Orthopedic Care Team

At Beacon Health System, our bone and joint care experts work as a team to coordinate your care and carry out your personalized treatment plan.

Your team may include these or other caregivers:

• Case manager – A management professional who helps you communicate with insurance companies and understand other information related to your care. This includes helping you as you move to the next level of care.
• Hospitalist – A doctor whose practice is primarily focused on caring for hospitalized patients.
• Intensivist – A doctor who specializes in caring for patients with critical or potentially life-threatening health conditions.
• Occupational therapist – A specialist who helps you regain or improve your ability to do daily activities. These include routine movements, such as opening doors or climbing stairs. He or she can also recommend and help with supportive devices, such as a wheelchair or handrails.
• Orthopedic surgeon – A surgeon specially trained in the treatment of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system.
• Pharmacist – A health care professional that works with the physicians and nurses to help you get the full benefits of available medications. In addition to preparing medications, pharmacists monitor the therapy for effectiveness. He or she also helps you to avoid side effects, allergies and possible interactions with drugs, food or lab tests.
• Physiatrist – A doctor of physical medicine and rehabilitation who directs your care. The physiatrist works with a team of experts. This group meets weekly to coordinate care, including your rehabilitation plan. He or she also involves you and your family in your care.
• Physical therapist – A professional who works with you to improve or restore abilities affected by orthopedic injuries and conditions. He or she may use therapies, such as exercise and massage. Your therapist can help with assistive devices such as canes, walkers or wheelchairs.
• Social worker – A health care professional trained to listen to your concerns and provide support for grieving individuals and families. He or she can help with financial details and other health care arrangements, such as getting ready to go home.