Surgery Information

Our Hospital and Surgery Center

Our Vail orthopedic surgery clinic offers the most advanced and state-of-the-art computer systems, medical equipment and surgical instruments in the orthopedic industry today. We offer our patients a comfortable, relaxed and organized setting so that your orthopedic shoulder surgery, knee surgery, or elbow surgery procedure can take place on time and without worry. Our hospital is among the best in the nation in overall patient experience and patient safety. For the fourth year in a row, Avatar International, the leader in measuring customer expectations in healthcare, has recognized Vail Valley Medical Center as a national award winner in healthcare service quality with two awards: (1) Overall Best Performer Award – for consistently high standards of patient care across multiple service lines (awarded only to the top five percent of hospitals listed in Avatar’s National Database), and (2) Exceeding Patient Expectations Awards – for high patient satisfaction scores. Vail Valley Medical Center, The Steadman Clinic, and Dr. Millett’s Practice are extremely vigilant about sterility, with an infection rate at or near zero, (we are on average 100 to 1000 times below the national average). Our patients are always cared for by board certified anesthesia doctors who specialize in regional anesthesia to minimize postoperative pain.

After your initial visit with Dr. Millett, and after it has been determined that an orthopedic surgical treatmentwill be your next step towards treating your condition or injury, surgery can be scheduled by calling our office during regular business hours at (970) 479-5879.

Dr. Millett provides each patient undergoing surgery a distinct set of guidelines for pre-operative, post-operative and rehabilitation recovery. Those will be discussed and provided to you in detail upon your pre-surgery visit.

Pre-Operative

Before surgery, you will receive a physical examination that may, depending on your age and health history, include blood work, EKG’s and x-rays. If these routine tests are required, they should usually be performed a week or so before your surgical procedure.

Below is a recommended checklist to follow so that you are prepared and ready to go the day of your surgery:

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.
On the morning of your surgery, if you are having shoulder surgery, do not apply deodorant under the arm.
If you are having out-patient surgery and going home after your surgery, make sure you have someone who can drive you home later in the day.
You will need to have someone pick you up from the hospital.

Peter Millett, MD

Average rating:

39 reviews

Alexandra Thompson

Mar 23, 2024

by Alexandra Thompson on Peter Millett, MD

110%

Dr. Millett and his team did a SLAP tear repair and bicep tenodesis on my left shoulder. I use my arms as an artist, and love to swim in the ocean, surf, paddle, and telemark ski. So regaining full use of my shoulder and keeping my bicep attached was very important to me. Now, over two years later, my shoulder has the equivalent range of motion as my other arm and as before the injury, and no pain. After the first three months it felt so good and was so strong that - to my horror - I completely forgot my six-month follow-up.

Not only did Dr. Millett and his team make my arm as good as new, but having had the experience of such kindness and expertise throughout the process of surgery and recovery is like an added shoulder superpower.

Thank you Rita, Brooke, Jason, Sarah, Camille, Olivia, Dr. Millett and everyone! And see you soon when my husband comes in for his knee...

Jeff Chandler

Jan 31, 2022

by Jeff Chandler on Peter Millett, MD

Flawless procedure, Easy recovery

Dr. Millet's repaired my knee and tibia, following a botched operation by a different surgeon. That procedure was virtually pain free and I was weight bearing within a few days. That was 18 years ago and the knee is still strong. A few years after the knee incident, Dr Millet repaired my shoulder. My insurance company approved me for 3 months of disability following that surgery. I was off pain medication in 2 days and had 90% range of motion within a week. I withdrew my disability claim and returned to work within two weeks of surgery. I’m not a famous athlete—just a regular guy. Nonetheless, I was treated like an NFL at the Steadman clinic. Most notable was the time for recovery. Other surgeons perform their hour-long task in the OR and don’t involve themselves in the other functions. Peter and his team manages the entire process from diagnosis, anesthesia, nursing care, and therapy. He takes a holistic approach to patient care and doesn’t skip any steps.

Jenn West

Jul 2, 2021

by Jenn West on Peter Millett, MD

Saved My Life

I went to Dr. Millett after 7 knee surgeries (6 on my right and 1 on my left) and had seen 11 different surgeons who all refused to remove femur metal from my right leg. I am highly allergic to metal and the chronic pain was leaving me bedridden for 3.5wks out of a month. He personally wrote me back on my inquiry, listened to my concerns, scheduled my surgery within a week (due to insurance issues) and personally followed up with my recovery. The level of patient care from Dr. Millett and his ENTIRE team is above any care I have ever received in my 20 years of dealing with orthopedic surgeons. There are not enough words to describe the level of care, dedication and professionalism you receive from Dr. Millett and his staff.
My only disappointment is that I did not find him sooner!!!

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