We were referred to the OAM NOW Urgent Care Orthopaedic Care by our pediatrician after our son had been experiencing significant ankle pain for 3 days. By paying for this specialty office visit, we had hoped to be seen more quickly rather than waiting for a regular ortho office appointment, leave with a medical diagnosis, and have treatment plan. Unfortunately, it was a wasted trip, as we left without a diagnosis or a professional treatment plan, and we had to come back two days later (have our insurance charged for yet another specialty office visit) to be seen by a doctor to obtain this medical information.
It did not appear that there was a doctor on site that the Physician's Assistant we saw could consult with regarding our case. There was not a radiologist on site to interpret x-ray findings. The PA stated a presumed diagnosis as he walked into the exam room, without even talking to myself or evaluating my son ("another overuse injury"). My pediatrician completed a more thorough, hands-on evaluation of my son earlier in the day than was completed at this ortho clinic - the PA did not have my son walk to evaluate his gait pattern and did not assess his ROM, just gathered history and assessed pressure points for pain. They were able to complete x-rays on site, however, the PA did not appear to be able to adequately interpret and provide us with information as he reviewed the x-rays in the room with us. He indicated he thought it was a growth plate injury. When I asked him what that meant, he was unable to adequately explain or answer my questions. He proceeded to utilize the internet to look up information in front of us and then finally stated that, "I am not a pediatric orthopaedic ankle specialist. I see everything and just triage." His recommendations for my son to not put weight on his ankle and immobilize it, were recommendations we had told him we were already implementing. He did not provide me with a clear answer regarding how long this was recommended. He also could not adequately answer my questions on how the orthotic boot he recommended we get during the office visit would help my son's injury ("It will protect it" was about all I got.) The only bright spot of this clinic was Stephanie, the young lady issuing us our DME. She was able to answer some of my questions and provided more information about my son's suspected injury than the PA.
OAM's website indicates that the NOW clinic will "expedite specialty and therapy appointments to customize a treatment plan that's right for you." It did not come close to providing this stated service in our case. If you are looking for urgent care orthopaedic care for your child, I would recommend looking elsewhere. read more