Appointments & Referrals

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Take the first step toward renewed strength

Overcoming the challenges of reduced function in your hands, wrists, and elbows can be a frustrating experience. But it doesn’t have to be. We want to help you feel like you have control over your life.

The Upper Extremity Clinic at Shepherd Center is one of the country’s most renowned care and treatment centers for functional restoration of the hand and upper extremities. That’s a testament to the expertise of our medical professionals and how we treat all our patients: with care, respect, humor, and hope.

If you’re new to the Upper Extremity Clinic, this means starting with a patient evaluation. Our specialists will work with you to develop your personalized care plan, including the continuation of trauma care and rehabilitation services.

How to request an appointment with the Upper Extremity Clinic

The Upper Extremity Clinic requires a referral from healthcare providers and specialists for all new patients. This allows us to streamline care for those in need of our services. The information below will help you learn how to request an appointment.

The Upper Extremity Clinic accepts new patients with referrals from healthcare providers and specialists.

To learn how to begin the referral process, please call our case manager, Kathie Kurtz, at 404-350-3102 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

If you are currently receiving care at the Upper Extremity Clinic, you can request an appointment by calling 404-350-3102 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

All new patients will require a referral from a healthcare provider. You can begin the referral process for your patient by emailing an order form and pertinent medical records to [email protected] or by faxing them to 404-367-1249.

Appointment policies

Please arrive 30 minutes ahead of your appointment time.

If you arrive less than 15 minutes before your appointment time, we may need to reschedule your appointment. Your time with the provider is very important and arriving 15 minutes before your appointment time ensures that our nursing staff can prepare you for your visit and the providers are able to meet all your needs.

It is very important that you attend all scheduled appointments. Availability in the Upper Extremity Clinic is limited, and a missed appointment can impact timely treatments.

While we understand that emergencies and other unexpected situations do arise, the Upper Extremity Clinic requests you provide us with a 24-hour notice in the event you are unable to make an appointment and need to reschedule.

Preparing for your first appointment

We want to make the most of your visit here just as much as you do. Here are some tips on what to do before your first evaluation.

  • List questions and topics you’d like to discuss with your care team.
  • List of injuries you’ve had.
  • Document the symptoms you are experiencing and for how long.
  • Bring a partner, family member, or friend who can act as a second set of ears, take notes and prompt you if you forget anything.
  • Ask for clarity on anything you don’t understand. Medical terms can be daunting, and we want you to feel confident while you’re here and after you leave.

What to bring

For your first evaluation appointment, please also bring with you the following:

  • Driver’s license or ID
  • Medical insurance card
Outside view of the Shepherd Center building.

Locating the Hand and Upper Extremity Clinic

The Upper Extremity Clinic is located within Shepherd Center’s main campus in Atlanta and offers free parking for all patients. For new evaluations or medical services, please check in at the Specialty Services Clinic on the first floor, just behind the coffee kiosk.

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