FAQs

Yes. Dr. Ast is accepting new patients at his Paramus, NJ office for consultations about knee and hip joint replacement.

No, a referral is not required to request an appointment. Many patients do arrive after a referral from another physician, and some insurance plans require one for coverage purposes; the office can confirm what your plan requires when you call to schedule.

Dr. Ast treats patients who need knee or hip joint replacement, including partial and total knee replacement, total hip replacement, and revision joint replacement. He completed fellowship training in Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement surgery at Hospital for Special Surgery, and his practice includes computer-assisted and robotic-assisted knee replacement, robotic-assisted total hip replacement, and minimally invasive hip and knee replacement.

Robotic-assisted joint replacement uses a surgical robot to help position and place a knee or hip implant according to a plan built from your own anatomy. Dr. Ast performs robotic-assisted partial and total knee replacement and robotic-assisted total hip replacement, using this planning process alongside computer-assisted techniques for knee replacement.

It depends on your health and the specifics of your joint. Dr. Ast's practice includes rapid recovery, short stay, and outpatient joint replacement for appropriately selected patients, and he reviews whether this approach fits your situation during your evaluation; recovery plans and length of stay vary from patient to patient.

Not as a surgical focus. Sports medicine is one of Dr. Ast's clinical focus areas, but his surgical practice centers on knee and hip replacement, including partial, total, and revision procedures. Patients with sports-related joint concerns are welcome to schedule an evaluation to discuss options.

Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any prior imaging or records related to your knee or hip. If you were referred by another physician, bring any paperwork they provided; the practice's First Visit guide covers what to expect in more detail.

That depends on your specific plan. The office verifies coverage and any referral or prior-authorization requirements before your visit, and can answer specific insurance questions when you call to schedule. This page is for general information and does not replace a medical evaluation. Discuss your specific condition and treatment options with Dr. Ast or your care team.