We plan for your success.

The specially designed program for hip and knee joint replacement emphasizes patient education, motivation and support. Our program helps patients recover quickly and return to a more active lifestyle. The Deaconess Joint Replacement Program is here to help you feel like yourself again.

Knee and hip joint replacement surgeries are offered at both Deaconess Hospital and Deaconess Gateway Hospital. Care is structured from the pre-operative phase through post-discharge.

"Before my surgery, just walking was a problem.  I had pain all the time.  Now I don't experience any pain.  I love my new knees, they've changed my life." - Nancy

If you suffer from knee or hip pain that limits your daily activities, contact Deaconess to find out how our Joint Replacement Program can help. Call 812/842-2722

The Deaconess Difference

We believe there are two keys to our success. First, we provide extensive team support to help you through the process. Physicians, nurses, therapists and your program coordinator use a focused team approach. As important, we offer individualized attention throughout. You will never feel like a number in the crowd.

Team Support

As a joint replacement patient, you will have team support from the beginning. Who will be on your team? Our health care team, your personal coach, plus many other joint replacement patients going through the same experience.

The Care Team

Your care team will include physicians, physician assistants, patient care technicians, nurses, orthopedic technicians, physical therapists and occupational therapists - all specializing in total joint care. The Joint Program Coordinator will play a special role. She will coordinate all of your preoperative care, help you plan for your post-surgery needs, and answer all of your questions. She'll even arrange for a personal escort to greet you at the front door the day of your surgery. This greeter will take you directly to the pre-op admission area and activate your hospital account so you can bypass registration.

Your Personal Coach

You will choose a friend or family member to be your personal coach throughout the process. This person will attend your pre-admission testing appointment and other meetings and will be instrumental in providing support during your recovery in the hospital and at home.

Patient-to-Patient Support

Our unique program helps patients help each other. During pre-surgery education, you will meet other patients who will have their surgery the same day as you. These patients will be part of your support system. Your new friends will understand better than anyone else what you're going through. If you're having a hard day, they'll help motivate you. If they're struggling, they know you'll do the same for them. They'll even join you for some good-natured competition. Which patient will walk the farthest each day? Will it be you? Get ready to have some fun while working on your recovery! After you've had time to recover at home, we'll schedule reunions for you and the patients in your group.

Individualized Attention

While you will enjoy group support, you will never feel lost in the crowd. We offer individualized attention during every phase of the program. And because we understand that time alone can be very healing, we will prepare a private room just for you.

Nationally Recognized

Deaconess Hospital has been designated a UnitedHealth Premium Total Joint Specialty Center for 2011-2012.  This designation means that Deaconess Hospital has met rigorous quality criteria based on nationally recognized medical standards and expert advice.

Aetna, as well as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana have also designated Deaconess Hospital and Deaconess Gateway Hospital as Blue Distinction Centers for Knee and Hip Replacement.