Your comments saddened me beyond belief. Once upon a time, as a kid, I had orthos who were a little less empathetic than I liked. I knew later, as an adult, what kind of behavior I would not put up with and carefully researched where I went for ortho help. I’ve had two TKRs and after the first one and a disappointing reaction I wasn’t expecting from my surgeon, I cancelled my second TKR with him after telling him why. He was good but not quite there for me. I found a human being ortho thru further research and interviewed him explaining that I was already approved but needed to know we would be a good fit. Suffice it to say I am now knee pain free and he also replaced my shoulder and oversaw two hip replacements which were performed by another surgeon in his practice.
I insisted. I am lucky maybe but I think you have to say “I won’t put up with this baloney” and express your concerns to the ortho doctor directly. If you don’t want to see the NP or PA and want to see the surgeon, ask before whether that is a problem. Also interview some; READ the reviews posted about particular doctors; ASK them and interview until you find a fit with competent skills and a good record. Ask other doctors who they would recommend and NEVER stay with a surgeon “just because.”