Memorial Hermann Acquires Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic

Memorial Hermann Acquires Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic

Purchase Strengthens Hospital’s Orthopedic Presence in southwest and west corridors

HOUSTON, January 4, 2012

– Memorial Hermann has acquired Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic (RBJ) in a move that further strengthens the organization’s orthopedic network and adds additional specialty clinics to its growing roster, as well as builds on the hospital’s groundbreaking clinical integration initiative to bring medical staff physicians together in a common commitment to quality care and accountability.

 ”As a hospital system, we are preparing for the onset of healthcare reform,” said Dan Wolterman, President and CEO of Memorial Hermann. “A critical component of that process is identifying physician groups that align with Memorial Hermann’s culture of emphasizing safety and providing the high quality care that our patients have come to expect.

 ”Memorial Hermann Medical Group has been strategically leading the way in identifying talented, respected and clinically-integrated physician groups like Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic,” Wolterman continued. “As a result, MHMG is experiencing tremendous growth. We are pleased to have a high-caliber group such as RBJ join the Memorial Hermann family. It represents a win-win for both Memorial Hermann and our patients.”

 RBJ, one of the most highly-regarded orthopedic groups in the Houston region, offers an extensive range of orthopedic specialties such as general orthopedics and sports medicine, pediatric orthopedics, spine surgery, hand and wrist and foot and ankle replacement, pain management, and rehabilitation. The group is comprised of physicians nationally known for contributing to advances in orthopedic medicine through published articles, research studies and innovative new treatments.

 ”This is a mutually-beneficial partnership,” said Juliet Breeze, M.D., CEO of RBJ. “We will bring our extensive clinical expertise and knowledge of orthopedic medicine to Memorial Hermann and help to grow its orthopedic presence, particularly in the southwest region near its Sugar Land and Southwest hospitals. Moreover, we are aligning with one of the most innovative and clinically-integrated healthcare systems in the country. Our network of doctors and patients will benefit greatly being teamed with a system that is so forward-looking when it comes to medicine and quality care.”

 More than 15 physicians at the newly named clinics – Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic at Memorial Hermann – will align with other Memorial Hermann affiliated physician groups like UTHealth’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery to deliver safe, high-quality and results-driven orthopedic care to patients living in and around Richmond, Katy and Sugar Land.

 ”Our patients will receive the same personal and progressive care they’ve come to expect from their trusted physicians and clinical staff,” added Dr. Breeze.

 RBJ is already a member of the Memorial Hermann Information Exchange (MHiE), an innovative program that significantly improves transitions of care, safety and quality by putting patient health data at the fingertips of authorized caregivers. MHiE, the first health information exchange of its kind in Houston, utilizes a secure, encrypted electronic network to integrate and house patients’ digital medical records so they are easily accessible to its members.

Pain, A Simple Word ….That Can Change Everything

Dr. Candice Burnette Brings a New Approach in Pain Management to Fort Bend County

Pain, as defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain, is “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.”

To a chronic pain sufferer, it simply changes who you are.

It’s amazing that a simple four-letter word encompasses so much and has such an impact on life. It takes a toll on physical and mental well being, affecting overall quality of life.

Addressing pain while diagnosing and managing associated conditions is vitally important in overall health. It’s a multi-step process and takes a partnership. No one knows better what hurts than the patient. Physicians must then trace pain to its source, providing both relief and treatment.

Dr. Candice Burnette, the newest member of Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic (RBJC), specializes in interventional pain management of spinal and musculoskeletal disorders and is committed to this quest. Fellowship-trained in pain medicine and board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, she brings the latest technology to Fort Bend.

“To successfully manage pain it’s important to examine the whole person, in order to gain an understanding of specific needs – assessing pain as well as the functional, physical, and emotional limitations. A multidisciplinary approach best accomplishes this; a collaborate effort of specialized healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Burnette.

Among the valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tools she offers include; electromyography, peripheral joint and trigger point injections, fluoroscopic-guided epidural steroid injections, spinal cord stimulators, discography, and nerve blocks.

Linda’s Story
Linda Tucci, 41, suffered with myofascial pain syndrome and the painful symptoms and related conditions for seven years before meeting Dr. Burnette. Linda received treatment every three months and lived in constant pain until the day she was introduced.

“Pain changes you…you know? Dr. Burnette took the time to really figure out what worked. She gave me hope. She gave me my life back,” said Tucci.

Dr. Burnette increased the frequency of Linda’s visits to monthly, used injection therapy, and addressed associated conditions. The more frequent treatments produced immediate results.

Linda then began Radiofrequency Neuroablation (RFA) for sacroiliac joint-related pain, something no other physician had offered.

“This treatment made a huge difference. Dr. Burnette doesn’t just leave you hanging out there. She talked to my other doctors and she talked to me about everything we were doing. When you deal with pain it can be emotional. You can feel like you have no hope whatsoever. She changed everything for me,” added Tucci.

Candice Burnette, MD

Pain Management – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

ImPACT Concussion Testing Available at Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic

My son was hit on the head and complains of headaches and has trouble sleeping.  Could he have a concussion?

It is important to recognize symptoms of a concussion when you or your athlete has sustained a head injury.  Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, an increased sensitivity to light/sound, difficulty remembering or concentrating, drowsiness, irritability, and nervousness.   Difficulty with balance and dizziness are additional symptoms. 

If these symptoms are present, it is advisable to seek the advice of a trained medical professional.  Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic specializes in treating concussions utilizing the ImPACT Concussion Test and physicians who are credentialed ImPACT consultants.   Along with a full medical evaluation, this computer-based test allows RBJC physicians to establish the level of injury.   ImPACT testing assists in providing data useful to determine when activities can be safely resumed. 

Should you suspect a concussion, don’t delay and schedule ImPACT Concussion Testing today.

Mike Vara, MEd, LAT, ATC

Athletic Trainer/Sports Medicine

Occupational Therapy Offered at Richmond Bone & Joint

What is a Hand Therapist?

A hand therapist is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who, through advanced study and experience, specializes in treating individuals with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremity. A hand specialist may also have advanced certification as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).

What does a Hand Therapist provide?

A qualified hand therapist can evaluate and treat any problem relative to the upper extremities. The hand therapist can effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through postoperative rehabilitation, preventative, non-operative, or conservative treatment, or industry consultation. The therapist works closely with physician and patient to provide a continuum of care. This often starts within days of the injury or surgery right through to the patient’s return to work and/or a productive lifestyle.

A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has a minimum of five years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy. In addition, the Certified Hand Therapist has successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. Because of changes in the profession, every CHT is required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years.

The above information is from the American Society of Hand Therapists website.  For additional information about Occupational Therapy or Hand Therapy, please visit www.aota.org, www.asht.org, or www.htcc.org.

RBJC offers Occupational Therapy and Hand Therapy at our Sugar Land and Richmond locations.  Our department is staffed by an Occupational Therapist who is a Certified Hand Therapist.  Our therapist treats patients with conditions from the elbow to the fingers.