Atlanta Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Joseph, Founder of Unique Third-Party Free Orthopedic Practice, Interviewed on "Stossel"

    ATLANTA, GA, September 09, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Unique third-party free orthopedic practice founded by Dr. Thomas Joseph in Atlanta caught the attention of John Stossel, host of "Stossel". Dr. Joseph was interviewed by John Stossel at Fox News headquarters in New York City and the segment was aired September 4, 2015 on FOXBusiness.

The discussion focused on how healthcare improves using free market concepts. Mr. Stossel drew attention to how Dr. Joseph has removed the middle man thus allowing free market forces to work. The Accountable Care Act has gotten people interested in reducing the cost of healthcare. During the conversation, Dr. Joseph clearly showed how third parties decrease quality and increase costs drastically. The current system is deeply dysfunctional and free markets can work as well in healthcare as in other areas. As more people pay attention due to high deductibles, increased co-pays and coinsurance, Dr. Joseph has provided an opportunity for patients to take financial control. "One of the things I like about the Accountable Care Act is that deductibles have gone up, encouraging people to pay attention and ask questions," he said.

In January 2015, Dr. Joseph opened his unique third-party free orthopedic practice called Freedom Orthopedic and Rehab. While anyone will benefit from his practice, Dr. Joseph notes that he is focused on those with high deductible plans or poor/no insurance. "The simple payment structure allows patients to clearly understand their costs prior to getting treated." An initial orthopedic visit will cost exactly and only $300. This covers all office care including the medical evaluation, x-rays and any additional office treatments such as a cast, split, sling, injection, laceration repair or fracture reduction, etc. Follow-up visits are $80 and also are all inclusive of office care.

Dr. Joseph notes, "Our patients are grateful for our care and undistracted attention as well as the fair, affordable and transparent costs. I cannot tell you how many patients have said to me 'I'm never going back ' to the standard medical system."

Freedom Orthopedic and Rehab has also negotiated fair, comprehensive costs for all orthopedic surgical procedures. " For example, the cost for a carpal tunnel release or a wrist fracture surgery are $3000 and $5000, respectively, versus $8000 -$12,000 or $10,000-$20,000 after standard hospital bills." Surgery is performed at Perimeter Surgery Center or North Fulton Hospital depending on patient needs and preferences.

Dr. Joseph is often asked how he can provide such outstanding care without the overwhelming costs. His response, "It is very simple. I have taken out the middleman. We have no insurance department, no coding department, no billing department or expensive, unnecessary electronic health records systems that add absolutely nothing to patient care. Not to mention these things are distracting while I am attempting to care for a patient's orthopedic problems. Patients notice the difference."

Freedom Orthopedic and Rehab also provides physical therapy services. Kristen Joseph, PT provides physical therapy care using the same payment method. The first visit is $100 and follow-up visits are $60 each. This is also extraordinarily fair and affordable. Kristen states, "I am able to focus 100% of my attention on the patient. There is no computer busy work or other billing or coding distractions. My prices are less than most peoples' co-pays who supposedly have 'good insurance'."

While they do not accept payment directly from third parties, Dr. Joseph and Kristen Joseph provide the forms and paperwork necessary to file for reimbursement from an insurance provider. "This process has been working extremely well. Costs are plummeting and patient satisfaction is through the roof," says Dr. Joseph. "Better quality for less cost is the American way."

About Freedom Orthopedic and Rehab
Freedom Orthopedic and Rehab is located at 6840 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Dunwoody, GA. The facility is focused on problems that are not an immediate emergency. This includes ankle sprains, knee injuries, back and neck pain, shoulder injuries, wrist and hand injuries, arthritis and fractures. Features of the practice include direct doctor access to one of the area's top board-certified orthopedic surgeons. Kristen Joseph, licensed physical therapist, provides direct-access to physical therapy services on site. Fees for each visit are paid up-front. While Freedom Orthopedic does not directly accept third-party insurance, forms needed to request reimbursement from insurance providers are provided. Phone: 404-998-0936

About Dr. Thomas N. Joseph
Dr. Thomas N. Joseph, a native of South Carolina, completed his undergraduate degree Magna Cum Laude at Georgetown University. He earned his medical degree with AOA honors from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C. His internship and residency were performed at NYU/Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York City. During that time, Dr. Joseph was involved with direct patient care of victims of September 11th. After his residency, he completed a foot and ankle specialty fellowship in Baltimore, Md. He is board certified in Orthopedic Surgery and a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, and South Carolina Orthopedic Association.

Dr. Joseph had been residing in South Carolina for the past 10 years where he had been practicing general orthopedics with a specialty interest in foot and ankle disorders. He completed his duties as President of the South Carolina Orthopedic Association 2013-2014. He currently has privileges and performs surgery at North Fulton Hospital and Perimeter Surgery Center. Dr. Joseph now lives in Atlanta with his wife Kristen Joseph and two sons.

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