We are pleased when patients choose the Great Falls Clinic Orthopedic Destination Center for elective joint replacement surgery, a step towards a healthier lifestyle. Each year, over 700,000 people undergo this surgery to relieve pain, restore independence, and return to daily activities.

Our program aims to quickly return patients to an active lifestyle, with most walking the first day after surgery and resuming normal activities within six to twelve weeks. We involve patients throughout the treatment process, providing a comprehensive Guidebook during the consultation to ensure a successful outcome.

Our Orthopedic Care Team includes: physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and physical and occupational therapists, and specializes in total joint care. Every detail, from peri-operative teaching to post-operative exercises, is reviewed with the patient.

• Dedicated nurses and therapists trained to work with joint patients
• Casual clothes
• Private rooms
• One-on-one physical therapy
• Occupational therapy as needed
• Newsletters to update you on your daily activities during your stay with us
• Family and friends participating as “coaches” in the recovery process
• An Orthopedic Care Team that coordinates all pre-operative care and discharge planning
• A comprehensive patient guide for you to follow from six weeks before surgery until three months after surgery and beyond
• Luncheons for former patients and coaches every other month
• Educational displays answering the most frequently asked questions
• Periodic publications and education seminars

We’ve dedicated a special area in our hospital for knee and hip replacement patients, where you can wear your clothes instead of hospital gowns! Family members are encouraged to join in group activities and special events, fostering new friendships that enhance the healing process.

Our staff is carefully selected for their positive attitudes, motivational skills, and commitment to outstanding service. They are specially trained to provide comprehensive clinical care for patients undergoing these important surgeries.

The Orthopedic Care Team will be responsible for patient care needs from the surgeons’ office, to the hospital, and home. The Orthopedic Care Team will:

• Obtain health records.
• Review what each patient will need at home after surgery, including support if required.
• Assess and plan for the patient’s specific care needs, such as anesthesia and medical clearance for surgery.
• Coordinate the patient’s discharge plan to home or a facility with additional support.
• Act as the patient’s advocate throughout the course of treatment from surgery to discharge.
• Answer questions and coordinate the patient’s hospital care with other Orthopedic Care Team members.

We believe that better outcomes stem from providing you with a thorough understanding of what to expect during your surgical experience. Being informed at each step helps reduce stress and anxiety, paving the way for a smoother recovery.