Grand Rapids, Mich., (October 24, 2014) – Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan announced today that it is opening a second OAM NOW location at 4665 44th St. in Kentwood on Monday, Oct. 27. The opening marks an expansion of the orthopaedic urgent care service OAM launched in February 2013.
“The demand for this service has been tremendous,” said James R. Ringler, MD, president of Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan. “We’re seeing 12-30 patients per night from all over the Grand Rapids area and from as far away as Ingham and Isabella Counties. When we analyzed where people are coming from and what urgent care options are available in the area, we determined that it would be a strong benefit to the region to open a second OAM NOW location on the southeast side.”
OAM NOW, which currently operates at 2680 Leonard St., NE in Grand Rapids, is the only dedicated orthopaedic urgent care service in Michigan. Patients with urgent orthopaedic injuries such as fractures, back and neck pain, sports injuries, strains and sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries can call ahead for a same-day appointment weekdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome 5 – 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturdays (Saturday hours at Leonard location, only).
“Patients who arrive at OAM NOW are treated promptly by an orthopaedic specialist,” explains Dennis Gregory, PA-C, with Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan. “If the patient calls ahead or arrives during business hours, we immediately triage their condition and get them in to see an OAM physician. If they arrive during our walk-in hours, the orthopaedic specialist on staff evaluates and treats them immediately – most patients are in and out within an hour.”
Since launching the service 20 months ago, more than 6,100 patients have been treated at OAM NOW. Over two thirds of those patients were referred by their doctor, a friend or a family member.
“We think that speaks volumes about the quality of care we’re providing and the trust OAM NOW has earned in the community in such a short time,” said Ringler. “It also speaks volumes about the convenience and cost-effectiveness of the service.”
OAM estimates that the 6,100 patients who chose OAM NOW since February 2013 saved more than $500,000 in urgent care and ER co-pays, alone.
“The cost savings increase significantly when you factor in the lower cost of x-rays and procedures at OAM NOW,” said Ringler. “That’s very attractive to patients, particularly when they know they will be treated right away by highly skilled orthopaedic specialists.”
OAM NOW will continue to provide a broad range of orthopaedic urgent care services at its new location in Kentwood, including x-rays, sutures, casting and splinting. X-rays are read immediately by an orthopaedic specialist rather than being sent out for a radiology consultation, saving time and radiologist fees.
If a patient needs an MRI, it can be scheduled directly at the OAM NOW facility. If the patient needs surgery or other follow-up care, OAM NOW can make a direct referral and handle scheduling with an OAM physician. Surgery can often be scheduled within 5 – 7 days versus 2 – 3 weeks following an urgent care visit.
“People are telling their friends and family about this service because it makes so much sense,” said Gregory. “Patients are seen by a specialist immediately. They get the highest quality specialized care at a lower cost because they skip the ER and urgent care facility charges. They get treated quicker, and if they need surgery or other follow up care, they have faster direct access to OAM physicians – no referral needed.”
OAM NOW hours at 2680 Leonard St., NE, in Grand Rapids are:
- Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM – call 1-855-OAMNOW1 for an appointment
- Monday – Friday, 5PM – 9PM and Saturday, 9AM – 5PM – walk-ins welcome
Beginning Monday, October 27, OAM NOW hours at 4665 44th St., SE, in Kentwood will be:
- Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM – call 1-855-OAMNOW1 for an appointment
- Monday – Friday, 5PM – 9PM – walk-ins welcome
- No Saturday hours at 44th St. location
More information about OAM NOW is available at www.oamnow.com.
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About Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan
With more than 30 highly trained orthopedic specialists, Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan is the largest independent orthopedic practice in the region and among the most respected in the state. OAM operates eight specialized orthopedic centers including spine, trauma, total joint, hand and upper extremity, foot and ankle, sports medicine, and physical medicine, as well as a nationally renowned bone health clinic, comprehensive physical and occupational therapy, radiology services and OAM NOW, the only dedicated orthopaedic urgent care service in Michigan. OAM specialists serve as adjunct faculty at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, regularly publish in national and international medical journals and are engaged in research that has expanded treatment options and improved techniques in orthopaedic care worldwide. www.oamichigan.com