Orthopedic Institute, Core Orthopedics to come together

Jan. 23, 2019

Two Sioux Falls-based independent providers of orthopedic services are coming together.

Orthopedic Institute and Core Orthopedics & Sports Medicine have announced a partnership that took effect Jan. 1.

The Core name and staff will transition into OI in the coming months. Operations will be integrated and managed by OI.

“We have found both groups to have very similar cultures and priorities regarding elevating the patient experience and optimizing accessibility for and communication with referring providers,” OI’s CEO Cindy Jacobs said. “OI is excited for the opportunities this partnership provides. Improved efficiency for our patients and collaborative care will raise the bar for health care delivery in the region. Together, we will remain the one to trust for orthopedic care.”

Core Orthopedics & Sports Medicine began as Orthopedic Associates in 1968. Orthopedic Institute was founded in 1972. Both provide care throughout South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa.

“Our teams will assemble the largest independent group of professionals dedicated to providing orthopedic care in the region. This protects patients’ freedom to choose their provider regardless of payer, without a referral and in a timely manner,” said Core president Dr. David Watts. “With this partnership, we are making the strongest move possible to protect our patients’ voice in the health care process.”

Orthopedics has been increasingly competitive in the Sioux Falls market. Core’s seven orthopedic physicians split from Avera in 2016, and Avera began growing its orthopedics practice, which will have a home on the new Avera on Louise campus. The specialty also has long been a focus for Sanford Health, which recently broke ground on a clinic that combines acute care with orthopedics at the Sanford Sports Complex.

The combined practice at OI will include 15 physicians from OI, including 13 surgeons, and four orthopedists from Core. The integration of doctors, clinics and staff into OI is planned for April.

Core’s Sioux Falls building at 2908 E. 26th St. is for sale. The OI practice is at 810 E. 23rd St. on the Avera McKennan campus.

“We will continue to use both names and locations until renovations at the OI building are complete,” Jacobs said.

In addition to the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, the new integrated practice will provide the entire spectrum of musculoskeletal care, including orthopedic urgent care, physical and hand therapy, orthotics, advanced imaging, sports performance and injury prevention, and non-opioid comprehensive pain management.

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Orthopedic Institute, Core Orthopedics to come together

Two Sioux Falls-based independent providers of orthopedic services are coming together.

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