Southern California Orthopedic Institute Resumes Performing Elective Surgeries With Enhanced Patient-Safety Focus

The specialty-trained surgeons at Southern California Orthopedic Institute have resumed elective surgery, or scheduled nonemergency surgery, for their patients. Since the State of California has eased restrictions preserving the stocks of health care resources, including personal protective equipment, ventilators, etc., Southern California Orthopedic Institute will offer elective and emergency surgical treatment and in-office care while continuing to follow health authority safety guidelines to protect their patients and staff. Patients in need of specialized bone, joint and muscle care are encouraged to call (818) 901-6600 to schedule a safe appointment at the practice in Van Nuys, Bakersfield, Valencia, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Beverly Hills and Porter Ranch. Telemedicine appointments are also available.

“Surgery for nonlife-threatening conditions was halted in order to conserve the supply of personal protective equipment, which is what we use for every surgery,” says Managing Director Dr. Paul Simic and orthopedic surgeon at Southern California Orthopedic Institute. “Our supply of medical resources has been deemed more than adequate by our governor, and thereby, we are starting to conduct some elective surgeries so area residents no longer have to wait for the advanced orthopedic care they need.”

Southern California Orthopedic Institute’s surgeons and specialized medical staff strictly follow the latest and highest standards in patient safety and will take extra precautions. Additional patient screening processes may be enforced before scheduling and performing surgery. The practice will continue to adhere to the strict protocols they have in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their offices. These protocols will extend to pre- and postoperative care in addition to the measures taken to keep operating rooms and equipment sterile. 

Southern California Orthopedic Institute’s safety measures include the following:

1. Everyone entering their offices is screened for COVID-19 symptoms and temperature checked.
2. Patients are required to wear face coverings and all staff members and providers are wearing face masks.
3. They are disinfecting between patients.
4. Patients experiencing flu-like symptoms are being rescheduled.
5. They are limiting the number of people allowed in their offices.
6. They are restricting the number of visitors allowed to accompany a patient.
7. Telemedicine appointments using real-time video conferencing for safe orthopedic consultation from work or home are available for new and existing patients.
8. They are offering curbside check-in for all visits and are practicing social distancing in all waiting areas.

“We’re so proud of our state and community for working together to combat the spread of COVID-19 and support our local, front-line health care workers,” says Dr. Simic. “These efforts have reduced the strain on our health system as much as possible, and we are excited to once again offer our patients safe elective surgical treatment to ease pain and help them regain their function and strength.”

While Southern California Orthopedic Institute resumes scheduling patients for elective surgery as well as initial and follow-up appointments in their offices, their providers also offer telemedicine visits to provide remote consultation for bone, joint and muscle problems.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of Southern California Orthopedic Institute’s experts, please call (818) 901-6600.