Recovery shouldn’t feel overwhelming — it should feel supported.
Personalized Care That Starts Before Surgery and Stays with You After
At Central Indiana Orthopedics (CIO), we believe the best outcomes begin with education, safety and support — and continue well beyond the day of surgery. Our outpatient hip and knee replacement patients aren’t sent home with a stack of instructions and left to figure it out alone. Instead, they’re supported every step of the way — from surgery to physical therapy and follow-up care, often all available under one roof at our locations.
That’s why every CIO outpatient hip and knee replacement patient has access to Natalie McClintick, NP, a dedicated Nurse Practitioner Patient Navigator who is available 24/7 after surgery. Natalie serves as a single, trusted point of contact for patients and their families — someone who has over 25 years of orthopedic experience, understands their concerns and is always just a phone call away.
“Even though CIO is growing, we continue to focus on personalized patient care,” Natalie said. “Our patients are not falling through the cracks — they feel secure and taken care of after surgery.”
Why This Level of Support Matters
Before joining CIO, Natalie spent nearly two decades in orthopedics coordinating care and teaching joint replacement classes. She saw firsthand how overwhelming the discharge process can be. Patients receive a large amount of information while still recovering from anesthesia and pain medication — and even when instructions are repeated, questions and uncertainty often arise once they’re home.
Natalie helped design a better approach: continuous, proactive support that meets patients where they are, in real time.
“Nine o’clock at night, ten o’clock at night — patients are always surprised when a nurse practitioner answers,” Natalie shared. “Being there to answer a simple question brings peace of mind. It’s a blessing to our patients.”
Precision Surgery, Personalized to You
For many outpatient hip and knee replacement patients, personalized care begins before surgery with Mako robotic-arm assisted technology. Using advanced imaging and planning, Mako helps CIO surgeons create a surgical plan tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy, supporting precise implant placement and a more efficient recovery.
To learn more about Mako and hear directly from our patients, visit ciocenter.com/mako.
Before Surgery: One-on-One Education That Prepares and Reassures
Once you and your surgeon decide outpatient hip or knee replacement is right for you, Natalie connects with you early in the process. Her goal is to make sure you feel confident, informed and prepared — not rushed or overwhelmed.
Support before surgery may include:
- A joint education session at Central Indiana Orthopedics
- Home safety preparation tips to reduce fall risk and support a smoother recovery
“I meet the patient before surgery, and I’m right there as a resource throughout recovery — so my voice is familiar,” Natalie said. “It’s reassuring for patients to know I’m only a phone call away for any questions, big or small.”
After Surgery: 24/7 Access to a Nurse Practitioner Who Knows You
Leaving the outpatient surgery center doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Postoperative care at CIO is highly personalized and responsive — with imaging, physical therapy, follow-up visits and orthopedic care all located in one place at most CIO locations.
As part of their postop experience, patients receive:
- A bracelet with Natalie’s name and phone number that rings directly to her cell phone for 24/7 access
- Home visits when indicated and requested by your surgeon
- FaceTime video call support for dressing changes or wound concerns
- Photo texts to reference when purchasing medications and supplies
- Immediate collaboration with your surgeon if an issue needs attention
- Assistance coordinating care with your primary care provider if a non-orthopedic concern arises
“I love being their cheerleader and caregiver all in one,” Natalie shared. “I’ve stayed on the phone while patients take a walk — knowing I’m there gives them the courage to go a little farther.”
(Image above – bracelet patients receive with Natalie’s name and phone number)
What Outpatient Hip and Knee Replacement Patients Can Expect at CIO
- A dedicated Nurse Practitioner Patient Navigator who’s available 24/7
- Personalized preoperative education tailored to your goals and home environment
- Advanced surgical options, including Mako robotic-arm assisted technology
- Seamless communication between Natalie and your surgeon
- Options for home visits and virtual support
- A recovery plan designed for you — not one-size-fits-all care
The CIO Difference
In larger healthcare systems, communication can feel automated or delayed until your first follow‑up visit. At CIO, our outpatient hip and knee replacement model ensures you’re never navigating recovery alone. With advanced technology, coordinated care under one roof and a dedicated Nurse Practitioner Patient Navigator who works closely with your surgeon and is always available if you need support, you receive timely, human and highly coordinated care — the kind that brings peace of mind and keeps your recovery moving forward.
Find Relief from Hip or Knee Pain
If hip or knee pain is limiting your life, don’t wait. Talk with a CIO joint replacement surgeon to explore whether conservative treatment or surgery is right for you.
To schedule an appointment, call 800-622-6575 or learn more at ciocenter.com/mako.