PATC e-newsletter Monday, November 16, 2015 – 26 year old female with knee injury
Project Access Tarrant County and Dr. Michael Boothby provide surgical and rehabilitation care to a 26 year old female with a knee injury who lacked insurance.
Twenty-six year old Isabella, married with one son, injured her knee over a year ago while playing soccer. Though she initially received medical care through the Texas Health Huguley Emergency Department, she was unable to receive the surgery needed for full recovery due to her lack of insurance. Although in pain, she was able to continue working due to a sedentary job. She looked for help online and found Southside Community Health Center who in turn referred her to PATC. There, Isabella was diagnosed with a Proximal ACL tear. After enrolling in PATC, she was able to go to Dr. Boothby at The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute.
Dr. Boothby determined that surgery was indeed necessary. Isabella was scared about her surgery, but Dr. Boothby and the Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute staff answered all her questions and made her feel at ease. Their encouragement motivated her to keep going forward with her medical care, and she soon had her surgery at Baylor Surgicare of Fort Worth. Of Project Access Dr. Boothby says, "My involvement with Project Access started when I was introduced to a young man with a debilitating knee injury who required a major reconstructive knee surgery but who did not have insurance or the means to receive appropriate treatment. I was struck by how Project Access was uniquely positioned to coordinate top of the line care for patients."
Isabella is continuing to receive physical therapy through Dr. Boothby's office and her pain has decreased. She can now walk without the assistance of crutches. Isabella explained that if PATC did not exist, she still be looking for help. She is glad that PATC is available for low income families like her.
