Thomas Hospitals Joint Connection Program
A Quality Approach to Hip/Knee Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint disorders are the most common conditions that can have a significant impact on an individual’s health and overall quality of life.
The Thomas Hospitals Institute for Orthopedic Medicine at Thomas Memorial Hospital provides a unique concept in joint replacement surgery and therapy for patients suffering from pain and decreased mobility from an impaired knee or hip. Our team of orthopedic surgeons spent two years developing this program to ensure a high level of care, quality and superior outcomes for our patients.
Because patients in need of hip or knee replacement surgery are not sick, the Joint Connection Program works differently from other hospital units. Patients enjoy a sense of community with staff, family members and fellow patients supporting each other every step of the way. They are encouraged to be mobile; to add a few more feet to the walking chart, to grab a quick snack in the kitchenette or to visit with other patients on the unit.
What makes the program unique is its emphasis on recovery – patients are provided information about joint replacement, given very detailed explanations of what the surgery and recovery process will include, and are challenged to take the lead in their recovery.
While in the hospital, dedicated hospitalists will manage the patients’ medical needs for those whose physicians are not on staff at Thomas Memorial Hospital. A social service staff member is available to help patients and family members with any discharge needs or other issues.
Patients are typically moving within hours of surgery, and outpatient rehabilitation begins the day after discharge. A family member who is designated as the patient’s “Coach,” participates in the patient’s therapy and is taught how to assist him or her at home.
Recognized Quality
Thomas Hospitals has been recognized as a Five-Star recipient for Total Knee Replacement by Healthgrades in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020. Healthgrades measures hospital performance based on patient outcomes. Our methodologies adjust for each patient’s risk factors, such as age, gender and medical condition. Click here to learn more.
Thomas Hospitals/Thomas Memorial Hospital is also recognized as a Blue Distinction Center+ for knee and hip replacement surgeries. Blue Distinction Centers+ are nationally designated health care facilities that show a commitment to delivering high-quality patient care and better health outcomes while also meeting cost measures that address patients’ needs for affordable health care. Click here to learn more.
Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for providers located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable healthcare. Each provider’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Providers in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.