Monterey Spine & Joint joins Montage Health's family of services
We’re excited to share that Monterey Spine & Joint (MSJ), a renowned provider of comprehensive musculoskeletal and neurosurgical care in Monterey County, has joined Montage Health. MSJ is now called Montage Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, continuing its longstanding tradition of providing exceptional care to the local community.
The addition of MSJ to our family ensures that residents of Monterey County can continue to receive world-class orthopedic care close to home.
— Dr. Michael McDermott, President and CEO of Montage Health
MSJ has been a trusted source of care for a wide range of issues including back and neck pain, arthritis, joint replacement, sports medicine, brain and neurological conditions, and foot, ankle, hand, and arm problems. The practice will continue to offer services including physical and occupational therapy, orthopedic urgent care, provider visits, MRIs, and X-rays, all conveniently located at MSJ’s 11,000-square-foot Ryan Ranch building.
“Montage Health is committed to enhancing access to high-quality healthcare for our community,” says Dr. Michael McDermott, President and CEO of Montage Health. “The addition of MSJ to our family ensures that residents of Monterey County can continue to receive world-class orthopedic care close to home.”
The new partnership is in response to challenges faced by many independent practices throughout the country. With lower insurance reimbursements and rising operational costs, many specialty practices find it increasingly difficult to remain independent. Recognizing these pressures, MSJ approached Montage Health to explore a partnership that safeguards the future of local orthopedic care for Monterey County communities.
“This collaboration allows us to maintain the integrity and expertise of MSJ while integrating their services into a larger, locally owned healthcare system,” says Dr. Samera Kasim, an orthopedic physician. “We are confident this transition will enhance patient care and ensure the community’s continued access to the specialized services they rely on.”
It'll be a seamless transition for patients, who will continue to receive care from the MSJ providers they have trusted with their healthcare.
“We look forward to working together to make this a smooth transition for our patients and community,” says Dr. Mark Carvalho, CEO of Montage Medical Group and Montage Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. “This marks another great milestone in ensuring that the people of Monterey County have access to excellent, local healthcare.”
Frequently asked questions
Why did MSJ join Montage Health?
MSJ leadership approached Montage Health, a valued partner, to integrate into our family of health services. In the evolving national healthcare landscape, one of the biggest challenges for doctors is a reduction in insurance reimbursements compounded by rising practice costs. Many physicians, especially in specialties like orthopedics, face difficulties maintaining independent practices. Montage Health has built expertise and efficiencies in addressing these issues with the goal of helping doctors stay in our community so Monterey County residents can access care locally.
Will my provider remain the same?
Our hope is that all the providers you have trusted with your healthcare will continue under this new partnership. All providers have been invited to join Montage Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Please confirm with your provider that they have chosen to join.
Will urgent care continue?
Yes, urgent care will continue at the Ryan Ranch location.
Will Montage Health accept the same insurance as MSJ?
Montage Orthopedics and Sports Medicine will seek to contract with all current MSJ providers but cannot guarantee that all insurance companies will agree to contract with MOSM.
Will the cost of my care change?
The cost to the patient for services at Montage Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is determined by the patient’s insurance plan.
Will MRI and X-ray imaging services continue?
Yes, MRI and X-ray imaging services will continue at the Ryan Ranch location.
Will physical and occupational therapy continue?
Yes, physical and occupational therapy will continue at the Ryan Ranch location.
If I get a bill from MSJ, do I still pay it?
Yes, it will take some time to move the billing system over to the new Montage Health platform. In the meantime, continue to pay outstanding balances via the current billing system.
I have other questions and concerns.
Please call (831) 648-7200, option 7, or talk to Montage Orthopedics and Sports Medicine staff or your provider during your next visit. We want all patients to feel as comfortable as possible during this transition.
