North Star closing North Country Orthopedic, some services will be retained

BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

 North Star Health Alliance will close North Country Orthopaedic Group and the North Country Orthopaedic Ambulatory Surgery Center in Watertown within the next 30 to 90 days as part of the health system's ongoing restructuring and stabilization efforts.

The announcement was made in a press release issued by North Star Health Alliance which oversees hospitals in Carthage and Ogdensburg and is navigating bankruptcy.

It remains unclear how many employees will be affected by the closures. North Star officials did not provide staffing figures for either facility and did not indicate whether layoffs will occur as part of the transition.

What’s staying

According to North Star officials, orthopedic services currently provided in Watertown will be consolidated in Carthage. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Bruce Baird and physician assistant Michael McElheran will join Dr. Nata Parnes and physician assistant Steven Kieb at the Carthage Orthopedic Clinic, located at 3 Bridge St.

North Star officials said the clinic will continue providing evaluation and treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including upper extremity disorders, spine conditions, arthritis, joint disorders and joint replacement care.

Patients will continue to have access to both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic treatment options, according to North Star.

The transition also affects endocrinology services. Nurse practitioners Jolene LaFrance and Elizabeth Verno will relocate their practices to Carthage Family Health Center at 22075 Constitution Drive, where they will continue seeing patients.

What’s going

Physical therapy services currently offered through the Watertown facilities will be discontinued. Patients seeking physical therapy services will be referred to Carthage Area Hospital's physical therapy department. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 315-493-1340.

North Star officials said additional details regarding provider transitions are still being finalized and will be communicated directly to patients as plans are completed.

Patients with appointments already scheduled with Baird, McElheran, LaFrance or Verno are expected to keep those appointments, though the location where services are provided may change.

Patients will receive mailed notices outlining provider locations, scheduling information and care coordination resources designed to help ensure continuity of care during the transition, officials said.

North Star’s statement

“We recognize that this transition will be difficult for patients, providers, employees and the broader community,” said Interim Chief Executive Officer Andy Manzer. “Our priority is to support those affected, preserve continuity of care wherever possible, and maintain local access to orthopedic services as we continue working to stabilize the health system and build a more sustainable model of care for the North Country.”

Manzer said North Star is working to retain as many affected employees as possible by identifying available positions elsewhere within the health system.

However, officials have not disclosed how many employees currently work at the orthopedic group, surgery center or associated physical therapy operations, leaving the full employment impact of the closures unclear.

The closure of the Watertown orthopedic practice and ambulatory surgery center follows months of turmoil and restructuring within North Star Health Alliance, which has eliminated more than 100 positions across its facilities in recent months as leaders work to reduce costs and address financial instability.