Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of some frequently asked questions, but feel free to contact us if you need additional information. The wonderful staff at North Texas Hand Center will be happy to assist you.

Q. Do you see worker’s compensation patients?
Yes, North Texas Hand Center treats several workers’ compensation patients. Our staff is very knowledgeable with the worker’s compensation requirements and laws.
Q. Which insurances do you take?
North Texas Hand Center is in network for almost all major medical insurances, including Medicare and Tricare.
Q. Where does Dr. Hilliard do surgeries?
Dr. Hilliard has privileges at Denton Regional Medical Center, Baylor SurgiCare of Denton, Forest Park Medical Center of Frisco and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Flower Mound. This allows for highly personalized care in a pleasant and efficient outpatient surgery setting in several different locations for our patient’s convenience.
Q. Does Dr. Hilliard see patients on the weekend?
No our office is open Monday- Friday only.
Q. Does Dr. Hilliard perform procedures in the office?
Yes. Dr. Hilliard is able to perform many minor procedures in the office with no sedation and local anesthesia only. He believes this is a more convenient and cost effective way to treat a variety of conditions. However, many types of surgeries will still be required to be performed in a standard operating room based on a variety of factors that would be discussed during your visit.
Q. Does Dr. Hilliard do the minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery?
Yes Dr. Hilliard has extensive experience in both endoscopic and open carpal tunnel surgery techniques.
Q. Does Dr. Hilliard treat shoulder injuries?
At North Texas Hand Center, we are focused on the treatment of conditions between the fingers and the elbow. This focused approach allows us to provide specialized care of the highest possible quality and ensures excellent results for our patients.
Q. I have numbness and tingling in my hand what does that mean?
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain in the hand but do not yet have a diagnosis, simply schedule an appointment with Dr. Hilliard. Our physician will do a thorough examination and recommend a proper course of treatment for your condition.
Q. When can I go back to work after a surgery?
The length of time for recuperation after hand surgery varies depending on the procedure performed. We at North Texas Hand Center are committed to individualized care for the patient. We will be happy to discuss return to work issues with you prior to your surgery or any other care that you receive. Most of our procedures allow patients to return to work fairly soon following surgery, but the final decision depends on the type of surgery performed and the type of work that the patient will be returning to.
Q. What is the difference between an orthopedic surgeon and a hand surgeon?
An orthopedic surgeon is a physician who specializes in treating the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons of the musculoskeletal system. A hand fellowship-trained surgeon has additional training in the treatment of the upper extremity.
Q. Once I decide to have the surgery, how soon can it actually take place?
Once your insurance is approved and medical clearance is granted, the surgery can then be scheduled. Most of the time this can be scheduled within a week or two, but this is very dependent on the operative schedule.
Q. Do I have to be put completely asleep for my surgery?
Most of Dr. Hilliard’s surgeries are performed with the patient under a mild to deep sedation. However, there are several options for the type of anesthesia used that allow many surgeries to be performed with minimal or no sedation. The final decision for the type of anesthesia to be used will be made after a discussion with Dr. Hilliard and your anesthesiologist