Lancaster Orthopedic Group Doctors Providing Expert Orthopedic Care
Penn State Health has officially joined forces with Lancaster Orthopedic Group (LOG), a physician-owned orthopedic specialty group, to significantly expand orthopedic services across Lancaster and Berks counties. This affiliation, effective as of January 31, marks a major step in enhancing patient access to comprehensive orthopedic care in the region. Patients seeking top-tier orthopedic expertise will benefit from this collaboration, bringing together the trusted Lancaster Orthopedic Group Doctors with the extensive resources of Penn State Health.
Expanding Access to Expert Orthopedic Physicians
This strategic affiliation directly addresses the increasing demand for specialized orthopedic services within Penn State Health’s East Region. Lancaster Orthopedic Group, established in 1985, brings to the partnership a robust team of 18 experienced orthopedic physicians and 15 advanced practice providers. With three established locations in Lancaster County, LOG has a long-standing reputation for providing exceptional orthopedic care.
The collaboration ensures that patients can continue to receive care from their trusted Lancaster Orthopedic Group doctors at their current locations. Furthermore, these physicians will extend their services to Penn State Health facilities, including Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center, where many LOG doctors already hold medical staff positions. Expanding services into Berks County, select Lancaster Orthopedic Group doctors will also join the medical team at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center, broadening access for patients in this area as well.
Enhanced Patient Care and Academic Resources
“Our primary goal is to make sure patients have easy access to the highest quality orthopedic care, right in their community,” stated Dr. April Armstrong, Physician Vice President of Penn State Health Musculoskeletal Services. She also highlighted the added value for patients, noting, “Affiliating with LOG allows Penn State Health to not only broaden patient access to convenient, high-quality orthopedic services but also to connect them with the advanced academic specialty and sub-specialty resources that only an academic health system like Penn State Health can offer in this region.” This means patients will benefit from the combined expertise of Lancaster Orthopedic Group doctors and the cutting-edge resources of Penn State Health.
Seamless Integration for Continued Patient Care
While the affiliation is official, Lancaster Orthopedic Group physicians and providers will continue to operate under the LOG banner during an integration period, expected to last 12 to 18 months. This phased approach ensures a smooth transition for both patients and providers as LOG integrates into Penn State Health’s electronic medical record and billing systems. It’s worth noting that many Lancaster Orthopedic Group doctors have a prior connection to Penn State Health, having trained at Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health. Currently, there are no immediate plans for these physicians to join the academic faculty. The dedicated staff of approximately 230 full-time equivalent personnel at LOG will remain employees of Lancaster Orthopedic Group, ensuring continuity in operations and patient scheduling.
Shared Vision for Regional Orthopedic Excellence
“We are very excited about this affiliation with Penn State Health,” said Dr. Corey Troxell, the current President of the LOG Board. “We believe that aligning with a distinguished health system that shares our commitment to enhancing access to exceptional orthopedic care in our region will be highly beneficial for our patients, our team, and the wider community.”
The leadership structure of Lancaster Orthopedic Group’s Board of Directors will evolve to include representatives from Penn State Health. This includes Dr. Armstrong and Joe Frank, President of Penn State Health’s Lancaster and St. Joseph Medical Centers, who will join the Board to help guide LOG’s operations, performance, and strategic direction moving forward.
Joe Frank emphasized the strategic importance of the affiliation, stating, “The demand for orthopedic services in our East Region is consistently growing. It is crucial for Penn State Health to seek innovative ways to expand access and meet this increasing need. This affiliation is key to ensuring we have a wide range of highly skilled orthopedic specialists readily available to provide top-quality medical care and surgical procedures for our patients at both Lancaster and St. Joseph medical centers.” This partnership between Penn State Health and Lancaster Orthopedic Group doctors promises a stronger, more accessible orthopedic service network for the communities they serve.