Immediate care clinics: Nice option for treatment of injuries
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While there is little doubt athletic participation in both childhood and adulthood contributes to physical and emotional well being, injuries can frequently interfere with activities.
Over 3.5 million athletes age 14 and under receive medical treatment for acute sports injuries per year. In high school and middle age athletes overuse injuries are common. Baby boomers account for approximately 1 million athletic injuries per year. Proper training and prevention are the first line of defense in limiting athletic injury; however after an injury has occurred, convenient and quality access to care and treatment is essential.
Similarly, work-related injuries account for a significant number of injuries requiring medical evaluation and treatment. As these injuries often result in time away from work, lost income, and personal inconvenience, timely efficient evaluation and treatment is important.
Orthopaedic specialty immediate care clinics provide this service. Athletes and workers can be evaluated and treated in a timely, efficient, cost-effective manner. Care can be coordinated with patients, family members, athletic trainers, coaches, case managers, and employers with the goal of safe transition back to work and sports activities.
The average emergency department visit for a musculoskeletal injury is about two to four times the cost of an office or immediate care visit.
Orthopaedic immediate care clinics offer definitive evaluation and treatment by specialists trained in musculoskeletal and sports injuries. Services provided include examination, X-rays, MRI, fracture reduction, minor laceration repair, casting, splinting, medication prescriptions, physical therapy, work status and activity documentation.
MidAmerica Orthopaedics has recently opened an Orthopaedic Immediate Care Clinic located at 10330 S. Roberts Road in Palos Hills, IL. It is staffed by specialists in orthopaedics, hand surgery, and sports medicine. In addition to examination by a specialist, on-site X-ray, MRI, minor procedure rooms, occupational, and physical therapy are available. No appointment in needed and most insurances are accepted. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
More information is at www.handtoshoulderclinic.com.
Provided by Beverlee Brisbin, MD, MidAmerica Hand to Shoulder Clinic