Rothman Orthopaedics is a large regional orthopedic practice with locations across the Northeast

Rothman Orthopaedics is a network of orthopedic surgeons and specialists operating across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. The practice employs more than 100 physicians and maintains over 30 locations. It is part of Rothman Institute, which also includes a research foundation and surgical center.

The network treats the full range of orthopedic conditions — joint replacement, sports medicine, spine surgery, hand surgery, trauma, and pediatric orthopedics. Patients typically enter through a primary care referral or direct scheduling at one of the practice locations.

Rothman is owned by Rothman Institute and operates as a private practice network rather than a hospital system, though it has partnerships with regional hospitals for surgical procedures. Understanding how the practice is structured and where to find specific services matters if you are choosing an orthopedic provider or trying to schedule an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Rothman Orthopaedics operates over 30 locations across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York, so you can search for the office closest to you.
  • The practice includes surgeons in joint replacement, sports medicine, spine, hand surgery, and pediatric orthopedics, so you can ask your primary care doctor for a referral to the specific specialty you need.
  • Rothman maintains its own surgical center for many procedures, which means some surgeries happen outside a hospital setting.
  • Insurance coverage depends on your plan and whether your chosen Rothman location is in-network, so you should verify this with your insurance company before scheduling.

How to find a Rothman Orthopaedics location and schedule an appointment

Rothman maintains a location finder on its website where you can search by city, specialty, or doctor name. The practice has offices in major cities including Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey suburbs, and smaller towns throughout the region. Each location has its own phone number and scheduling staff.

Most orthopedic practices, including Rothman, require a referral from your primary care doctor before scheduling an appointment. Your primary care physician can submit the referral directly to the Rothman location you choose, or you can call the office and ask how to provide one. Some insurance plans allow self-referral to in-network specialists, so check your plan documents or call your insurance company first.

When you call to schedule, have your insurance card available. The scheduling staff will confirm whether your plan covers care at that location and whether you need to pay a copay at your visit. Wait times for new patient appointments vary by location and specialty — some offices can see you within a week or two, while others may have longer waits during busy seasons.

What specialties Rothman Orthopaedics offers

The practice divides into several specialty groups. Joint replacement surgeons handle hip, knee, and shoulder replacements. Sports medicine physicians treat injuries common in athletes and active people, including ACL tears, rotator cuff problems, and meniscus damage. Spine surgery specialists address herniated discs, stenosis, and other spinal conditions. Hand surgery covers fractures, nerve compression, arthritis, and tendon injuries in the hand and wrist.

Trauma surgery treats acute fractures and injuries, often in emergency or urgent settings. Pediatric orthopedics focuses on bone and joint problems in children, including growth plate injuries and developmental issues. Some locations offer all specialties; others focus on one or two. The Rothman website lists which specialties are available at each location.

If you are unsure which specialty fits your condition, your primary care doctor can help direct you. For example, a torn rotator cuff typically goes to sports medicine or shoulder surgery, while lower back pain might go to spine surgery or general orthopedics.

Rothman's surgical center and hospital partnerships

Rothman Institute operates its own surgical center in the Philadelphia area where many procedures take place outside a hospital. Surgical centers typically handle routine and semi-routine procedures — joint injections, arthroscopy, and some joint replacements — and often have shorter wait times and lower costs than hospital operating rooms.

For more complex surgeries or patients with significant medical conditions, Rothman surgeons operate at regional hospitals including Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, and others depending on location. Your surgeon will tell you where your procedure will take place once it is scheduled. If you have a preference between a surgical center and a hospital, ask your surgeon whether your specific procedure can be done at either location.

Surgical center procedures typically happen as outpatient surgery, meaning you go home the same day. Hospital procedures may be outpatient or inpatient depending on the complexity and your medical history.

Insurance coverage and what to verify before your visit

Rothman Orthopaedics accepts most major insurance plans, but coverage varies by plan and location. Some Rothman offices are in-network for certain plans and out-of-network for others. Before scheduling, call your insurance company or check your plan's provider directory to confirm that the specific Rothman location you want is covered.

Ask your insurance company three things: whether the location is in-network, what your copay or coinsurance will be, and whether you need a referral. If the location is out-of-network, ask what percentage of the bill you will owe. Out-of-network care can be significantly more expensive, so this matters for your budget.

If you do not have insurance or are uninsured, call the Rothman location directly and ask about self-pay rates or payment plans. Many practices offer discounts for patients paying out of pocket, though you will need to ask.

What to bring and expect at your first appointment

Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and a list of current medications. If you have imaging from another provider — X-rays, MRI, or CT scans — bring those images or ask your previous doctor to send them to Rothman before your appointment. This saves time and money because you may not need repeat imaging.

At your first visit, you will check in at the front desk, complete a health history form, and wait to see the physician or physician assistant. The appointment typically includes a physical exam and discussion of your symptoms and medical history. The doctor may order imaging or other tests if they have not been done recently.

If surgery is recommended, the doctor will explain the procedure, recovery time, and risks. You will have a chance to ask questions. Surgery is not usually scheduled at the first visit — you typically go home, think it over, and call back to schedule if you decide to proceed.

Rothman's research and education programs

Rothman Institute includes a research foundation that conducts clinical trials and studies in orthopedic surgery. Some patients may be asked whether they want to participate in a research study related to their condition or treatment. Participation is always optional and does not affect your regular care.

The practice also trains orthopedic residents and fellows, meaning some appointments may include a trainee working under a senior surgeon's supervision. If you prefer not to have a trainee present, you can ask at check-in, though this may affect scheduling or wait times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor to see a Rothman orthopedist?

Most insurance plans require a referral, but some allow self-referral to in-network specialists. Check your plan documents or call your insurance company before scheduling. If you do need a referral, your primary care doctor can submit it directly to the Rothman office you choose, or you can ask the office how to provide one yourself.

How long does it take to get an appointment at Rothman?

Wait times vary by location and specialty. Some offices can see new patients within one to two weeks, while others may have longer waits during busy seasons. Call the specific location where you want to be seen to ask about current wait times for your condition.

What if my insurance does not cover the Rothman location I want?

You can still see a Rothman doctor, but you will pay out-of-network rates, which are typically higher. Ask your insurance company what percentage you will owe. You can also ask Rothman's scheduling staff whether another location in your area is in-network with your plan.

Can I get copies of my imaging and records from Rothman?

Yes. You can request medical records and imaging through the patient portal or by calling the location where you were seen. There may be a small fee for copies, and processing typically takes a few business days.

Does Rothman offer telemedicine or virtual visits?

Many Rothman locations offer virtual visits for follow-up appointments or consultations. Call your location to ask whether a virtual visit is an option for your specific appointment or condition.