Bethlehem, Pa.-based St. Luke's University Health Network launched its Comprehensive Spine program.
Here are three things to know:
1. Comprehensive Spine is a physical-therapy-first approach to back and neck pain. The program is designed to avoid costs associated with unnecessary emergency room visits, X-rays, opioid prescriptions and surgeries.
2. St. Luke's has 50 physical therapy locations. Comprehensive Spine patients can receive treatment within 24 to 48 hours at any of the locations.
3. Neck and back pain patients can undergo an over-the-phone evaluation with a trained Comprehensive Spine nurse, who will direct them to the appropriate course of treatment, which may involve advanced specialist care or physical therapy.
"Spinal surgery should be the last stop for a patient, used only when needed," said St. Luke's orthopedic spine surgeon Gbolabo Sokunbi, MD. "Comprehensive Spine will improve patient access, providing a streamlined program with specialists at different entry points to ensure that patients receive the care that is needed."