Northwestern Medicine Launches Comprehensive Ortho, Spine Center

There is a new place in Chicago for comprehensive orthopedic and spine care. Northwestern Medicine has just opened the doors of the Center for Comprehensive Orthopaedic and Spine Care, a one million square foot outpatient pavilion on the health system’s downtown medical campus, home to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.

If it hurts, they can help. This new entity provides care for orthopedic and musculoskeletal issues, treatment for sports injuries and a specialized center for neck, back, and spine. The building was designed with idea in mind that orthopedic and spine patients often have limited mobility. The architects have taken care to organize space such that the amount of walking and standing are minimized.

“Our goal is for the patient to see the right specialist at the right time—we’ll have all the disciplines working together to provide the best patient care, ” said Terrance Peabody, M.D., chair of the department of orthopaedics and the Edwin Warner Ryerson professor of orthopaedic surgery, in the January 20, 2015 news release. “This model fosters an ideal collaborative environment where a more comprehensive continuum of care helps ensure more accurate diagnoses, better patient outcomes and a streamlined process.”

“The Center uses a unique model for spine care where orthopaedic surgeons and neurological surgeons practice in the same clinic and collaborate to offer enhanced patient care. The neurological and orthopaedic surgeons have access to the same images and can come up with a patient care plan together, ” said Peabody.

“Everything that the patient needs is in the same location including attached parking and an expedited check in process. They will have all their care in one place from their initial appointment and imaging to any necessary therapies and surgeries, as well as rehabilitation and physical therapy.”

Asked about the biggest challenges to establishing this new model, Dr. Peabody told OTW, “Integration of multiple practice styles into a coordinated care delivery model that requires change in the way we do business. It is only possible by keeping our chief goal in mind, the care of the patient.”

As for his goals over the next year, Dr. Peabody told OTW, “We hope to improve our registration, scheduling, check in and check out processes using electronic (internet based) systems that improve access to our providers and personalization of the patients experience.”