Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake is expanding its services to include an orthopedic injury clinic for residents of Clear Lake and surrounding areas who need to see an orthopedic specialist right away.

 

Same day appointments are available at the clinic Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The clinic is staffed by physicians who evaluate and treat patients suffering from acute orthopedic injuries such as sprains or strains, minor dislocations, fractures or broken bones, sports injuries, torn ligaments, injured tendons or possible concussions.

 

“The sports injury clinic is ideal for patients of all ages who have suffered an injury – maybe playing sports, working out or just doing chores around the house – who need to see a physician right away,” said Gillian Wooldridge, D.O., a fellowship-trained primary care sports medicine specialist at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake. “It’s not intended to be an emergency room for issues that go beyond orthopedics or an urgent care clinic for minor problems. It is designed to help us meet the needs of patients whose injuries fall somewhere in between those categories – and do so quickly and efficiently to ensure they receive the proper care right away. It improves our patients’ experience and avoids the busy emergency room — all at the cost of a standard physician office visit.”

 

The board-certified physicians at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine have full access to the hospital’s top-quality imaging and diagnostic tools and casting/bracing will be available on-site if needed.

 

“Patients who suffer an injury often go straight to the emergency room, even when it’s clear they need a specialist,” said Wooldridge. “Then they have to make a second appointment to see us. This clinic will eliminate that first step and give patients a same-day option for orthopedic injuries. It will save patients time and money and ensure they are treated quickly and appropriately.”

 

The sports injury clinic will accept most forms of insurance and an appointment is required. However, injuries covered under worker’s compensation plans or those suffered in automobile accidents, as well as all spine and back problems, will require scheduling an appointment with a physician.

 

To schedule an appointment call 713.363.9090. Visit houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics/clearlake for more information on Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake.