JOHNSON CITY, Tennessee (WJHL) — In a statement Wednesday, Watauga Orthopedics expressed its “frustration and disappointment” over recent changes Ballad Health has made to its orthopedic trauma care. However, Ballad said in his own statement that patients would benefit from the change, calling some of Watauga’s statements “simply false.”

In a statement, Watauga said Ballad “will be removing all independent orthopedic groups offering on-call support at Johnson City Medical Center beginning February 1.”

“We do not support this decision and strongly believe in the right of patients to choose their healthcare provider,” said Watauga.

The Orthopedic Group called Ballad’s decision: [emergency department]”

Watauga said he will continue to serve on the JCMC medical staff and have orthopedic specialists available 24/7 to provide trauma care at the hospital. However, with this change, the patient is responsible for requesting a provider from her Watauga.

Watauga’s statement prompted Ballard to publish its own Wednesday Night.

“A recent public statement by Watauga Orthopedics erroneously stated that patients who presented to the hospital in need of orthopedic care no longer had a choice as to who would provide that care. False,” said Ballad.

“Patients always have the right to choose their donor at the hospital.”

Ballard argued that the change would not push Watauga away or discourage patients from choosing a provider. Instead, it was based on national standards.

“Regarding trauma care in Level 1 trauma centers, accredited Level 1 trauma centers should, at a minimum, ensure that patients presenting with specific traumatic orthopedic injuries are evaluated by a fellowship-trained orthopedic traumatologist. “Orthopedic traumatologists are surgeons who have extensive training in the care of patients with the most Sexuality has become the norm in Level 1 trauma centers nationwide.”

The health system said patients “will benefit from the availability of these fellowship-trained orthopedic and trauma surgeons.” Got the go-ahead.

“Watauga Orthopedics reserves the right to challenge the leadership and best practices of the medical staff of Level 1 Trauma Centers. You can choose to see an orthopedic surgeon,” Ballad said.