Oklahoma Foundation for Orthopedic Health Helps Uninsured OKC Resident

The Oklahoma Foundation for Orthopedic Health, a non-profit branch of the Orthopedic Institute, recently helped an uninsured Oklahoma City resident by providing her with much-needed surgery at no cost to her. Physicians at the Orthopedic Institute donate their time to care for uninsured patients.

Shelma White, 55, is disabled due to a severe back injury sustained when she fell from a roof while installing Christmas lights. Since that time she has been unable to work and cannot afford health insurance coverage. White applied for assistance from the foundation and received a grant for the surgery and follow-up care.

"The foundation is such a blessing," said White. "I don't know what I would do without it. I have been in such pain from my injury - I'm just so thankful they were able to perform the surgery I needed."

Dr. C.L. Soo, spine surgeon with Orthopedic Institute, performed the surgical procedure on June 9th which consisted of removal of hardware followed by an interbody fusion in the lumbar region. According to Soo, the surgery performed on White is valued at approximately $80,000 to $100,000. All costs for the surgery were raised through private and corporate donations to the foundation.

"The procedure for Shelma went very well," stated Soo. "After an initial recovery period and some time dedicated to physical therapy, Shelma should expect an overall decrease in back pain and improved quality of life."

Soo said he expects White to return to normal activities within six months and that her chances to return to work should be much improved at that time.

Shelma's surgery falls under the WORK program which stands for Working Oklahomans Receive Kindness. This program is a primary focus of the foundation. Through the WORK program, medically uninsured working Oklahomans may apply to receive health care assistance. Applicants accepted into the WORK program may receive clinic visits, laboratory work, MRIs, physical therapy and in some cases, surgery. All costs for the patient's care are covered by the Oklahoma Foundation for Orthopedic Health.

About Oklahoma Foundation for Orthopedic Health The Oklahoma Foundation for Orthopedic Health (OFOH) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1996 by the founder of the Orthopedic Institute, Dr. Houshang Seradge. OFOH promotes a higher standard of care through innovative research, education and treatments focusing on orthopedic and arthritis care. OFOH is dedicated to developing a higher standard of patient care in the medical community by creating an expanded interest in and understanding of medicine and specialty areas as well as providing continuing medical education opportunities for health professionals.