See how one nurse ' s life changed dramatically , with the help of musculoskeletal experts .
Tracy Sudduth ’ s story starts on page 23 .
Most people have experienced or know someone with joint pain , or an injury that required the expertise of a musculoskeletal specialist . Patients with these conditions often have to make multiple appointments in different locations — to see an orthopaedic surgeon , or a rehabilitative therapist , or a radiologist for a diagnostic test to assess the problem and help clinicians develop a plan of action .
ow imagine having all that expertise in one place . Scott & White Healthcare is introducing a new level of medical , surgical , and rehabilitative excellence to Central Texas with the assembly of diagnostic , treatment , and follow-up care at the new Bone and Joint Institute . The 75,000-square-foot institute broke ground at its location southeast of the Pavilion on the Temple hospital campus in early May . It will have all the expertise anyone needs when faced with a congenital or acquired orthopaedic condition , such as scoliosis , a traumatic injury , a playground accident , or just a persistent backache . It ’ s also within easy reach of the Scott & White Healthcare Outpatient Surgery Center and the Pain Clinic . Clinicians also work closely with caregivers at Scott & White regional locations to coordinate patient care .
“ We ’ re meeting two needs at the new Bone and Joint Institute : adding more space to give more patients timely access to care , and consolidating all musculoskeletal specialists in one place , like orthopaedic and plastic
N surgeons , physical and occupational therapists , and imaging ,” says Robert Probe , MD , chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Scott & White Healthcare , and professor of surgery at the Texas A & M Health Science Center College of Medicine . The convergence of many specialists , with diverse backgrounds and experience , is a strength of Scott & White Healthcare , says Dr . Probe .
Integrating care in an underserved area Musculoskeletal health is directly related to an individual ’ s quality of life , giving him or her the ability to be mobile . Being active is important to overall
health , and so is integrating the care that musculoskeletal patients need . “ Multidisciplinary care is essential for our patients ,” says Dr . Probe . “ If you have a patient who needs hand surgery , occupational therapy , imaging and rehabilitation is next door , allowing clinicians to collaborate in an easier fashion , and making the care process that much more convenient for patients .” It ’ s also comforting for some patients to know that if they have chronic back pain , specialists here may not necessarily recommend surgery . A nonsurgical solution may be just what your doctor will order , after consultation with other specialists . An increasing trend toward minimally invasive procedures will help musculoskeletal patients here , too .
Texas has very few orthopaedic specialists per capita , ranking in the
Walmart has recently named Scott & White one of four nationwide providers approved to perform spine surgery for employees and family members who need it .
bottom 2 percent in the United States . Having a deep bench of musculoskeletal specialists housed within the Bone
Joint Institute
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