Mercy Northwest Arkansas is again expanding the reach of its specialties announcing its integration with Ozark Orthopaedics of Rogers. Mercy said this integration is another piece of its plan to create a patient centered health care model. The six Roger’s orthopedists: Dr. Cody Grammer, Dr. John Mertz, Dr. Scott Cooper, Dr. Mike Griffey Dr. Gannon Randolph and Dr. Jacob Kaler and physician assistant, Julie Slavik join Mercy’s other 157 integrated providers offering the most seamless care available.
“Today, a patient having a joint replacement surgery may experience care in five different locations around NWA,” said Eric Pianalto, Mercy Hospital president. “It is our vision to bring patients access to their care needs in a singular location.”
August 2012, Mercy’s Joint Replacement Center earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for its hip and knee replacement programs. The five orthopedic physicians worked closely with Mercy in developing the Joint Replacement Center.
“The seven of us, now the providers of Mercy Clinic Orthopedics in Northwest Arkansas, have worked as a strong team supporting Mercy for many years, this takes efforts to a whole new level,” said Dr. Kaler. “We have been through an extensive process in assuring that this transition would be best for our community and for not only continuing high quality care, but that this integration would result in streamlined talents and resources to further improve orthopedic patient experiences and outcomes.”
As the population is aging and sports medicine evolves, there is a greater need for orthopedic care. Pianalto said. “This partnership allows us to develop what the future of orthopedics is for Northwest Arkansas. From families with children engaged in local sports to hip and knee replacements that often comes with age, we can provide complete care.”
The seven orthopedic providers now join all of Mercy’s electronic medical record giving them complete access to a patient’s record and all of their health conditions; another example of Mercy’s commitment to comprehensive patient care.