New Walk-In Clinic Offers Immediate Help

If your son or daughter gets hurt in the evening while skateboarding or playing sports, you would probably take them to an emergency room, right?

But what if you could take them to an orthopedic clinic to see a specialist? You now have that option at the new Beacon

Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine walk-in clinic in Northern Kentucky.

"We saw a need in the Northern Kentucky market for instant access to orthopedic care for patients of all ages," says Beacon CEO Andy Blankemeyer. "The walk-in clinic is one more step for us in serving the needs of that community."

The clinic, which treats sprains, dislocations, fractures, concussions and other injuries, is open from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday. It provides a convenient option for patients who need immediate attention. 

"The clinic primarily provides the evaluation of acute musculoskeletal injuries," says Erlanger medical director David Sower, MD. But the clinic is also available for patients who haven’t found the time to schedule an appointment for a nagging orthopedic condition.

Patients are first examined and then might undergo diagnostic imaging (X-ray or MRI). After treatment, they can schedule follow-up care as needed.

Beacon believes the walk-in clinic offers several advantages over other community options. First of all, office visits are going to be cheaper at the walk-in clinic than emergency departments or urgent-treatment centers.

The walk-in clinic is also designed to decrease wait times. "Our goal is to get people in quickly," Dr. Sower says. "We want to save patients from spending excess time in emergency departments waiting to be seen."

At Beacon, patients are seen by an orthopedic specialist. "You are going to see someone quicker at our walk-in clinic," Dr. Sower continues. "And you are going to see someone who specializes in orthopedic injuries."

Beacon has specialists to cover any orthopedic need at seven locations across the Tri-State. 

"Beacon is the largest independent orthopedic group in Cincinnati," says Blankemeyer. "We specialize in the care and treatment of orthopedic-related injuries, including sports medicine, hand, foot and ankle, and spine."

Many of the locations are equipped to diagnose and handle all orthopedic needs. "We offer full service, in that we do physical therapy on-site at most of our locations," Dr. Sower explains. "In addition to X-ray, we have our own MRI here in Erlanger and some of our

other locations."

Beacon’s mission holds true at each location, including the walk-in clinic. "We offer cost-effective, high-quality orthopedic services that meet the needs of the community," Blankemeyer says. "Northern Kentucky has been one of our fastest growing regions. I’m proud that our new walk-in clinic is meeting the needs of that community by providing a low-cost alternative to emergency rooms."

"Patients like it when they can be seen quickly, get a specific diagnosis and treatment plan with follow-up, all at the same time," Dr. Sower adds. "I’m excited about getting people the care they want in a more streamlined fashion with the walk-in clinic."

Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine walk-in clinic is located at 600 Rodeo Drive, Erlanger, KY 41018. For more information, call 513.354.3700 or visit www.beaconortho.com.