March 8, 2026

Putting Patients First: How Central Indiana Orthopedics Keeps Safety at the Center of Care

In recognition of National Patient Safety Awareness Week

Every day at Central Indiana Orthopedics (CIO), our team shows up with one goal in mind: to keep our patients safe while delivering expert and compassionate orthopedic care. National Patient Safety Awareness Week gives us the opportunity to pause, reflect and share the many ways we protect and support the patients and families who trust us with their health.

Safety Starts with the Right Setting for Care

One of the most important ways we prioritize safety is by giving our patients surgical care in the setting that’s best – and safest – for them.

For many, that means one of our nationally accredited outpatient surgery centers. These facilities meet strict safety and quality standards reviewed by external experts, ensuring every patient benefits from the highest level of oversight and accountability.

For patients whose medical needs require additional monitoring or specialized resources, our surgeons also provide safe, high‑quality care at any of our partner hospitals. Both settings play important roles, and we’re committed to guiding each patient to the right environment for their unique needs.

Designed for Safety: Central Indiana Orthopedics Outpatient Surgery Centers

Our outpatient surgery centers are convenient and intentionally designed for safety, comfort and efficiency. Because our surgery centers focus solely on specialized outpatient orthopedic procedures, our teams perform the same types of operations every day. That means:

  • Proven safety checklists and protocols are followed with consistency.
  • Infection‑prevention practices are part of every routine.
  • Processes run smoothly, creating a predictable and supportive experience for patients and families.

From foot and ankle procedures to upper extremity surgeries, joint replacement and revision, spine surgeries and sports injury care, our board‑certified and fellowship‑trained surgeons perform a wide range of procedures in a safe, controlled outpatient setting.

Technology That Supports Safer Surgery

We believe technology should make surgery safer, and that’s exactly what Mako SmartRobotics™ does. CIO was the first orthopedic practice in the region to adopt Mako technology, and today, our surgeons have helped more than 4,000 patients return to the activities they love with the help of Mako‑assisted hip and knee replacements.

Mako’s 3D CT‑based planning helps surgeons deeply understand each patient’s unique anatomy before surgery. During the procedure, the robotic arm guides the surgeon with incredible precision, ensuring:

  • Implants are placed in an ideal position
  • Healthy bone and tissue are preserved
  • Surgical trauma is reduced
  • Complications are minimized
  • Patients may experience reduced discomfort and faster recovery

Innovation is valuable, but innovation that improves safety (and accuracy) is invaluable.

Safety That Continues After Surgery

Patient safety doesn’t end when surgery is over. CIO is proud to offer 24/7 postoperative support for outpatient hip and knee replacement patients through our dedicated Nurse Practitioner Patient Navigator, Natalie McClintick.

From one‑on‑one education before surgery to round‑the‑clock support during recovery, Natalie ensures every patient has a trusted expert just a phone call away – day or night.

Walk‑In Clinics Designed for Safe, Timely Care

Sudden injuries need prompt attention, and our Walk‑In Clinics provide safe, same‑day orthopedic care from specialists. Staffed by board‑certified and fellowship‑trained physicians as well as orthopedically trained specialists, our orthopedic Walk‑In Clinics ensure patients receive expert care along with a prompt diagnosis and treatment so they can focus on healing.

With onsite imaging and casting – and costs far lower than the emergency room – patients benefit from a faster diagnosis and a safer, more streamlined care experience. All CIO locations offer orthopedic Walk‑In Clinics, underscoring our commitment to accessibility, convenience and high‑quality care in the communities we serve.

And because CIO Walk-In Clinics are exclusively focused on orthopedic treatment, the risk of exposure to communicable diseases while in the waiting room is significantly lessened compared to the emergency room.

A Culture Built on Accountability, Trust and Exceptional Care

Patient Safety Awareness Week is a reminder that safety isn’t a task, it’s a culture. At CIO, that culture is built into everything we do:

  • Choosing the safest surgical care setting
  • Following proven surgical checklists
  • Using advanced technology that improves outcomes
  • Offering seamless postoperative support
  • Providing same‑day access to orthopedic specialists
  • Constantly reviewing patient satisfaction and improving our processes

Safety isn’t just a priority, it’s our promise. Because at Central Indiana Orthopedics, keeping patients safe isn’t something we talk about for one week, it’s something we live, every single day.

Learn more and explore our expert services at ciocenter.com/services/