PREPARE FOR ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

 BY JESSICA ZIMMER

Whether you’ve got a broken bone, chronic back pain, or achy joints, St. Joseph’s Medical Center’s orthopedics team is here to help get you up and moving again. St. Joseph’s offers a variety of orthopedic and spine surgeries in a safe, skilled environment.

“We are so proud to be a nationallyrecognized orthopedic program,” says Mary McGrath, director of St. Joseph’s Orthopedic & Spine department.

“Last fall, we obtained The Joint Commission’s certification of distinction for our Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement program, signifying that we meet national standards, clinical guidelines, and outcomes of care… Also, we partner with Alpine Orthopaedic Medical Group and Spine Center. They are a valued part of our team.”

St. Joseph’s performs a range of surgeries, including but not limited to, total knee, hip, and shoulder replacements; hand and foot surgeries; and spinal fusions.

When patients decide to have orthopedic surgery, they generally follow these steps:

1. MEET WITH THE ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON/RECEIVE A REFERRAL FROM A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN.

“The surgeon discusses with the patient the debilitating pain source and surgical treatment. They conduct a medical/physical exam to see if the patient meets surgical criteria,” says Deanna Leong, St. Joseph’s Orthopedic Patient Navigator.

2. MEET WITH AN ORTHOPEDIC PATIENT NAVIGATOR.

“As the orthopedic patient navigator, I provide information to patients regarding their hospital stay, post care needs, and home preparation, to help provide a seamless experience. I also answer any questions they might have during our visit. Every patient/family receives my contact information, knowing they can call any time,” Leong says.

3. COMPLETE THE PRE-ADMISSION PROCESS.

Patients learn about pre-admission testing and receive confirmation of the date and time of their surgery. The pre-op process also includes a discussion of patients’ medical, surgical, and allergy history, medication list, and instructions on discontinuing eating or drinking before surgery. COVID-19 testing is required two days prior to surgery to ensure safety, and patients are asked to quarantine until surgery.

4. DISCUSS FORMS OF PAYMENT.

“Payment discussions are taken care of prior to surgery and are based upon insurance coverage,” says McGrath. “If there are issues with copays, payment assistance plans are available based on income. Arrangements are available if one does not qualify,” adds Leong.

5. AFTER SURGERY, FOLLOW THE PROVIDED INSTRUCTIONS.

Post-operative instructions are based on the type of surgery that one receives. A range of pain therapy is provided to reduce the need for narcotics. And of course, the team at St. Joseph’s is just a phone call away for patients who have questions or concerns, post-surgery.