How to Access Orthopaedic Treatment During COVID-19

Olympia Orthopaedic associates is dedicated to providing orthopaedic treatment to our patients via our Telehealth service.

Alberta is a very active volunteer in the Thurston community. So when her knee pain began to impact her daily life and her important work, she knew it was time to sign up for total knee replacement. The surgery was a success but, afterwards, she had some postoperative concerns. She wasn’t sure if the problem warranted coming into the clinic or not so she started looking for an alternative for orthopaedic treatment.

We know that many of our patients are experiencing similar concerns, as Washington State remains under a Shelter-in-Place order. Although COVID-19 has changed a lot of things, we know our patients are still dealing with orthopaedic concerns and many may be dealing with pain and discomfort.

“I called in to find out if I could speak with a doctor,” says Alberta. “I was put in touch with a doctor via Telehealth. The doctor sent me the link and we were able to meet online. I didn’t have any problems getting connected. They told me that my issue was not as serious as I might have thought it was. That was a big relief— I just wanted to know what was happening!”

“This was my first online healthcare experience. I’ve skyped with friends before, but I’ve never used video for healthcare before. I didn’t have to go to the office and I didn’t have to go to the hospital.”

Alberta

OOA Patient

At Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, we care about our patient’s safety and access to orthopaedic treatment. That’s why we’ve acted swiftly to ensure their patients have continuity of care during the COVID-19 pandemic via telemedicine.

In March 2020, we started offering On-Demand consultations with our specialists through a program called Telehealth. We will continue to do so throughout the COVID-19 health crisis and possibly engrain this service into everyday life once the dust settles. Using a secure video chat, our physicians are able to see and speak with patients about a wide range of orthopaedic issues. From the safety of your home, our physicians are able to continue giving medical advice and implement a plan to deal with any orthopaedic issues you may have.

How It Works

Our telemedicine system is easy to use and quickly connects Olympia Orthopaedic patients with our clinic physicians and surgeons.

Log On

Call our office at (360) 570-3460 to find out if you are a candidate for Telehealth. After you have confirmed if Telehealth is an option for your visit, you will receive instructions on how to the online portal works!

Connect With A Doctor

Once you open the app on your smartphone or tablet, you’ll be connected to a live doctor. It may be a physician who you have already seen here at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, or it may be another one of our qualified physician staff members. Either way, you’ll receive top-notch orthopaedic treatment and care from the comfort of your home from an expert who has access to your entire OOA chart, including any surgical or medical history.

Get Answers

The physician you speak with via Telehealth can immediately start working on a diagnosis and treatment plan for you. They may order testing such as MRI, CT, Electrodiagnostic studies (EMG/NCS) and X-rays, if warranted. Orthopaedic treatments can be ordered such as injections, physical or hand therapy, prescription medications and bracing. (Although the physicians may order various tests and treatments, some of these may only be completed after the COVID-19 situation changes.)

Follow Instructions

In some cases, the doctor may prescribe simple measures such as using over-the-counter medications you already have at home and using ice, heat, or stretches to alleviate pain. The doctors can also review and make changes to oral medications. They may prescribe a new medication or alter your exercise plan. If a problem is truly urgent, the doctor may recommend coming in to get the issue assessed in-person.

“ We are able to review the patient’s current symptoms and identify the need for emergent, urgent, or delayed testing or surgical interventions. We are able to instruct and supervise home exercise programs. We are able to review and make changes to oral medications. We are able to order tests/shots to be done once the stay-at-home order has been lifted.”

Dr. Andrew Manista

Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, Olympia Orthopaedic Associates

What Our Doctors Say

“It’s very important that we are able to comfort those individuals who feel isolated, alone, and uncared for during this crisis. There is a therapeutic benefit to discussing what is happening to the patient, helping them understand why their body is acting that way, and identifying things they can do to improve their situation.”

Dr. Andrew Manista

Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, Olympia Orthopaedic Associates

“I think a patient can get nearly all that I would give them in an in-person appointment. Most often the benefit for a hip or knee arthritis patient is reassurance and going over some non-operative things that they can try at home. If I have recent films, I can offer patients surgery after the COVID-19 restrictions lift and I have the same conversation with them via telehealth that I would have in the clinic. A telemedicine appointment allows me to effectively screen a patient to see if the benefits of an in-person appointment outweigh the risks of community exposure to COVID 19.”

Dr. Darrin Trask

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Olympia Orthopaedic Associates

“Telehealth is a patient-centric tool that I am glad we are able to offer. It is improving patient access to care by removing barriers of getting to a typical office visit, such as distance, transportation, time off of work, and childcare. I am excited to offer this virtual visit option even after the COVID-19 restrictions are removed.”

Dr. Richard Lamour

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Olympia Orthopaedic Associates

Our team is incredibly grateful to be able to continue looking after our patients during this difficult time. Using Telehealth, we’re able to stay connected and provide orthopaedic treatment to the most important part of our clinic: our patients.

Wondering if telemedicine will work for you? Call our office at (360) 570-3460 to find out.

What Patients Need To Know

Q. How much does it cost?

The visit is billed to your insurance and coverage is the same as if you were in the office for an in-person visit. Health Savings Accounts can be used.

Q . What kinds of things can be diagnosed?

There are many orthopaedic treatments that can be addressed via telemedicine! Approximately 80% of orthopaedic injuries can be diagnosed on a telehealth call, including things like plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, bunions, calf strains, carpal tunnel syndrome and many others.

Q. Do I need wi-fi?

WiFi is not required but highly recommended. You will need the ability to connect to the internet, so if you do not have WiFi at your location you will need a mobile device with LTE, 4G or 3G service. iOS and Android devices both work.

Q. Is it safe?

Telemedicine is a simple, secure way for you to hold a telehealth consultation with an orthopedic provider from Oly Ortho. Telehealth allows HIPAA-compliant technology that is also utilized by other leading telemedicine providers and NASA. It’s completely encrypted, so your patient health data is secure.

Q. What if I have an urgent medical issue?

If a hands-on or in-person treatment is medically necessary, we will arrange to accomplish that goal. In that case, you may be asked to come into the clinic for a visit. If the problem is truly urgent, arrangements can be made for advanced imaging (eg. MRI) or urgent surgery. Our Rapid Orthopaedic Care Center is still seeing urgent cases to help alleviate stress on local hospitals and Emergency Rooms.

“At the ROCC, we see anything that would typically go to a traditional urgent care or a non-emergent issue that would go to the Emergency Room. If it’s orthopedic in nature—ankle sprains, broken bones, dislocations—the ROCC can provide direct orthopedic care, shorter wait times, and get you plugged in with orthopedic follow-up if needed. ”

Matthew Marshall

Physician's Assistant, Rapid Orthopaedic Care

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