Rita Hancock MD in Oklahoma City: Orthopedic Surgery for Joint, Spine, and Sports Injuries

Rita Hancock MD operates as a board-certified orthopedic surgeon serving Oklahoma City patients with injuries and conditions affecting bones, joints, ligaments, and the spine. Her practice focuses on both surgical and non-surgical management, treating everything from acute sports injuries to degenerative joint disease and post-trauma reconstruction.

What an orthopedic practice like Hancock's offers

Orthopedic surgery in Oklahoma City divides broadly between general practitioners who handle fractures, arthritis, and routine joint problems and subspecialists who focus on specific regions (spine, shoulder, knee) or patient populations (pediatric, sports medicine). Hancock's practice sits in the general orthopedic category, meaning she evaluates and treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions rather than limiting herself to one joint or body system. This scope makes her practice suitable for patients whose injuries don't require a narrow expert but do require imaging interpretation and possible surgery.

Services and typical cost structure

Orthopedic consultations in Oklahoma City typically run $150 to $300 for new patients, depending on imaging review and complexity. Follow-up visits cost between $75 and $150. Surgical procedures vary dramatically: arthroscopic rotator cuff repair averages $8,000 to $12,000; anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction ranges from $9,000 to $15,000; and spinal fusion procedures can exceed $25,000. These figures depend heavily on whether surgery occurs at a hospital or surgery center, whether implants are used, and insurance coverage. Verify current fees and your out-of-pocket responsibility with the office; Medicare and major commercial plans are typically accepted.

How Hancock compares to other Oklahoma City orthopedists

Oklahoma City's orthopedic landscape includes large hospital-based programs (OU Health, Integris) where surgeons operate as part of a system with integrated physical therapy and imaging, and independent practitioners like Hancock who typically maintain separate referral relationships with therapists and imaging centers. Hospital-based surgeons often have longer appointment lead times (3 to 6 weeks for new patients) but access to same-day imaging and in-house rehabilitation. Independent surgeons sometimes offer faster initial appointments and more direct scheduling control, though you may coordinate imaging and PT separately. Choose a hospital system if you want integrated care and expect complex post-operative management; choose an independent surgeon if you prefer direct continuity and faster access to initial evaluation.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

Hancock's general orthopedic scope suits patients with uncomplicated fractures, rotator cuff tears, knee meniscus injuries, degenerative disc disease, and arthritis of the hip and knee. It does not suit patients requiring subspecialist expertise in pediatric orthopedics, complex spinal reconstruction, or hand and microsurgery, who should be referred to fellowship-trained specialists. Patients seeking non-surgical management (physical therapy, injections, bracing) can begin here, though Hancock's office should clarify whether conservative care is available in-house or through referral.

What to expect on a first visit

Initial appointments typically last 30 to 45 minutes. Bring insurance information, a photo ID, and any recent imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) on CD or ask that records be transferred beforehand. The doctor will review your injury history, perform a physical examination of the affected joint, and may order imaging if not already completed. At the end of the visit, you should receive a diagnosis, a written treatment plan (conservative or surgical), and realistic timelines. If surgery is recommended, the office should discuss risks, alternatives, and the scheduling process. If conservative care is the plan, clarify whether physical therapy referrals are in-house, with a specific local partner, or your choice.

Hours, location, and logistics

Verify current office hours directly with the practice; orthopedic offices typically operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offering limited Saturday availability for urgent cases. Parking at most independent surgical practices is street-side or a small lot; call ahead if mobility is a concern. If surgery is performed, confirm whether it occurs at Mercy, OU Health, or a dedicated outpatient surgery center, as pre-operative requirements and check-in times vary by facility.

Rita Hancock's practice fills the role of an accessible general orthopedic surgeon for Oklahoma City patients whose injuries fall within standard operative and non-operative scope. Her presence as an independent practitioner provides an alternative to the larger hospital-affiliated groups for patients who prioritize direct access and streamlined initial evaluation.