OrthoCarolina is one of the larger orthopedic medical providers in the Carolinas, if not the Southeast. On April 04, 2011, OrthoCarolina revealed it has acquired North East Orthopedics of Concord, NC. The practice group in Concord will be renamed OrthoCarolina Concord, in keeping with the standard tradition of the facilities within the OrthoCarolina umbrella.

With the inclusion of this latest acquisition, the orthopedic giant now has 94 physicians located at 20 offices in North Carolina and South Carolina. The group has actively pursued other orthopedic groups in recent months. In February of 2011, it acquired Boone Orthopaedics. In October of 2011, OrthoCarolina merged with Scotland Orthopedics.

This merger further illustrates the continuing loss of competition among orthopedic practice groups in the Carolinas, particularly in the Charlotte area. Many individuals fail to realize what an issue this problem is. However, history has proven the lack of competition leads to disastrous results.

Without debating the pros or cons of specific practice groups, I do believe that it is beneficial to the public to offer multiple orthopedic options. Various issues arise during the course of medical treatment, whether litigation is involved or not. Therefore, it beneficial for the patient to have an opportunity to obtain an unbiased second opinion.

If you have encountered an issue regarding your medical treatment in your workers' compensation claim, perhaps you should speak with a knowledgeable Charlotte workers' compensation lawyer. If you otherwise have questions regarding medical care you have received, please feel free to consult our Charlotte attorney.

CharlotteObserver.com, Orthopedic Practices Merge, 04/04/11