented into place or not cemented, so that your bone will grow into it. Both methods may be combined to keep the new joint in place.
A cemented joint is used more often in older people who do not move around as much and in people with “weak” bones. The cement holds the new joint to the bone. An uncemented joint is often recommended for younger, more active people and those with good bone quality. It may take longer to heal, because it takes longer for bone to grow and attach to it.
New joints generally last at least 10 to 15 years. Therefore, younger patients may need to have the same damaged joint replaced more than once.
Joints can be damaged by arthritis and other diseases, injuries, or other causes. Arthritis or simply years of use may cause the joint to wear away. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. Diseases and damage inside a joint can limit blood flow, causing problems in the bones, which needs blood to be healthy, grow, and repair themselves.
Joint replacement is becoming more common. More than 1 million Americans have a hip or knee replaced each year. Research has shown that even if you are older, joint replacement can help you move around and feel better.
Any surgery has risks. Risks of joint surgery will depend on your health of your joints before surgery and the type of surgery done. Many hospitals and doctors have been replacing joints for several decades, and this experience results in better patient outcomes. For answers to their questions, some people talk with their doctor or someone who has had the surgery. A doctor specializing in joints will probably work with you before, during, and after surgery to make sure you heal quickly and recover successfully.
Hip
The success of your surgery depends a lot on what you do when you go home. Follow your doctor’s advice about what to eat, what medicines to take, and how to exercise. Talk with your doctor about any pain or trouble moving.
Joint replacement is usually a success in most people who have it. When problems do occur, most are treatable. Possible problems include:
Infection. Areas in the wound or around the new joint may get infected. It may happen while you’re still in the hospital or after you go home. It may even occur years later. Minor infections in the wound are usually treated with drugs. Deep infections may need a second operation to treat the infection or replace the joint.
Blood clots. If your blood moves too slowly, it may begin to form lumps of blood parts called clots. If pain and swelling develop in your legs after hip or knee surgery, blood clots may be the cause. your doctor may suggest drugs to make your blood thin or special stockings, exercises, or boots to help your blood move faster. If swelling, redness, or pain occurs in your leg after you leave the hospital, contact your doctor right away.
Loosening. The new joint may loosen, causing pain. If the loosening is bad, you may need another operation to reattach the joint to the bone.
Dislocation. Sometimes after hip or other joint replacement, the ball of the prosthesis can come out of its socket. In most cases, the hip can be corrected without surgery. A brace may be worn for a while if a dislocation occurs.
Wear. Some wear can be found in all joint replacements. Too much wear may help cause loosening. your doctor may need to operate again if the prosthesis comes loose. Sometimes, the plastic can wear thin, and your doctor may just replace the plastic and not the whole joint.
Nerve and blood vessel injury. Nerves near the replaced joint may be damaged during surgery, but this does not happen often. Over time, the damage often improves and may disappear. Blood vessels may also be injured.
As you move your new joint and let your muscles grow strong again, pain will lessen, flexibility will increase, and movement will improve.
General
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Martha’s Vineyard Hospital
1 Hospital Road, Oak
Bluffs, MA 02557
Phone: 508-696-1052
Fax: 508-790-6852
Hours Of Operation
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is located near East Chop, midway between downtown Vineyard Haven and downtown Oak Bluffs. For directions, click here.
Financial Services
We are pleased you have chosen Martha’s Vineyard Hospital for your medical services. Our mission is to safeguard the health of the Vineyard’s year-round and seasonal residents and visitors by providing or arranging for high quality, accessible medical care. We provide this care to all, regardless of ability to pay, in an atmosphere that fosters respect and compassion. This is an overview of our billing procedures and payment options.
BILLING FOR OUR SERVICES
Please be aware that ultimately it is the responsibility of the patient to pay for any hospital charges generated during a visit with us unless you are covered under an approved federal or state plan. However, as a service to our patients, we will submit most bills directly to your insurance company for payment. The Hospital generates a new account each time you register and registration personnel will ask you for insurance information upon each visit. Your cooperation in giving health coverage information gets your claim paid quickly. Although we bill on your behalf and make all reasonable efforts to obtain payment from your insurance company, if a claim is rejected or payment is delayed, we will look to you for payment in full.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
As a convenience to our patients, we accept cash, checks and most major credit cards. If you are financially unable to pay your balance, our Patient Financial Services Department will assist you in determining your eligibility payment plans or for financial assistance. To speak with a Financial Counselor please call 1-508-957-0157.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Regardless of your health insurance status, if faced with healthcare bills you find impossible to pay, you are encouraged to contact Patient Financial Services for information on available financial assistance programs. The office is located next to the Outpatient Registration area. Hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and our telephone number is 1-508-957-0157. There is an answering system 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please leave a message at any time.
Financial assistance is available to residents of Massachusetts for medically necessary services. It is available to non-residents who come to the Hospital in life-threatening situations only. You are eligible if your household income falls within levels outlined by the Department of Health and Human Services. You may be eligible for 100% (no deductible) or partial (deductible based on income) coverage.
As part of the application process, patients are pre-screened for MassHealth and other services and programs. You are encouraged to apply if it is determined you may be a MassHealth candidate.
Partners HealthCare can assist uninsured and under-insured Martha’s Vineyard Hospital patients who have limited financial resources to pay their medical bills. Information on the Partners HealthCare Financial Assistance Policy is available in other languages. Learn more about Patient Billing and Financial Assistance.
PAYMENT PLANS
While payment of balances is due in full, the Hospital realizes this is not always possible. Therefore, payment plans are available. Payments and plan length are based on outstanding balances. Balances of $1,000 or less are payable in 12 months; balances over $1,000 are payable in 24 months. This method of payment is considered a contract with the Hospital and regular, on-time monthly payments are required to keep the plan in good standing.
If applicable, twelve consecutive on-time payments may make a payment plan account eligible for a contribution from the private Mayhew-Nevin Fund. These contributions are in addition to and do not replace required contractual payments. Since Mayhew-Nevin funds are limited and every effort is made to help those who are eligible, at no time can the Hospital guarantee a contribution to any specific account.
Following the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act guidelines, the law prohibits us from discussing charges for our services prior to treatment, and we will not ask for payment up-front. Although the Hospital admissions staff does not have information about billing, after you have been treated they will do their best to direct you to the department that can best assist you.
Martha’s Vineyard Hospital cannot and will not deny or delay services for lack of insurance or ability to pay.
MVH Billing Office: 1-508-957-9570
MVH Patient Financial Services: 1-508-957-0157
Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm
Other Resources Available:
Vineyard Health Care Access Program: 508-696-0020
MassHealth
MassHealth Enrollment Center
Central Processing Unit
PO Box 290794
Charlestown, MA 02129-0214
1-888-242-1340
TTY: 1-800-531-2229
Children’s Medical Security Plan: 1-800-909-2677
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