Five key insights about the program:
1. The program helps patients avoid traveling elsewhere in Tennessee for total joint replacements, CRMC director of surgical services David Phillips told the Herald-Citizen.
2. The program, which currently covers knee procedures, was championed by CRMC’s orthopedic surgeons.
3. Melissa Thompson, BSN, RN, became the program’s orthopedic navigator in March. She meets patients during scheduling and screens them for health or safety concerns.
4. Ms. Thompson also teaches a two-hour total joint course to prepare patients for surgery. After completing the class, patients undergo “prehab,” where they learn physical therapy exercises that can speed up recovery.
5. CRMC hopes to expand the total joint program to include hips this fall. Other types of joint replacements may be added later.
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