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Tomaino Arm Care Network

Dr. Tomaino's Blog

Tomaino Care: What does this mean?

May 2nd, 2010
This week I was reminded of what might be in jeopardy in the future as new health care policy is implemented. I saw a 72 yo woman who was seeing me because of severe shoulder pain caused by osteoarthritis. She had arthroscopic surgery allegedly to "clean things up," but was still having pain and stiffness. Her xrays indeed revealed severe loss of cartilage. In my mind the liklihood that an arthroscopic approach would have helped was slim to none, but she tells me that it was advised. Most alarming is that she told me that her surgeon never actually touched her.....never examined her. She even joked that she was not entirely sure that he did the surgery.

Hard to beleive, but, I am hearing comments like these more frequently-----I suspect because physican extenders like PA's, and, at University practices, residents and fellows, are being leveraged, increasingly, to expand "capacity". Simple equation----demand for service exceeds supply. This also results in increasing wait times both for a 1st appointment, as well as a return that has not been anticipated. Indeed, Urgent Care Centers at some Orthopaedic Practices are being used to accomodate the overflow!!

This all may be a reality, BUT it is my hope that we will never jeopardize the trust our patients have in us, or the Quality of our offering by not resonating with them-----which means examining, listening, and explaining.

At Tomaino Orthopaedic Care, TOMAINO CARE is meant to reflect a different brand than what is becoming the status quo. We may not always get it right, but it is our goal. And, if during the office visit, all questions are not answered, I am available by email after hours. So, having my name on the door has allowed me to practice in a way that allows me to avoid the all-too-frequent complaints of poor access to the doctor. As healthcare becomes available to all--------I for one hope that the qulaity of the offering....the Art and the Science-------is not jeopardized.

Replies

Maryann Mazzaferro

Sad that there are those suffering from shoulder pain that are submitted to
less than sufficient care, and if any care at all!!!!
I too can relate to this- the months i experienced shoulder pain. looking for answers,
insifficient procedures, plenty of meds, trying to accept the fact that I would just have to "live" with the pain. Then, after many disappointments, I found Dr. Tomaino.
After care ful evaluation and
monitoring, we decided on my reverse shoulder replacement. It was the best decision of my life!!!! From excuciating to no pain at all. I feel fantastic!!!!!! And can do every thing I
dreamed of doing, but never thought was possible. Yes,
life is good, and Tomaino care, as i have said so many times before, is the BEST anyone could ever hope for!
Maryann Mazzaferro

May 22nd, 2010 @ 12:17 pm
Outlier

I settled in with my son Sunday evening to watch the second half of 60 Minutes which featured Robert Ballard, the famous underwater explorer. He made a comment towards the end of the program that reminded me very much of this blog and your blog post, "Wizard of Oz". Mr. Ballard made remarked that people, other scientists, usually dismiss him because he is famously celebrated for his achievements, namely discovering the wreck of the Titanic. I don't remember verbatum, but he basically said they feel that because he promotes himself that he isn't an honest scholar and scientist...he's only in it for the money. His response to them is if he didn't promote himself as a business he wouldn't have the funding to continue to make all of the amazing discoveries his team HAS made and contributed to modern science. He also remarked that today's society is based on the 'star' system. If you aren't 'the STAR', then you are nothing. We have gotten away from 'we' and the team and everyone is out there for themselves.
His answer is that HE didn't discover anything. His TEAM did the work along with him.
I guess what I'm saying is that Tomaino Care is that team. Yes, Dr. Tomaino, you do have to promote yourself, or your product, to stand out from the pack, but if you didn't have the team, or product, 'the quality of the offering" to back up that promotion you wouldn't be coming up strong on the 2-yr mark for Tomaino Care.
No one who has ever visited the office could honestly say the experience is like any they have had and any other hospital backed Orthopedist.

Outlier

June 13th, 2010 @ 9:54 pm

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