Orthopedic Institute and CORE Orthopedics Announce Partnership

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Jan 23, 2019, 14:23 ET

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Jan. 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Two regional orthopedic groups team up to strengthen patient-centered approach to orthopedic care.

Orthopedic Institute and CORE Orthopedics today announced a partnership taking effect January 1, 2019. Both are independent orthopedic clinics dedicated to creating an exceptional, personalized patient experience, improving efficiency and access to care, and preserving patient and referring provider choice for their orthopedic needs.

"We have always had the patient experience as our number one priority," said OI President Blake Curd, MD. "So when we see colleagues with the same mindset, a partnership creates a real win-win for our patients and our team. We believe orthopedic care can be transformational. Our patients expect and deserve to be the focus of all that we do and our team is passionate about providing that level of care."

Both OI and CORE have a long history of providing independent orthopedic services to patients in South Dakota, southwest Minnesota and northwest Iowa.

"Our teams will assemble the largest independent group of professionals dedicated to providing orthopedic care in the region. This protects patients' freedom to choose their provider regardless of payer, without a referral, and in a timely manner," said CORE President David Watts, MD. "With this partnership we are making the strongest move possible to protect our patients' voice in the healthcare process."

"Patients are more educated than ever," says Curd, "and while they would never choose to have pain or be injured, they can and should choose who they see for their care. We know that a lot more goes into that decision than just insurance. How we educate, how we speak, how we follow up, and how we make them feel; that's what people remember. And that's exactly what we strive for every day."

"We have found both groups to have very similar cultures and priorities regarding elevating the patient experience and optimizing accessibility for and communication with referring providers," said OI's Chief Executive Officer Cindy Jacobs. "OI is excited for the opportunities this partnership provides. Improved efficiency for our patients and collaborative care will raise the bar for healthcare delivery in the region. Together we will remain the one to trust for orthopedic care."

In addition to the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, the new integrated practice will provide the entire spectrum of musculoskeletal care to individuals and athletes of all ages and abilities, including orthopedic urgent care, physical and hand therapy, orthotics, advanced imaging, sports performance and injury prevention, and non-opioid, comprehensive pain management.

About Orthopedic Institute:
Orthopedic Institute was founded in 1972 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As an independent physician group, Orthopedic Institute provides comprehensive orthopedic care with fellowship trained surgeons specializing in spine, sports medicine, pediatric, upper and lower extremity joint replacement, foot and ankle, and hand surgery, as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain management services. While still based in Sioux Falls, Orthopedic Institute provides care at outreach locations in Brookings, Dakota Dunes, Huron, Madison, Mitchell, and Yankton, SD; Marshall, MN; as well as Rock Valley, Sibley, and Spirit Lake IA. OI remains dedicated to transforming lives through exceptional orthopedic care.

About CORE Orthopedics:
CORE Orthopedics & Sports Medicine began as Orthopedic Associates in 1968 and has remained an independent orthopedic group providing compassionate, expert care to patients in Sioux Falls and the surrounding communities in South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa. CORE Orthopedics provides outreach services in Dell Rapids, Flandreau, Freeman and Viborg, SD; Hendricks, Tracy, Pipestone, Windom, and Worthington, MN; as well as Rock Rapids and Rock Valley, IA. CORE remains dedicated to providing the most comprehensive orthopedic care possible to get each patient back to their best quality of life.