Welcome… to the Independence Health Joint Replacement Center (for
patients in the Westmoreland Area)
Total Team Care
Our program is built around a comprehensive team approach to care that
includes physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, case
managers, social workers, registered dieticians, pharmacists, and your
nurse navigator.
Your nurse navigator will be assigned to you in the orthopedic surgeon’s
office and will guide you through your joint replacement journey from
start to finish. They are here to answer your questions and manage your care.
In addition to your care team, we supply you with educational materials
from the start to ensure a smooth journey through the joint replacement process.
Joint Replacement Educational Booklets
We will provide you with an education booklet with information about your
surgery. The book includes:
What to expect before, during, and after your surgery
Information about a healthy diet
Information about medications related to your surgery
Pre-operative conditioning exercises, designed by physical therapists and
approved by your surgeon
Physical and occupational therapy information, including assistive devices
and joint protection
Discharge planning and the role of the case manager
Pain and pain management techniques
Checklists to help you prepare for surgery
Online Joint Replacement Educational Program
Independence Health System, Westmoreland Area has implemented an electronic
program entitled “GetWell Loop” which will allow you to stay
connected to your care team during this process. Access to GetWell Loop
is available to you on any smart phone, computer, or tablet. Once your
account is activated, GetWell Loop will send either emails/text messages
to you on a periodic basis requesting you to review materials or complete
certain tasks for YOU. These will take only a few minutes and can be completed
at a place and time that is convenient to you. This allows your nurse
navigator to track your progress and partner with you to assure that you
are ready for surgery.
Prehab
Prehab is education on activities and exercises that are completed prior
to surgery. The goal of Prehab is to allow for a quicker recovery after
surgery, as these exercises have been shown to improve postoperative outcomes.
Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend this one-time visit with our licensed
outpatient physical therapist. At this visit, education and exercises
are individualized to meet your special needs based on your current activity level.
And last but certainly not least, you can choose a family member or friend
who can act as a personal support or a “coach” as you go through
the joint replacement process. Your coach is an integral part of the Total
Team Care approach. If you like, they can attend your Prehab session with
you as well as receive emails through GetWell Loop with valuable information
to assist you with your journey.
Independence Health System - Westmoreland Area (formerly Excela Health)
Recognized as BCBS Blue Distinction+ Center
At Independence Health, an exceptional patient experience is our top priority.
Our joint replacement program guides you from pre-operation preparation
through surgery and follow-up- all with excellent continuity of care.
Not only will we take exceptional care of you, but we also have nurse
navigators that help steer you through the process and answer all your
questions. The Joint Replacement Center has received the highest accolades
for quality care of our patients from Blue Cross/Blue Shield, which recognized
us with a Blue Distinction+ designation.
