Because the injuries of joggers, cyclists, high school athletes and weekend warriors often occur outside of business hours, Washington University Orthopedics is opening a walk-in clinic for those with injuries that might require an X-ray, cast or splint.
“Most people with an injury need to be seen right away,” said Heidi Prather, DO, a professor of orthopedic surgery and chief of the department’s physical medicine and rehabilitation service. “Emergency rooms are expensive and can involve long waits, and most urgent care centers can’t treat complex orthopedic conditions, so we’re trying to fill that void.”
The clinic will be run by physicians and other health-care practitioners with expertise in orthopedics. Casting, splinting and radiology services will be available onsite. “We can provide injured patients with comprehensive services on their initial visit,” said Prather. “And if needed, patients will have access to surgeons, sports medicine specialists and experts in physical medicine and rehabilitation.”
The Orthopedic Injury Clinic is located at the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Orthopedic Center in Chesterfield (14532 S. Outer Forty Drive) and the Center for Advanced Medicine–South County (5201 Midamerica Plaza). The walk-in clinic will be open to patients noon to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; noon-6 p.m. Friday; and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday (Chesterfield only).
For more information about the clinic, call 314-514-1642, or visit ortho.wustl.edu/injuryclinic.