March 25, 2024
HARRISBURG, Pa. — UPMC in Central Pa. has launched a new spine care program that aims to improve patient experience by connecting patients with a multi-disciplinary team of experts to evaluate and treat a variety of conditions ranging from spine tumors and scoliosis to back pain and weakness or numbness in arms and legs.
“Spine conditions can cause pain or an inability to do everyday tasks, which can severely impact a patient’s quality of life,” said Bryan Bolinger, D.O., neurosurgeon, UPMC Spine Care in Central Pa. “Our goal as a care team is to collaborate with patients on a personalized care plan that will get them back to doing the things they love most.”
UPMC Spine Care in Central Pa. includes eight physicians and six advanced practice providers, and combines experts from neurosurgery, orthopaedics, rehabilitation medicine, and pain management to help develop individualized treatment plans for patients. Care plans may include exercise, pain management, physical therapy and surgery, including use of robotic techniques.“The spine is a crucial part of the body that people use each day for sitting, standing and other essential tasks,” said Jerry Robinson, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon, UPMC Spine Care in Central Pa. “As a result, many people will seek spine-related medical care at some point during their life.”
“There is high demand for spine-related care in central Pennsylvania and our new program is meeting that critical need,” said David Gibbons, senior vice president, Health Services Division and regional president, UPMC in Central Pa. “Anytime our care teams of specialists and administrative staff come together collaboratively to enhance patient experience is a win. This innovative team-driven approach to spine care will help improve quality of life for central Pa. residents living with spine conditions.”
To make an appointment with UPMC Spine Care in Central Pa., call 717-791-2630.
Spine Team – Members of the UPMC Spine Care in Central Pa. include front row from left: Amy Zellers, D.O.; Sheela Vivekanandan, M.D., Jenny Lapp, CRNP; Jawairia Islam, PA-C; Katlyn Ecklund, CRNP; Kurstyn Derr, PA-C; and back row from left: Brian Davidson, PA-C; Bryan Bolinger, D.O.; John Braca, M.D.; William Beutler, M.D.; Bart Thaci, M.D.; Jerry Robinson, M.D.; Vinayak Narayan, M.D.; and Andy Wagenheim, PA-C.
Spine Surgeons – Surgeons with UPMC Spine Care in Central Pa. include from left: Sheela Vivekanandan, M.D.; Bryan Bolinger, D.O.; John Braca, M.D.; William Beutler, M.D.; Jerry Robinson, M.D.; Bart Thaci, M.D.; and Vinayak Narayan, M.D.
Zach Sweger
717-678-1300
swegerzg@upmc.edu
Want to Make an Appointment or Need Patient Information? Contact UPMC at 1-800-533-8762.
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