Dr. Paul Morton, M.D. offers a virtual program for hip and knee replacement patients enabling for easy access to surgical treatment.
Neighbor Island, Out-of-State, and International patients can opt for pre- and post-surgical visits and educational classes online, circumventing the need for time-consuming, inconvenient, and costly travel.
Many of Dr. Morton’s patients come from locations outside Honolulu, making telehealth an efficient solution. Patients are only required to make a single journey to meet Dr. Morton, with surgery scheduled for the subsequent day. This program enables a patient’s family and friends to participate in all virtual visits related to surgery from any location globally, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for your healthcare journey.
Getting Started
To get in touch with us, you can either call one of our patient liaisons at (808)439-6201 or submit a request online. We’ll discuss the surgical process, logistics, insurance, and any other general questions you may have.
Initial Phone Call with Concierge
During this call, you will learn more about the procedure and surgical timeline.
We will collect your insurance information and discuss how you can send your X-rays to the office.
We will discuss how you can send us your initial patient forms.
We will schedule your initial Virtual Consultation. If you are self-pay, we will obtain your initial consultation cost over the phone by credit card.
Please review which insurance plans we accept.
Send us Your Information
Before you travel to Honolulu, send us your images and records so that they may be reviewed by Dr. Morton. We need to evaluate x-rays of your hips or knees before scheduling your visit. We can arrange these to be taken at a facility that is convenient to you.
You can fill out your forms online prior to your visit. We will need a copy of your photo ID and insurance cards.
Have a copy of your images on a CD and would like Dr. Morton to view them before your visit? Upload on My Medical Images. Be sure to check out how it works before getting started. Let our staff know that you uploaded your images.
Virtual Visit
We will then schedule a discussion over video to see if you would be a candidate for surgery or consider other nonoperative options. You do not need to decide if you are going to pursue surgery at this point.
Some insurance plans require an in-person evaluation to schedule surgery. We may have to schedule a separate preoperative visit a few weeks before surgery to provide enough time to obtain Prior Authorization.
If you prefer an in-person visit after the virtual visit, we will set this up at this time.
Concierge Care
Our surgical scheduler will help you obtain preoperative bloodwork, x-rays, labs, EKG, and medical clearances as necessary. You must obtain all of these within one month before surgery. We will also review your travel itinerary.
Many insurance companies will cover the cost of your travel from neighbor islands. You may need to obtain this authorization via your primary care physician for travel.
Preoperative Visit
If you are scheduled to have your surgery at our surgery center, we can schedule your preoperative visit the day before your surgery. This will limit your expenses and any difficulties with travel.
You will have an in-person visit with Dr. Morton to answer any other remaining questions.
Your preoperative medications will be sent to a pharmacy of your convenience. Please pick these up before surgery.
Before Surgery
You will attend a virtual class where your surgery and expectations will be addressed with one of our surgical nurse navigators. Any questions not discussed during your visit can be addressed here.
Surgery Day
You will arrive at the hospital or surgery center and be escorted to the preoperative area. The preoperative nurses will prepare you for surgery. Dr. Morton will then visit you and answer any last-minute questions. The anesthesiologist will introduce themselves and perform any necessary preoperative anesthetic procedure.
If you would like a first-start case, you will be required to fly in the day before.
Postop
You will work with a physical therapist to determine your ability to return safely home. You may decide to return home that day. Many of our neighbor island patients prefer to stay overnight and leave the next day. We have many available hotel options available.
We have several options including discharge to a rehabilitation facility, hotel, or surgery at a hospital. We will discuss this during your surgical scheduling.
For patients who are from out-of-state, we recommend that they stay at least one week prior to returning home. This will enable you to have a postop check prior to your return home. You will be more mobile at this point and less likely to develop a blood clot. You will need to get up frequently while on the plane and perform foot pump exercises. Ideally, you are able to stay a week or longer.
Two weeks after surgery, you will have your first postoperative visit scheduled. We do have telehealth services available for your convenience if necessary.
We generally follow up with patients every six weeks as necessary until you have completed most of your postoperative recovery. For hip and knee replacements, we like to review postoperative surveillance X-rays on an annual basis to confirm that your hip or knee replacement is functioning well.
Interisland Travel to Honolulu
Three airlines service Hawaii Interisland: Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines. If you require increased legroom, as most patients with hip or knee replacements, Hawaiian Airlines may provide more space and an easier commute.
Where to Stay
Discounts are available with Outrigger Hotels. Please use the links below for more information.
