Prairie Lakes Expands Orthopaedic Service Line

On August 1, Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics, an independent practice of three physicians in Watertown, became part of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.  PLHS says the move allows Prairie Lakes Orthopedics to offer a more complete orthopedic journey for patients from surgery to rehabilitation and beyond. 

"Our relationship with Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics dates back 20 years," says PLHS Interim CEO Paul Macek. "Over the last year or so, we realized that the potential for providing a broader scope of orthopedic care to our service area would be enhanced by us working even closer together."

There are operational advantages, as well. Glacial Lakes was already located onsite at Prairie Lakes. Macek says becoming one organization increases their ability to work seamlessly with other providers, referral sources, and payers, as well as integrate the EHR systems, for greater efficiencies. 

"This gives us the opportunity to collaborate with our rehabilitation departments, our strength and conditioning coach, and our athletic trainers we have in local schools," says Laurie Fieber, MSN, RN, Interim Vice President of Clinical Services.. "It's great to be able to put them all under one umbrella."

"I am really excited about the vision for GLO and PLHS working together to achieve goals that we would not be able to achieve independently," Macek told MED. "This is very exciting for the hospital, the health system, the community, and the region. It is interesting and positive that both the surgery group and Prairie Lakes had contemplated this move for some time. This is a natural extension of our relationship."

"One of our main focuses is figuring out how we can continue to grow and serve our patients," says Fieber. "Prairie Lakes actually has 70 percent of our current market share in our primary and secondary markets. We are really excited because we are gaining a team that already has exceptional outcomes. So we want everyone to know that it is the same team and the same care, just under a different name."

Under the new agreement, three full time orthopedic surgeons, two advanced practice providers, and eleven employees have now transitioned to Prairie Lakes Orthopedics. 

"This is largely about accessibility," adds Macek. "We want to do an even better job of making sure that patients have access to our whole continuum of services. Having all of the components of quality orthopedic care integrated into one process can help. We will also identify additional services, such as more integration of our pain management services."

Macek says the move will strengthen the health system's ability to maintain and expand outreach services in the region. An advisory group will help identify priorities for improving the overall throughput process for orthopedic patients.

"I just think it's a terrific opportunity to integrate that, in the end, will provide a better patient experience, better access, better answering of questions, and better follow-up," says Macek.