JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. –
The partnership between the 87th Medical Group and the Keller Army Community Hospital (KACH) at West Point, New York, which began in February of 2022, has resumed, continuing the advanced orthopedic care to service members assigned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
U.S. Army Maj William Roach, MD, bridged the four-month break in service by assuming all prior patients and expanded upon the net of patients due to him being a generalist within his scope of practice. Dr. Roach travels to Joint Base MDL monthly to evaluate patients needing potential surgical and postoperative orthopedic care.
"This base [JB MDL] has around 100 referrals out to orthopedics every month," Roach said. "Through this partnership, we can provide a convenient and local opinion for those in need."
The partnership provides military members in-house orthopedic care, saving money and time and contributing to medical readiness.
"Every surgery in the military costs about $25,000 per person," Roach said. "I've seen patients dealing with chronic pain for over a year, and being able to streamline the amount of time it takes contributes to their wellbeing."
By having a military surgeon who understands the patients' profiles and requirements, medical records can be kept on the same platform, eliminating the need for patients to physically carry records or electronically send them to a military medical facility.
The initiative saves the Department of Defense close to $2.5 million a year by providing in-house orthopedic care, recapturing money back to the force that can be focused on adding to or improving existing departments, processes, or medical staff.
"When we found out that Keller had orthopedic surgeons, we decided to leverage their support," Lt Col. Cheick Bah, 87th Medical Support Squadron commander, said. "Instead of sending our folks up there, they can just send a provider down here. We're saving the DoD money and our patient's time."
The partnership has helped the 87th Medical Group expedite the process of orthopedic care. The partnership has also enabled patients to be treated in a familiar environment on base and by military-trained orthopedic surgeons who understand the military's mission and the kinds of injuries that military members may experience.
"They understand our mission, the degree of care a member needs, and ensures they receive the care they need," Bah said. "West Point's reputation within the orthopedic community as a global leader in sports medicine surgery and research is well-known."
Overall, the partnership with Keller for Orthopedics has been beneficial, with a 100% success rate.
"Having these good outcomes and helping those dealing with chronic pain is one of the most rewarding things out of this partnership," Roach said.