MADISON, Wis. – SSM Health and UW Health have entered into an agreement for 2023 that aims to improve access to orthopedic surgical services across the greater Madison area.
As part of this agreement, SSM Health will provide time, facility space and the support services needed for UW Health orthopedic surgeons to operate at St. Mary’s Hospitals in Madison and Janesville. The UW Health orthopedic surgeons will be able to provide care for both UW Health and SSM Health patients at these facilities. The partnership will go into practice mid-March.
This collaboration between the two health care systems puts patients’ needs first, according to Dr. Amy Franta, chief medical officer, SSM Health.
“Now, patients of both health systems can gain earlier access to high-quality orthopedic surgical services,” she said. “This is yet another example of how our health systems have partnered over the years to benefit the community.”
It also means some patients with previously scheduled orthopedic surgery appointments could be treated sooner, Franta said.
UW Health will continue to provide surgical services in its current locations, according to Dr. Tamara Scerpella, orthopedic surgeon, UW Health, and interim chair of the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
“Creating timely access to orthopedic care, including surgery, is a top priority for us,” she said. “This is an exciting opportunity for our surgeons, and for UW Health and SSM Health to come together to increase access and create a better experience for patients at both health systems.”
Patients in need of orthopedic surgical services in the Madison area should continue to work with their respective health care organizations to schedule orthopedic surgery. If a patient is already scheduled with a UW Health or SSM Health orthopedic surgeon, and that appointment can be moved to an earlier date, health system personnel will contact each patient directly.
