Orthopaedic Associates Has Safely Resumed Elective Surgeries

As of May 5, the specialty-trained surgeons at Orthopaedic Associates 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., Orthopaedic Associates offers 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 and muscle care are encouraged to call 850-863-2153 to schedule a safe appointment at one of their locations in Fort Walton Beach, Destin or Niceville. Telehealth appointments are also available.

“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 Dr. Mark Tenholder, board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon and practice president of Orthopaedic Associates. “Our state’s supply of medical resources has been deemed more than adequate by our governor, and therefore, we are resuming surgery so area residents no longer have to wait for the advanced orthopaedic care they need.”

Orthopaedic Associates provides surgical care in the state-of-the-art operating rooms of Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Sacred Heart Hospital of the Emerald Coast, The Surgery Center at Sacred Heart Medical Park and Surgical Specialists, ASC. Their surgeons and specialized medical staff strictly follow the latest and highest standards in patient safety and take extra precautions. Additional patient screening processes are enforced before scheduling and performing surgery.

The practice will continue to adhere to the strict protocols they have in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their offices. These protocols will extend to pre- and postoperative care in addition to the measures taken to keep operating rooms and equipment sterile. Their safety measures include the following:

  1. Patients are screened according to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines when calling to make an appointment and prior to entering any of their facilities.
  2. They are disinfecting between patients.
  3. Patients experiencing any significant risk or any symptom consistent with COVID-19 are being rescheduled.
  4. They are staggering appointments, abiding by the CDC guidelines.
  5. They are limiting the number of people allowed in their offices.
  6. They are restricting the number of visitors allowed to accompany a patient.
  7. Telehealth appointments are available for new and existing patients.

“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. Tenholder. “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 Orthopaedic Associates resumes scheduling patients for elective surgery as well as initial and follow-up appointments in their offices, their providers also offer telehealth visits to provide remote consultation for bone, joint and muscle problems.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of Orthopaedic Associates’ experts, please call 850-863-2153.