Congratulations to the Largo Medical Center Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) team, which became the first team to perform a total knee replacement (TKR) at a Kaiser Permanente ASC, paving the way for future joint replacements procedures at our medical centers throughout the region.
This significant milestone is another key step in our march to a million members in the Mid-Atlantic region. By providing the TKR service at our medical center, instead of a partner hospital, we are reducing costs for the organization, which is an important part of our strategy to provide affordable health care to our members and patients. This procedure is a tangible example of how teams across the region are connecting employees to our strategy.
“We are so very excited to be the first Kaiser Permanente team to reach this huge milestone,” said Michelle Golden, Perioperative Services Director, DC/SM. “By offering this procedure in one of our ASCs, we are transforming the service experience for our members by giving them a comfortable and private setting and the ability to return home the same day.”
The successful surgery, which took place on February 2, 2016, was led by Maurice Cates, MD, Regional Medical Director for Musculoskeletal Service Line, and Enyinnaya Nwaneri, Anesthesiologist. Dr. Cates raved about the team effort. “The pre-op, OR, and post-anesthesia care unit teams were the best I have had in any setting (hospitals included),” he said.
Another key element of this procedure was that the female member is Spanish speaking with limited English proficiency. The entire team worked with a KPMAS Qualified Bilingual Staff member who provided quality interpretation to ensure that the member understood each and every step of the procedure. This allowed the team to provide exceptional service and culturally sensitive care to the member.
The entire procedure went smooth and the member, using Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pain management protocols, was walking within the first hour – even without a brace. Over the past couple weeks the member has reported minimal pain, and she continues to recover with physical therapy.
A successful TKR recovery process requires a team effort. Congratulations to the entire ASC team at Largo!
Discussion1 Comment
The Largo ASC has done A phenomenal job in enhancing the total joint program for the region by “partnering” with the medical group physicians, Sterile Processing, Operating Room, Pre and Post- anesthesia care units.
Our joint program could not be a success with out the many men and women that work behind the scene that looks “beyond “the basic and concentrate on the patient at each step of the journey.
This is just the beginning of the many outstanding milestones that will be achieved as we march to a million and focus on our mission of providing exceptional affordable high-quality care to all members throughout the region.