Innovation Care for a Better Community
Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists and Saint Luke’s are on the leading edge of orthopedic medicine, using advanced techniques and emerging technologies to provide the best care possible.
Ortho Experts Thrive Working Together
Since 1949, Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists has dedicated itself to keeping its patients active and pain-free while delivering compassionate and personalized care. In 2006, Rockhill’s practice moved to the state-of-the-art location on the campus of Saint Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists, experts in orthopedic care, and Saint Luke’s East Hospital, a leading community health care provider, each had a mission and values that mirrored each other, creating an ideal partnership.
This union has yielded many prestigious recognitions, with Saint Luke’s East receiving The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement. The organization is also recognized for these procedures by U.S. News & World Report. Together, Rockhill and Saint Luke’s continue to provide exceptional care to Eastern Jackson County and beyond.
“The patient has always been the center of what we do,” Rockhill Orthopedic Surgeon Gerald Dugan, MD, said. “We stay very active in the community, and these aren’t just our patients — they are our family and friends.”
Today, Rockhill delivers a broad range of high-quality orthopedic care, provided by 12 board-certified orthopedic surgeons, three board-certified physiatrists, 8 advanced practice providers, and a staff of 80 caring and compassionate team members. The team is dedicated to serving the communities in which it operates by supporting area high school and collegiate sporting events, serving local parks and recreation, supporting the Arthritis Foundation, and participating in both the Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs Chambers of Commerce.
With a team committed to all facets of pre-operative care from advanced surgical techniques to one-on-one rehab, Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon Larry Frevert, MD, wants to help have a positive effect on the community.
“Our team members come to work with a drive to help people live their healthiest, most active lives possible,” Dr. Frevert said. “We see the results in our recognitions, which drives us towards excellence.”
As technologies, treatments, and techniques progressively advanced over the decades, the Rockhill team has advanced with them, delivering the safest, least invasive, most up-to-date options to the community. Partnering with Saint Luke’s provides patients with the support of an integrated health system with expertise in 67 specialties. And being located on the campus of Saint Luke’s East Hospital provides immediate access to a world-class facility.
Rockhill also has an Orthopedic Urgent Care at its Lee’s Summit location. There, patients don’t need an appointment. As an added benefit, the walk-in clinic visit is billed as a regular office visit, meaning lower costs to patients.
Since Rockhill opened, it has embraced the latest advancements in technology, such as total joint replacements, minimally invasive arthroscopy, advanced imaging, and more. And while being on the leading edge of orthopedic care has been a defining trait for Rockhill, the practice defines itself on patient outcomes — another goal in common with Saint Luke’s.
“When patients come to us with pain that affects their ability to live out their everyday lives, it’s our job to get them back on their feet,” Dr. Frevert said. “Whether it’s running a marathon, seeing the world, or keeping up with their grandkids, we want our patients to experience every moment.”
Are You Ready for a Total Joint Replacement?
Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists uses advanced techniques and emerging technologies to surgically treat the most common progressive joint disease — osteoarthritis, which often leads to a total joint replacement or joint reconstruction. This surgical procedure removes the damaged bone and cartilage and replaces the joint with an artificial joint, usually made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.
If you’re experiencing knee, hip, or shoulder joint pain or living with a faulty joint replacement, you don’t need to wait to seek care. Rockhill’s total joint experts provide comprehensive evaluations and treatment plans for patients with permanent and progressive damage to knees, hips, or shoulders because of osteoarthritis, trauma, or other joint disorders.
When is a Total Joint Replacement Recommended?
We all have different tolerance to pain, with thresholds between months or even years. As the pain caused by arthritis worsens, consider consulting with a joint specialist when:
- Your pain is affecting common daily activities, such as walking or using stairs.
- Your joints are chronically inflamed or swollen.
- Simple pain relief options have no effect.
- Your knees or hips develop a deformity, such as decreased motion or a bow-legged stance.
Given the advances of modern medicine, hip and knee replacements have several options available for depending the specific situation (XR, pain, deformity). This conversation can be started with your surgeon at any time, well before you are ready for surgery. It never hurts to become more informed of options for your situation.
Contact Rockhill: 816-246-4302
Choosing an Orthopedic Surgeon
Like any health care provider, finding the right professional is an important step in the process. If you need to find a specialist for bone, joint, or ligament issues, there are several steps you can take to ensure you are getting the proper care.
Referrals
Start by consulting with your primary care doctor — they have names of professionals in the area that can help with your specific needs. Your family and friends could also have names from their experiences. Take the time to research these professionals online, ensure their credentials and reputation, then call to set up a consultation with your final list.
Insurance
An easy way to narrow down your choices is to see what surgeons are on your health plan. This will ensure that you are getting the most out of your insurance benefits at the lowest cost to you. Rockhill participates with most major medical insurance providers. You can view a full list on their website at rockhillortho.com/patient-resources/insurance.
Hospital Quality
Quality of care matters. Research your orthopedic surgeon’s hospital and ensure they have access to high-level resources and are trusted in health care outcomes. For example, look at the infection rates of an organization and even visit the facility to see its environment firsthand. U.S. News & World Report recently recognized Saint Luke’s East Hospital as High Performing in Orthopedics.
Find the Specialty for You
Orthopedic surgeons have different specialty areas and thus will have experience performing specific procedures. Rockhill prides itself on having a well-balanced team that can cover any orthopedic issue you might have: sports medicine, hip and knee replacement, hand and upper extremity, foot and ankle, general surgery, and more, in addition to physical therapy and pain management.
Know and Understand Your Surgical Procedure
When your physician recommends surgery, talk to him or her about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. Make sure all your questions are answered — the more you know and understand about the procedure, the better prepared you’ll be after the surgery for your recovery.
If you have any questions about finding an orthopedic surgeon or have any other general questions, please call Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists 816-246-4302 for a consultation.
