Welcome
Specialties
Anatomical
Shoulder, Knee
Treatment
Arthroscopic Surgery, Sports Medicine, Primary Care Sports Medicine
My approach to treating patients
 | All athletes - be it competitive or recreational - have a sense of urgency when injured. Athletes want help fast, so they can get back into action. That's where the sports-trained staff at Mid-State Sports Medicine excels. At MSSM we are caring, dedicated, and well-trained. We make every effort to see patients within a few days of injury. I am a conservative "surgeon" (preferring to exhaust non-operative measures before recommending an operation), but am an "aggressive" team physician, utilizing experience and judgement to facilitate a more rapid return to sport. My patients will agree that I am extremely thorough in the office, devoting a substantial amount of time for each patient. Patient education is extremely important to me, as I believe a knowledgeable patient does better than one with little understanding of his/her condition. I involve patients in the decision-making process as much as possible.
From a surgical standpoint, I concentrate on the things that I do best, thus maintaining the delivery of "state-of-the-art" care. Knee reconstruction is my area of greatest expertise, having trained under a variety of well-known knee surgeons. I also treat a large number of patients with shoulder problems, ranging from athletes with instability to middle-aged individuals with impingment and rotator cuff tears. I utilize both arthroscopic and open procedures, depending upon the type of condition and the demands of the patient. |
| I treat my patients honestly, fairly, and openly to the best of my abilities. I use physical therapy resources extensively, and prescribe appropriate use of braces and supports. I believe in judicious administration of medications and injections, and surgical interventions only when appropriate. I endeavor to follow my patients until they have recovered from a problem; if I cannot help the patient, I readily refer to other well-trained specialists. | |
Contact Information
Other staff in my practice
James W. Cates, M.D. - Primary Care Physician. Dr. Cates comes to our practice with over 17 years of experience in primary care and emergency medicine. He has worked with me in the treatment of sports injuries for over 7 years. He is happy to work in our office three days a week to assist our patients and myself. He and I typically follow the same treatment protocols and often share in the care of our patients. We are always in close contact and work well together to ensure each patient receives the best care possible.
Marcia Reel - Office Manager. Marcia has been with our office since January 2004. She coordinates all the activity of the office including insurance, staffing, and physician management.
Joe Buck and Jill Layne - X-ray Technicians.
Vernita Young - Certified Athletic Trainer. Vernita's athletic training background gives her a wonderful understanding of each athlete's need. She assists the doctor in many ways.
Daniel Shaver - Licensed Practical Nurse, LPN. Daniel
began working with us in November 2004. He will bring you into a room and take your medical history. He is also able to fit you with braces or splints as directed by the doctor. He will be able to assist with many of your medical needs.
Mashell Cooper - Check-Out Receptionist. Mashell will assist you after you see the physician. She will schedule special testing, physical therapy, and assist you with your payment. She works daily with our bililng company to ensure the patient's bill is correct. Mashell works with the insurance companies to make sure all surgeries are pre-certified.
Alexis Twyman - Check-In Receptionist. Alexis will greet you when you arrive at our office. She will have paperwork for you to fill out and will need a copy of your insurance card. She will call you with a reminder of your appointment time.
When you enter my practice, Alexis will greet you, take your insurance information and let the other staff know that you are here for your appointment. When you leave the waiting area and come to one of the examination rooms, Vernita or Daniel will talk with you about how you sustained your injury, what other physicians you may have seen because of your injury, and what your thoughts are regarding the injury. Joe or Jill will be taking any x-rays necessary. Typically we will always take x-rays on your first visit. Mashell will make your next appointment and will assist you with your payment and insurance questions. Marcia is available by phone or email, so if you have an administrative question or concern, please feel free to contact her anytime.
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