Appalachian Orthopedics Resumes Performing Elective Surgeries With Enhanced Patient-Safety Focus

The specialty-trained surgeons at Appalachian Orthopedics have resumed elective surgery, or scheduled nonemergency surgery, for their patients. Since the state has eased restrictions preserving the stocks of health care resources, including personal protective equipment, ventilators, etc., Appalachian Orthopedics will offer elective and emergency surgical treatment. In addition, the practice will continue to provide safe in-office visits at their Orthopedic Urgent Care clinics, in-office and out-of-hospital MRIs and physical therapy while following health authority safety guidelines to protect their patients and staff. Patients in need of specialized bone, joint and muscle care are encouraged to call one of their locations to make an appointment: Abingdon at (276) 477-1443, Bristol Regional Medical Center at (423) 844-6450, Bristol Midway at (423) 968-4446, or Johnson City at (423) 434-6300. 

“Surgery for nonlife-threatening conditions was halted in order to conserve the supply of personal protective equipment, which is what we use for every surgery,” says orthopedic surgeon and Appalachian Orthopedics Practice President Dr. T. Lisle Whitman. “Our supply of medical resources has been deemed more than adequate by our governor, and thereby, we are resuming surgery so area residents no longer have to wait for the advanced orthopedic care they need.”

The practice continues to adhere to the strict protocols they have in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their offices. These protocols extend to pre- and postoperative care in addition to the measures taken to keep operating rooms and equipment sterile. Appalachian Orthopedics provides surgical care in the state-of-the-art operating rooms of Bristol Regional Medical Center, Indian Path Community Hospital, Johnson City Medical Center and Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Their surgeons and specialized medical staff strictly follow the latest and highest standards in patient safety and take extra precautions. 

The providers and staff at Appalachian Orthopedics are also continuing to take the following safety measures:

1. Patients are required to wear face coverings.
2. Practice staff members are disinfecting between patients.
3. Patients experiencing flu-like symptoms are being rescheduled.
4. They are limiting the number of people allowed in their offices.
5. They are restricting the number of visitors allowed in their offices in keeping with state and local guidelines to keep staff and patients safe.
6. All of their staff members are wearing face masks.

“We’re so proud of our state and community for working together to combat the spread of COVID-19 and support our local, front-line health care workers,” says Dr. Whitman. “These efforts have reduced the strain on our health system as much as possible, and we are excited to once again offer our patients safe elective surgical treatment to ease pain and help them regain their function and strength.”

While Appalachian Orthopedics resumes scheduling patients for elective surgery, their providers also offer initial and follow-up appointments in their offices. In the event of a fall or other accident, Appalachian Orthopedics’ Orthopedic Urgent Care continues to offer immediate care for urgent orthopedic injuries, such as sprains, fractures or dislocations. Walk-ins are accepted at their Orthopedic Urgent Care clinics at their Bristol Midway office, located at 260 Midway Medical Park, Suite 100, and their Johnson City office, located at 3 Professional Park Drive, Suite 21.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of Appalachian Orthopedics’ experts, please call one of their office locations: Abingdon at (276) 477-1443, Bristol Regional Medical Center at (423) 844-6450, Bristol Midway at (423) 968-4446, or Johnson City at (423) 434-6300.