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West Valley City Journal

Ski & Snowboard News / New walk-in clinic for sports injures now at U of U

Feb 27, 2017 05:03PM ● By Harriet Wallis

Sam's broken leg

If you twisted a knee, pulled a hamstring or got hurt some other way on the slopes, there's a new walk-in orthopedic clinic especially for you.

The University of Utah Health Care Orthopaedic Center became the first provider in the state and one of only a handful of academic medical centers in the nation to open an after-hours, walk-in injury clinic.

On a personal note, I have three friends who were injured skiing and went to the clinic when the pain wouldn't go away. One learned that she has a broken leg! Two others learned they had muscle pulls. One skier was sidelined for a while so the muscle can heal. The other was directed to take several days off and then he could return to the slopes All were delighted with the care they received.

The new Orthopaedic Injury Clinic is directed by UOC sports medicine physician Joy English, M.D..

Where

It's located at 590 Wakara Way.

Who

Patients aged 5 and older who have fractures, strains, sprains, tendon injury or tendonitis, joint problems, or orthopedic injuries that require urgent follow-up will be able to use the services provided by the clinic, even after regular hospital hours.

When

Clinic hours are Monday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from noon to 6 p.m. Follow-up care is established at the end of the patient's visit.

Why

The clinic is expected to be a big patient satisfier thanks to low wait times and an office visit co-payment that's less expensive than a trip to the emergency room.

"The concept of these acute care ortho clinics is a new one," said English, 36. "People are starting to realize it's a much better place for them than the ER. Another unique aspect of the clinic is that we can see people who have been to an emergency room or have been referred from another ortho office." 

For more information on the walk-in clinic, call (801) 587-7109. Patients with concussion, lacerations, chronic injuries or chronic pain should be seen outside of the clinic.