Total Joint Replacement Process Integrated with Shari Hottinger as Touchpoint
Shari Hottinger’s job is to ensure your orthopedic surgery experience is a smooth one.
Hottinger, the Nurse Navigator with Gritman’s orthopedic program, knows how difficult it can be to maneuver through the health care system when undergoing a complex procedure. That’s why she serves as the point person with patients for all their surgery needs–making the experience as seamless and satisfying as possible.
“I’m basically the touchpoint person with the patient throughout the entire continuum,” she said.
Working with all the hospital’s credentialed orthopedic surgeons including Gritman Orthopedic Surgeons Dr. Marvin Kym and Orthopedic Certified Nurse Practitioner Sunshine Huffman, Hottinger collaborates on everything from pre-op classes to Gritman Therapy Solutions sessions to the surgery itself. As a Registered Nurse, she works with other medical staff and providers to help patients navigate the many elements that come with a total hip replacement, total knee replacement or other major orthopedic procedures.
“I round with the person,” she said. “They’re kind of expecting me. They know I will stop by. Once they go home one of the most important parts is in that follow-up. I’m working with them on that, and before, during and after surgery.”
Hottinger consults with all orthopedic surgery patients at Gritman, including those who may be having surgery with an Inland Orthopedics provider or through another credentialed physician.
“All orthopedic patients who come within these walls,” she said. “We want great outcomes for all patients, regardless of who their provider is.”
The Nurse Navigator also tracks quality measures for medical staff as patients go through the surgery and other departments within the orthopedic care program–from diagnostic imaging and non-opioid pain management to primary care and physical therapy.
Quality measures are important as the practice works toward building an industry-accredited orthopedic center of excellence, which is a significant achievement in the health care field.
While the Nurse Navigator position is as new as the Gritman Orthopedic Surgeons practice, Hottinger’s experience in the role with the region’s providers is not. Hottinger has 27 years of nursing experience. Led by Surgical Clinics Director Edie Wade, who also previously worked with Hottinger and our Gritman Orthopedic Surgeons, the team is excited to expand on our already-robust orthopedic care program.
“The team I’m working with, it’s a proven team,” she said. “I’m excited to build something and for this challenge with a team that is proven.”
Gritman Orthopedic Surgeons operates from the Gritman Medical Park, 2301 W. A St., Moscow. Learn more at gritman.org/orthopedic.
Learn more about your specific surgery by visiting the Gritman Online Clinic.
