Elective Surgery Safely Resumes at OAK Orthopedics

As of May 11, the specialty-trained surgeons at OAK Orthopedics have resumed elective surgery, or nonemergency surgery, for their patients. Since area hospitals and surgery centers can maintain the appropriate level of health care resources, OAK Orthopedics offers elective and emergency surgical treatment and in-office care while continuing to follow health authority safety guidelines to protect their patients and staff. Patients in need of specialized bone, joint and muscle care are encouraged to call (815) 928-8050 for an appointment at their offices in Bourbonnais or Watseka or (815) 469-3452 for an appointment at their office in Frankfort. Telemedicine appointments are also available.

“In order to conserve the supply of personal protective equipment, which is what we use for every surgery, procedures for nonlife-threatening conditions were postponed,” says Dr. Alexander Michalow, fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon at OAK Orthopedics. “Our supply of medical resources has been deemed more than adequate, and therefore, we are resuming surgery so area residents no longer have to wait for the advanced orthopedic care they need.”

OAK Orthopedics provides surgical care at hospitals and surgery centers throughout the region, including their own state-of-the-art outpatient facility, OAK Surgical Institute. Their surgeons and specialized medical staff strictly follow the latest and highest standards in patient safety and will take extra precautions. Additional patient screening processes will be enforced before scheduling and performing surgery.

The practice continues to adhere to the strict protocols they have in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their offices. These protocols will extend to pre- and postoperative care in addition to the measures taken to keep operating rooms and equipment sterile. OAK Orthopedics is practicing the following safety measures:

1. Patients are required to wear face coverings.
2. Their staff members are disinfecting between patients.
3. They are screening each patient the day before to ensure they do not have any symptoms.
4. They are taking patient temperatures and screening for symptoms upon patient arrival.
5. Patients experiencing flu-like symptoms are being rescheduled.
6. They are limiting the number of people allowed in their offices.
7. They are restricting the number of visitors allowed to accompany a patient.
8. Telemedicine appointments are available for new and existing patients.
9. All of their staff members are wearing face masks.

“We’re so proud of our state and community for working together to combat the spread of COVID-19 and support our local, front-line health care workers,” says Dr. Michalow. “These efforts have reduced the strain on our health system as much as possible, and we are excited to once again offer our patients safe elective surgical treatment to ease pain and help them regain their function and strength.”

While OAK Orthopedics resumes scheduling patients for elective surgery as well as initial and follow-up appointments in their offices, their providers also offer telemedicine visits to provide remote consultation for bone, joint and muscle problems. In the event of a fall or other accident, OAK Orthopedics’ Immediate Orthopedic Access clinic continues to offer immediate care for urgent orthopedic injuries, such as sprains, fractures or dislocations.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of OAK Orthopedics’ experts, please request an appointment online or call (815) 928-8050 for an appointment at their offices in Bourbonnais or Watseka or (815) 469-3452 for an appointment at their office in Frankfort.