Nobody wants to get hurt while on vacation, but sometimes it happens.
Did you crash at one of the Wasatch Front resorts, think you were okay, but later decide to get checked? This new after-hours clinic treats what was hurt while skiing during the day.
The University of Utah Health Care Orthopedic Center is one of only a handful of academic medical centers in the nation to open an after hours, walk-in injury clinic, and it’s the first of its kind in the state. It’s very convenient for those skiing at Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, Solitude.
Resorts have their own on-mountain clinics, but often things don’t hurt until after you go back to your hotel. Skiers sometimes twist a knee, pull a hamstring, or get hurt some other way; and when the pain doesn’t go away they realize they really should be checked. The walk-in, after hours clinic fits the need.
The clinic treats fractures, strains, sprains, tendon injury or tendonitis, joint problems, or orthopedic injuries.
On a personal note, three friends recently went to the clinic and were delighted with the attention and care. X-rays showed one friend has a bone crack. Two others were identified with muscle tears. All were treated right there; they’re on their way to swift recoveries.
The clinic offers low wait times and an office visit co-payment that’s less expensive than a trip to the emergency room.
“The concept of acute care ortho clinics is a new one,” said Joy English, M.D. 36, sports medicine physician and clinic director. “People are starting to realize it’s a much better place for them than the ER.”
