Exton Post Acute in Chester County, Pa., Launches Orthopedic Recovery Program

Exton Post Acute has introduced OrthoWIN, a highly specialized subacute care program for orthopedic recovery. Scott Ritterman, MD, an orthopedic surgeon, and Sumit Patel, MD, a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) specialist, are directing the new initiative with the support of an interdisciplinary care team at the Chester County skilled nursing facility.

OrthoWIN is a PM&R-centered care model available to clients of Marquis Health Consulting Services, which supports Exton Post Acute. OrthoWIN caters to patients recovering from a range of orthopedic surgeries and injuries; it is ideal for those with co-morbidities or without the social support to recover at home independently. PM&R, also known as Physiatry, focuses on the restoration of health and function with an integrated treatment plan including pain management and physical therapy.

“OrthoWIN responds to a direct call from healthcare systems for this type of skilled nursing specialization,” said Marquis’ Erin Popelak, regional director of market development. “Exton Post Acute’s goal is to help its area hospital partners address the growing volume of joint replacement care and fracture care patients who are unable to transition directly home following a surgery or injury.”

Under the leadership of Dr. Ritterman and Dr. Patel, OrthoWIN’s “whole body” approach offers customized support to manage complex cases. The OrthoWIN platform – with its clear quality measures and a standardized approach – features a guided PM&R plan, seven-days-per-week therapy services as warranted, coordination with a patient’s surgical team on preferences, and wound care management. OrthoWIN also includes patient and caregiver education, as well as a virtual or in-person home evaluation prior to discharge.

Dr. Ritterman specializes in both hip and knee replacement, robotic assisted knee replacement, and orthopedic trauma. He is affiliated with Premier Orthopaedics, as well as numerous health systems in the region, including Penn Medicine, Tower Health, Main Line Health and Trinity Health. Dr. Patel, who is board-certified in PM&R, is in private practice and specializes in skilled nursing settings. Previously, he was affiliated with Crozer Health System, and served as medical director and attending physician of the rehab unit of St. Luke’s Health System.

“Exton Post Acute is fortunate to have Dr. Ritterman and Dr. Patel lead this new initiative, supported by a dedicated team of talented specialists,” said Popelak. “With OrthoWIN, Exton Post Acute is well-positioned to bridge the gap between hospital and home."

Exton has continued to introduce programming to meet the needs of the local community. In addition to OrthoWIN, the center recently introduced its comprehensive Chronic Illness Support model, which integrates palliative care, pastoral support and other services with its specialized clinical programming.

Located at 501 Thomas Jones Way in Exton, the center provides post-hospital and short-term rehab care. More information on Exton Post Acute and its programs can be accessed at extonrehab.com.

Marquis Health Consulting Services provides administrative consulting services to skilled nursing facilities and senior living communities along the Eastern Seaboard. The company’s “Care, Anew” philosophy supports its mission to help clients transform industry processes, mindsets and outcomes. Marquis-serviced skilled nursing centers have access to an evolving suite of clinician-led specialty care models, signature services and comfort features – enabling innovation, compassion and purpose in every aspect of care.