Tri-County Orthopedics Resumes Elective Surgery for Area Residents
The specialty-trained orthopedic surgeons at Tri-County Orthopedics have resumed elective surgery, or scheduled nonemergency surgery, for their patients. Since the governor has eased restrictions preserving the stocks of health care resources, including personal protective equipment, ventilators, etc., Tri-County Orthopedics is again offering elective and emergency surgical treatment and in-office care while continuing to follow health authority safety guidelines to protect their patients and staff. Patients in need of specialized bone, joint, muscle and spine care are encouraged to call (973) 538-2334 to schedule a safe appointment at Tri-County Orthopedics in Cedar Knolls, Bedminster, Sparta, Denville or Bridgewater. Orthopedic telemedicine appointments are also available.
“Surgery for nonlife-threatening conditions was postponed as a result of restrictions set forth to preserve personal protective equipment supplies, which the governor has now eased with supplies now at the appropriate levels,” says Tri-County Orthopedics Practice President and fellowship-trained, board-certified surgeon Dr. Paul Lombardi. “We know that COVID-19 hasn’t stopped the need for orthopedic care — we are here to help those who are suffering and happy to once again offer the procedures patients need to heal.”
Tri-County Orthopedics provides surgical care in the state-of-the-art operating rooms of Morristown Medical Center, Morristown Ambulatory Surgical Center, Surgical Center of Cedar Knolls, The Orthopaedic Surgical Center of Northwest Jersey, Specialty Surgical Center, LLC, and Saint Clare's Denville Hospital. Their surgeons and specialized medical staff strictly follow the latest and highest standards in patient safety and will take extra precautions. Additional patient screening processes are enforced before scheduling and performing surgery, and no COVID-positive patients have been treated in the aforementioned surgery centers.
The practice is adhering to strict safety, distancing and hygiene protocols to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their offices. These protocols also extend to pre- and postoperative care in addition to the measures taken to keep operating rooms and equipment sterile. Enforced safety protocols at the practice include:
- Patients are required to wear face coverings and all of their staff members are wearing face masks.
- All staff has been reminded of proper hygiene, and rooms are cleaned between patient appointments.
- Patients experiencing flu-like symptoms or that have any high-risk factors for COVID-19 are being rescheduled.
- To prevent overcrowding in their waiting rooms, staff members are asking some patients to wait in their car until they are ready to be seen.
- All locations are seeing a limited number of patients.
- The practice is transitioning to an online health entry format to reduce exchange of paper handouts.
- The practice is only allowing one family member to accommodate minors or those patients in need of assistance for ambulation.
- Telemedicine appointments are available for new and existing patients.
“We’re so proud of our local and greater community’s efforts in working together to support our frontline health care workers and fight COVID-19,” says Dr. Lombardi. “Due to the reduced strain on our health system, we are excited to resume offering our patients the safe elective surgical treatment they need to help relieve their pain and regain their function and strength.”
While Tri-County Orthopedics resumes elective surgery as well as scheduling patients for safe appointments at all locations, their providers also offer orthopedic telemedicine visits to provide remote consultation for bone, joint and muscle problems. In the event of a fall or other accident, Tri-County Orthopedics’ Walk-In Clinic also continues to offer immediate care for urgent orthopedic injuries, such as sprains, fractures or dislocations. Their Walk-In Clinic is available Monday through Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of Tri-County Orthopedics’ experts, please call (973) 538-2334.