Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about private orthopedic surgery at Pathway Surgery. Can't find your answer? Contact us directly.

Booking & Consultations

You can book directly by completing the form under the Book Your Consultation section. A patient liaison will contact you within one to two business days to review your needs and coordinate next steps. Consultations are scheduled for 1-hour time slots to ensure thorough discussion of your condition and treatment options.

No. While referrals are welcome, they are not required. You can reach out to us directly to begin your consultation process.

At Pathway Surgery, procedures are typically scheduled within 2-3 weeks of your consultation and quote approval, depending on your availability and surgical needs.

All patients must be medically cleared for surgery and evaluated by a Pathway surgeon to determine clinical suitability. Your safety is our top priority. During your consultation, we'll review your medical history and determine if you're a good candidate for the procedure.

Costs & Insurance

Yes. An estimated quote is provided during your initial phone call with our patient liaison. After your consultation with a surgeon, the quote is finalized based on your specific condition and surgical recommendation. Our pricing is transparent with no hidden fees.

Pathway Surgery is a private surgical facility, which means surgeries are not covered by OHIP or other provincial health plans. However, many patients have private health insurance, employer benefits, or health spending accounts (HSAs) that may cover some or all of the costs. We provide detailed invoices that patients can submit to their insurance providers.

Yes. Pathway Surgery partners with Beautifi to offer flexible financing options for patients across Canada. You can apply online and receive personalized payment plans to suit your needs.

In many cases, yes. Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) typically cover eligible medical expenses including surgical procedures. Some patients also use RRSP funds through the Lifelong Learning Plan provisions. We recommend consulting with your financial advisor or benefits administrator for specifics about your coverage.

We accept major credit cards, debit, electronic bank transfers, and certified cheques. Financing through Beautifi is also available. Payment arrangements can be discussed with our patient coordinators.

Preparation & Recovery

Yes. We provide comprehensive pre- and post-operative instructions tailored to your procedure, including diagnostic requirements, preparation guidelines, travel coordination (if applicable), and rehabilitation planning. Our team will guide you through every step.

In most cases, pre-operative tests can be done locally in your home province for convenience. If you need imaging (MRI, CT, etc.), we can also arrange private imaging in Montreal. Our team will advise you on all required tests and coordinate them to ensure everything is ready before your surgery date.

Our team provides comprehensive support through all preoperative steps, including medical documents, travel instructions, and what to pack for your surgical stay. We'll send you a detailed checklist well in advance of your procedure.

Recovery varies by patient and procedure, but most knee and hip replacement patients begin light activities within weeks, with full recovery in a few months. Your surgeon will provide a personalized recovery timeline during your consultation.

Out-of-Province Patients

Absolutely! We serve patients from across Canada, including Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Atlantic provinces. We have surgical facilities in multiple cities including Montreal, Vancouver, and the Greater Toronto Area. Virtual consultations make it easy to get started from anywhere in Canada.

Yes. We provide a limo driver for transport to and from surgical facilities, and we have hotel partners near our surgical centers. Our team assists with travel planning and itinerary preparation to simplify your experience.

This varies by procedure. Some same-day procedures may allow you to travel home the next day, while joint replacements typically require 3-5 days before flying. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on your procedure and individual circumstances.

We provide detailed post-operative protocols that you can take to any physiotherapist in your home province. Our team can also recommend virtual physiotherapy options if needed. Follow-up appointments can often be conducted virtually.

Yes, and we encourage it. Having a support person with you is helpful, especially for the first few days after surgery. They can attend your consultation, be present during your recovery, and assist with transportation.

Our surgeons remain available for post-operative questions and can conduct virtual follow-ups. In the rare event of an emergency, we coordinate with local healthcare providers and can advise on appropriate next steps. You'll have direct contact information for our team.

Surgeons & Technology

All surgeries are performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons with specialized training in their fields. Credentials are listed in the Our Surgeons section, and patients are matched with the most appropriate surgeon based on their case.

We match patients with the most appropriate surgeon based on medical needs and availability. You can also request a specific surgeon if you have a preference.

Yes. Pathway Surgery uses the ROSA® system for eligible knee and hip replacements, enhancing precision and optimizing outcomes. The robotic system assists the surgeon with pre-operative planning and intraoperative guidance.

Robotic-assisted surgery offers sub-millimetre precision, enhanced joint alignment, and faster recovery times in many cases. However, it's not required for all procedures. Your surgeon will determine if you're a candidate and discuss the benefits for your specific situation.

We provide a personalized, patient-centred approach combining advanced surgical techniques with dedicated care coordination. From your first consultation to your recovery, every step is tailored to support optimal outcomes. Our 1-hour consultations ensure you have ample time to discuss your concerns and treatment options.

Procedures

Partial knee replacement replaces only the damaged compartment of the knee, preserving healthy bone and ligaments. Total knee replacement replaces all three compartments of the knee. Partial replacements typically have a faster recovery but are only suitable for patients where arthritis is limited to one compartment. Your surgeon will recommend the appropriate option based on your imaging and examination.

Minimally invasive surgery uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments to access the surgical area while causing less disruption to surrounding tissues. Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive techniques are designed to result in less post-operative discomfort, reduced hospital stays, and potentially faster return to activities. Not all procedures can be performed minimally invasively—your surgeon will discuss your options.

The Direct Anterior Approach is a technique for hip replacement where the surgeon accesses the hip joint from the front of the body, working between muscles rather than cutting through them. This muscle-sparing approach is designed to allow for fewer post-operative restrictions and potentially faster recovery. Several of our hip surgeons are trained in this technique.

ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure to replace a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the knee using a tissue graft. It's typically recommended for active individuals who want to return to sports involving cutting, pivoting, or jumping, or for those with knee instability affecting daily activities. The procedure is performed arthroscopically through small incisions.

Absolutely. Second opinions are valuable and we welcome patients who want another perspective on their condition. Bring any imaging (MRI, X-rays, CT scans) and reports from previous consultations. Our surgeons will provide an honest assessment and discuss all your options.

Different surgeons may have different perspectives. Some patients who were told they're not candidates elsewhere have been successfully treated by our surgeons using different techniques or approaches. It's worth getting a consultation to discuss your specific situation—there may be options you haven't explored.

Still Have Questions?

You can contact us directly at admin@pathway.surgery. For details about our services, surgeons, and care process, please explore our website or reach out to our team — we're happy to assist.