Travel to The Clinic
You may rent a car from the airport from most major car rental companies. Alternatively, Uber and Lift provide rideshare options that may be more convenient. Traditional Taxi services are also available.
Dr. Morton is located at the Physicians Office Building 1, Suite 808, at the Queen’s Medical Center. Take the Lusitana exit from Vineyard Avenue. You can enter the parking structure from the ramp or the driveway on the right side of Lusitana Street. A bridge from the parking structure on the third or fifth floor will take you from the parking structure to the Physicians Office Building. Take the elevator to the 8th floor; Suite 808 is in front of the elevators. We share office space with Plastic Surgeon Dr. Vincent Nip.
Medical Tourism
In our practice, we are proud to extend our cutting-edge orthopedic care to patients across the globe. Our reputation for excellence in robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement surgeries has drawn patients from around the Asia-Pacific region, including Guam, the Philippines, Japan, and Samoa. Our services are not limited to just these regions; we have also welcomed patients from other states, such as Alaska, Washington, and New York. This international reach is a testament to our commitment to accessibility and the highest standards of care, no matter where our patients call home. We understand medical tourism’s unique needs and challenges and have the resources to make the process as smooth as possible. From the initial consultation to post-operative care, we are dedicated to providing a seamless, supportive, and world-class medical experience.
Hawaii, recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the top state for healthcare, offers an environment conducive to recovery with its warm climate, stunning landscapes, and a plethora of outdoor activities that promote mobility and wellness. This recognition is based on an overall state ranking that takes into account 71 different metrics across eight categories. As one of the most active states in the U.S., Hawaii provides the ideal setting for patients to regain their strength post-surgery and get back to an active lifestyle. We understand that our patients have high expectations out of their joint replacements and we are committed to helping them achieve their goals. We take great pride in ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality of care, enabling them to return to their favorite activities as quickly as possible.
Following your surgery with Dr. Morton, your recovery is our utmost priority. We provide comprehensive post-operative care and support, ensuring you have the resources and guidance necessary for a smooth and successful recovery. Our team is committed to helping you regain mobility and return to everyday activities quickly and safely.
While you’re in Honolulu for your surgery, we want to ensure your stay is comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable. Our city has a wide range of accommodations to suit various needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel with world-class amenities, a cozy bed and breakfast with a homey touch, or a vacation rental with a kitchen for self-catering, you’ll find an abundance of options here.
Honolulu, known for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture, offers many attractions to enjoy during your stay. The world-famous Waikiki Beach, the historic Pearl Harbor, and the bustling Ala Moana Center are just a few examples. You might also enjoy a leisurely stroll through the serene Honolulu Botanical Gardens or visit the Honolulu Museum of Art.
Please remember to always follow your post-operative care plan and consult with Dr. Morton or a member of our team before engaging in any physical activities post-surgery. We are here to ensure your recovery process is successful and your stay in Honolulu is memorable.
We will provide these documents to you for your records and for any local orthopedic surgeon involved in your care.
It is best to have an orthopedic surgeon local to you who would be available to examine you and communicate with us, should the need arise. Follow-up care can be difficult to find someone willing to do for a patient they did not operate on initially; we will assist you as much as possible.
Long-distance travel should usually be avoided until at least after your initial post-operative visit with your surgeon. The concern with long-distance travel is the possibility of the development of a blood clot, or missing a postoperative complication.
Once you are on a long trip, Dr. Morton recommends that you get up to stretch or walk at least once per hour during a long trip. Taking 81mg of aspirin daily is a useful adjunct. Dr. Morton recommends starting aspirin 2 days before your trip, and 2 days after your trip to avoid blood clots. You may want to talk with your primary care physician if you have a history of stomach ulcers, allergies, blood clots, or bleeding disorders. Usually, patients will desire an aisle seat or a lay-flat seat for long distances during their initial recovery.
Call (808)439-6201.
You may leave a message for me using this method. If your problem is more urgent, you may let them know you are having a medical urgency and you would like to talk with Dr. Morton. They will then connect you with me. If you are unable to reach me through this method and have a medical emergency, please go to Queen’s Medical Center’s emergency department. You may also dial 911 if you require an ambulance and are unable to transport yourself.
If you have already returned home, you should still attempt to reach me through this method. You may need to go to your nearest emergency department. All hospitals within Hawaii have transfer agreements with The Queen’s Medical Center when necessary.
