Can a phone call replace a doctor visit after surgery?

NCT ID NCT05998148

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Jonathan Wu Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether follow-up visits after sports medicine surgery can be done by phone instead of in person. 90 patients were randomly assigned to virtual phone visits or in-person visits at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months after surgery. Researchers measured patient satisfaction and recovery scores to see if the two methods were different.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: virtual phone appointment visits
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that virtual follow-ups are just as good as in-person visits for post-surgery care, making recovery more convenient.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study (90 people) at one clinic, so results may not apply to all patients or surgeries. It measures satisfaction, not medical outcomes.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Athletic Injuries injury musculoskeletal system disorder Patient Satisfaction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ORTHOPEDIC DISORDER PATIENT SATISFACTION SPORTS INJURY SURGERY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Harbor-UCLA Medical Center

Torrance, California, 90502, United States

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