CHI Health Good Samaritan Seeks for Prospective Patient to Benefit From No-Cost Joint Replacement Surgery
Many Americans live with painful hip or knee arthritis, making even simple daily activities a challenge. While joint replacement surgery is often highly effective at relieving pain and restoring mobility, the cost can put it out of reach for those without insurance.
CHI Health Good Samaritan and Dr. John Wright, in partnership with Operation Walk USA, are hoping to restore mobility and improve the quality of life for an uninsured individual by offering a hip or knee replacement surgery at no cost to one eligible local patient. Dr. Wright, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 25 years of experience performing hip and knee replacements, will be donating his time and skills to perform the procedure.
“Serving the health of our community, especially the most vulnerable, is the very heartbeat of our mission,” says Dr. Wright. “The ability to transform a patient’s quality of life with joint replacement never ceases to amaze me. Joint replacement is one of modern medicine’s miracles. Witnessing so many patients break free from debilitating pain makes it inconceivable to me that anyone should have to continue to suffer from severe, life-limiting arthritis and compromised mobility.”
To be considered, a patient must:
Be in need of a hip or knee replacement surgery
Be 18 years of age or older
Be a US citizen or legal permanent resident
Be completely uninsured (no private, state or federal insurance)
Have proven income within or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Patients who meet Operation Walk USA criteria are invited to contact CHI Health Clinic Orthopedics (Good Samaritan) at 308-865-2600 to learn more.
In 2019, Dr. Wright, in partnership with CHI Health Good Samaritan, performed Nebraska’s first Operation Walk USA charitable hip replacement surgery. The uninsured patient had suffered from a congenital hip defect for 51 years. Following the procedure, the patient reported complete pain relief and, for the first time, was able to walk without a profoundly uneven gait. He was excited to play ball with his grandchildren and hunt with his wife.