Services
Expertise in Sports Medicine
Tesson Heights Orthopaedics physicians offer the best possible care for patients suffering from sports-related injuries and have extensive experience in the treatment of common overuse and trauma-induced injuries. As part of our total approach to treatment, we provide patients with the highest level of personalized care. Our physicians are trained in the latest, minimally invasive techniques such as arthroscopy of the shoulder, wrist and knee.
Comprehensive Spinal Care
Dr. Thomas Lee and Dr. Amy Zippay, along with nurse practitioner, Susan Morris, specialize in back and neck pain due to injury, deformity and degenerative conditions. They provide complete diagnostic treatment and rehabilitation capabilities as well as preventive interventions. Following a thorough evaluation, Tesson Heights Orthopaedics employs the latest technology and techniques including advanced surgical and nonsurgical interventions for treatment and recovery.
Surgical procedures are geared toward minimizing pain, hospital stay, recovery time and cost. Your orthopaedic surgeon will help you determine whether surgery is right for you.
Innovative Approaches to Total Joint Replacement
Age, stress and disease can make joints stiff in much the same way as wear and a lack of lubrication can cause stiffness and squeaking in a door hinge. The most common cause of joint pain is arthritis, which afflicts nearly 20 percent of the US population. One of the most effective treatments for certain types of joint pain is total joint replacement.
Our surgeons have extensive specialty training in total joint replacements, including secondary or revision joint replacement surgery. One special area of interest is alternative joint replacement procedures for younger patients, in which we employ prostheses made of advanced materials like titanium, ceramic and new plastic joint liners that help to extend the lifetime of the new joint.
Hand & Upper Extremity Practice
We offer patients in the St. Louis area the latest techniques and technology for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of hand problems, including carpal tunnel syndrome, thumb arthritis, ganglion cysts and tendonitis of the wrist. Our physicians also provide expert, comprehensive care for shoulder and elbow pain sufferers. Treatment is tailored to the patient’s specific needs and includes conservative treatments like splinting, cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory medications, as well as minimally invasive procedures like arthroscopy.
Pain Management
Pain management starts with the initial evaluation. Our pain management physiatrist, Dr. Amy Zippay, works with the patient to find out what the patient’s goals are, what the patient has tried in the past, then to devise a plan with each individual patient to reach their specific goals. Conservative treatment is always the first line of treatment, including education for prevention of pain reoccurrences and ways to alleviate pain now. We have numerous modalities available, such as physical therapy and pain patches. In addition to medications to treat pain, injections could be given in the joint or spine. Each patient is different with very individualized needs. The key to appropriate care and pain relief is listening and identifying the main source of pain.
MRI
South County Open MRI sets the standard for patient comfort and access!
Our MRI scanner is located in our remodeled medical suite.
Our staff, certified MRI technologists and board certified radiologists are here to assure your comfort and safety throughout your study. Our MRI machine has been accredited by the American College of Radiology. After the exam, your physician will contact you or will have you set up an appointment to obtain the results of your MRI. Your exam will be interpreted by a board certified radiologist who reports the findings to your physician.
What is an MRI? (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- MRI is an accurate and innovative technology for the diagnosis and examination of soft tissue, bone or joint disease, as well as injury.
- MRI is able to detect injuries, abnormalities and other problems that may be invisible on a regular x-ray.
- MRI gives your doctor a more complete picture of what is wrong. This enables your doctor to diagnose and treat you more effectively.
What Happens During My Open MRI?
You will be positioned on a padded exam table and slowly rolled into the magnet opening. The body part that is being examined will be in the center of the scanner. You will hear a series of tapping sounds that will last from two to 10 minutes for each sequence of pictures. The exam lasts a total of 30 to 45 minutes.
Are There Any Special Precautions?
Yes, there may be. Please notify the technician if you have had brain, ear or eye surgery; also any of the following:
- Aneurysm clips, imbedded metal objects, pacemaker, neuro-simulator, metal clips or metal implants, surgical staples, foreign metal objects in the eye, shrapnel, gunshot wound or implanted drug infusion device.
- If you are pregnant, please notify your physician.
Please Keep This in Mind
- If you are anxious about the test, cut back on your caffeine intake prior to the MRI exam.
- Continue to take any medications, including pain medications, that have been prescribed by your doctor.
Facts You Should Know About Your Open MRI
- There are no special preparations. There is no special diet, medication, or fasting required.
- There are no side effects to an MRI…you can drive yourself home.
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes without metal snaps or zippers. Gowns will be available if needed.
- To help you relax during your exam, you may bring your favorite CD or listen to the radio station of your choice.
To make an MRI appointment, please call 314-714-1023.
YOUR COMFORT IS OUR GOAL!!
Necessary Forms:
Insurance & Billing
We will file medical claims with the insurance information you provide to us. If we have filed your claim and we have not received payment after 60 days, payment for any outstanding balance will be the responsibility of the patient.
Tesson Heights Orthopaedics currently accepts numerous insurance plans.
Please let our schedulers know what insurance plan you have to verify that our physicians are participating providers.
We are not participating providers of any state Medicaid plans.
Fees & Payment Policy
Tesson Heights Orthopaedics’ goal is to provide comprehensive and quality medical care at a reasonable cost.
To help manage your medical costs, please remember:
- Co-pays are due at the time of service.
- We accept cash, check and most major credit cards.
- If you have an outstanding balance, monthly payment arrangements or a payment plan can be set up with our billing department.
- If you are a patient without health care coverage, a $200 payment is required at your first visit and a monthly payment plan can be set up with our billing department for any remaining balance.
Workers Comp
Tesson Heights Orthopaedics knows there is urgency for an appointment when it comes to an injured worker. Our board certified orthopedic physicians understand the importance of working with each patient and workers' compensation representative. Tesson Heights Orthopaedics is dedicated to helping the patient return to work as soon as possible while making sure they get the quality of care they need.
Tesson Heights Orthopaedics Workers' Compensation offers:
- To quickly evaluate each employee’s situation, our five orthopedic workers' compensation physicians can provide your employees with same day appointments!
- A thorough program of diagnosis, treatment and therapy that helps get employees back to work as soon as possible.
- Independent Medical Examinations (IME), Ratings, Disability, Second Opinions and Medical Records Reviews.
Tesson Heights Orthopaedics physicians have over 18 years of experience in the workers' compensation industry. Our physicians provide employees with quality orthopedic healthcare while effectively controlling workers' compensation cost and lost time on the job. This is accomplished through our ongoing communication and use of available resources to promote high quality, cost effective results.
When making an appointment with one of our workers' compensation doctors, make sure you have the following:
- Authorization from your employer to make an appointment, or the employer must call to set up your initial appointment.
- Any medical records, x-rays or MRIs from other physicians in reference to the workers' compensation injury.
- A letter of authorization must be sent before the appointment.