Allentown, Pa.-based Lehigh Valley Health Network has established an orthopedic institute to strengthen and expand its musculoskeletal treatment program.
The health system is one of the leading providers of joint replacement and sports medicine procedures in the region, and its orthopedic institute will provide "even more choice, more locations and more access" to serve patients' needs, according to a Feb. 8 news release.
"Letting the future come to us isn't an option," said Brian Nester, DO, LVHN president and CEO. "The creation of Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute allows us to shape the future of orthopedic care in northeastern Pennsylvania, to innovate on a level that provides unparalleled depth and breadth in high-quality care delivery, research and patient experience across the entire musculoskeletal spectrum."
The orthopedic institute combines LVHN and Bethlehem, Pa.-based Coordinated Health, which Lehigh acquired in December 2019. The transaction bolstered LVHN's orthopedic presence, making it the system with the most fellowship-trained sports medicine specialists in the region.
Coordinated Health orthopedic practices are now part of the institute, with its remaining practices and facilities transitioning in the coming months.
LVHN said the institute, which includes almost 150 providers, will also partner with independent orthopedic groups to expand access to care in the area.