Valley Baptist Medical Center Holds “Specialty Certification” for Knee and Hip Surgery

HARLINGEN – Patients from across the country have come to the Valley to have a knee or replacement with Dr. Rick Bassett, a nationally-known orthopedic surgeon and medical director of Valley Baptist Medical Center’s specially-certified Joint Replacement Program in Harlingen.

Recently a national accrediting organization for healthcare organizations, the Joint Commission, reviewed Valley Baptist’s knee and hip replacement program to ensure that the hospital is continuing to meet national standards, and the review resulted in another “passed certification” — showing that Valley Baptist is continuing to meet all requirements for a “specialty certification” in joint replacement surgery.

The surgery is performed for patients who have pain, discomfort, or loss of function because of arthritis, accidents, or other causes. The surgery is designed to help restore the patient’s ability to walk and relieve pain.

Following joint replacement surgery, patients recover on a specially-equipped orthopedics floor at Valley Baptist, with 39 large, private rooms, staffed by nurses experienced at caring for joint replacement patients.

Overhead trapezes and bars above the patient beds help recovering patients by providing leverage when they are trying to move in their bed or get in or out of the bed. Once the patient is out of bed, they begin to walk again with assistance from physical therapists. Physical therapy plays a major role in the recovery of orthopedic patients, with Valley Baptist patients receiving physical therapy twice a day.

In addition, Valley Baptist offers comprehensive rehabilitation programs which range from an intensive inpatient rehabilitation program to outpatient services after discharge from the hospital.

For more information on knee, hip and other joint replacement procedures, please consult your physician and visit www.ValleyBaptist.net.