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Convenient, comprehensive, collaborativeby Chris WestPublic Relations What began as an idea of innovation and collaboration has become a facility for comprehensive treatment of bone and joint disorders. Initiated by Angus M. McBryde Jr., M.D., former chairman of the department of orthopaedic surgery, Richard Silver, M.D., director of division of rheumatology and immunology and professor of medicine and pediatrics, and others, the idea took shape when the departments of medicine and orthopaedics decided to merge forces and faculty. McBryde and colleagues reasoned that with many bone and joint disorders, a multidisciplinary approach spanning several departments was often necessary for complete treatment and recovery. The result of the collaboration would match the MUSC Bone and Joint Center with physicians from rheumatology and immunology, endocrinology and orthopedics within one comprehensive treatment facility. The center would take providers from their traditional department settings and place them into an innovative patient care model for children and adults. “Prior to the center’s inception, bone and joint patients would have to be shuttled from department to department throughout the hospital to receive all the care necessary for treatment,” said Lisa Noffsinger, center manager. “Here patients can receive all the necessary care in a sense of ‘one-stop shopping.’ Being a facility that is all-inclusive in its approach to treatment conveniently benefits the patients as well as the attending physicians.” This notion of convenience seems to resound through all aspects of the center in its innovative approach to treatment. “We are conveniently located in West Ashley, close to I-526. We offer free, on-site parking and front door, first floor service. This alleviates what can be an exhaustive search for parking downtown, especially for patients who may potentially have injuries that impede their mobility such as foot and ankle injuries or patients on crutches,” Noffsinger said. Since various treatments are offered, patient visits to the clinic are also consolidated to cut down on the number of necessary appointments and treatment duration.
“Being multidisciplinary allows us to approach treatment from many areas, all on the same visit to the center,” said Langdon A. Hartsock, M.D., associate professor and chairman of orthopaedic surgery. “We can see a patient for a post-op visit and they can then complete any necessary physical and/or occupational therapy sessions that may be required, same day.” Further reinforcing the sense of convenience, many treatment modalities have been added and bolstered to deliver efficient treatment time. In the case of arthritis patients needing Remicade Infusion, the center has the capacity to accommodate four patients at one time. Prior to the center, this specific treatment was only offered at MUSC’s facilities downtown. With infusion treatment times offered once in the morning and another in the afternoon, a patient’s visit is expedited, allowing them to get in and out of the center in a timely fashion. Due to the effort, the center has seen their population of patients requiring this treatment double. “From such a comprehensive facility, comes comprehensive treatments,” said Kathie Hermayer, M.D., associate professor of endocrinology, diabetes and medical genetics. “During the last eight years, diabetes treatment has exploded. This is pertinent to the center being in the nation's diabetes belt. Our on-site lab can screen for thyroid diseases and with an in-house DEXA Scanner we cannot only measure bone density but also screen for osteoporosis. This is important because by age 70, 50 percent of women and one in seven men will show some bone loss.” But much more than just a shared facility, physicians also have the convenience of shared medical records, X-rays and PT/OT records throughout the many departments. And with colleagues a few short feet away, potential problems and questions can be answered on the spot.
“One of the advantages of working at the center is the close proximity of our orthopaedic colleagues and ancillaries such as lab services, X-ray and DEXA scan results,” said Silver. “We are able to provide much more comprehensive and convenient services for our patients. I know of no other facility in South Carolina where rheumatologists, orthopaedists and endocrinologists work together to provide complete bone and joint and musculoskeletal care for children and adults.” Finally, this collaborative spirit reinforces a valuable and integral component to the services the center offers and in the treatment of their patients. The collaboration evokes a true sense of team among the whole staff. “The idea of team is crucial in what we want to offer our patients,” Noffsinger said. “It ultimately allows us to render the best care and most efficient treatments in many different facets. Because of the unique approach we are able to keep costs down and in turn pass that on to our patients. In a sense it is our mission.” Where the center is running at 100 percent within their specific specialties, they hope to recruit additional physicians, including a spinal injury doctor, to provide even more comprehensive treatment as well as service five days a week. They also hope to increase community awareness that the center has the mechanism to screen for osteoporosis and the facilities to treat it. Additionally, they are interested in attracting other related departments and specialties to share their facility and in their mission of comprehensive treatment. For more information on the MUSC Bone and Joint Center or to make an appointment, contact MUSC Health Connection at 792-2400. MUSC Bone and Joint Center
The center is located West of the Ashley, convenient to I-526 and I-26. For directions or a complete listing of their services, contact the center at 792-2400. Rheumatology and Immunology
Orthopaedics
Endocrinology
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Dr.
Langdon Hartsock and nurse Amy King evaluate a patient's X-rays at the
MUSC Bone and Joint Center.
Arthritis
patient Nikki Dusenberry,13, is examined by Dr. Richard Silver.