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Desert Orthopedic Center

Desert Orthopedic Center

The Coachella Valley’s Leading Orthopedic Center of Excellence

by Erika Z. Byrd

Over the past 30 years Desert Orthopedic Center has become renowned for quality care of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. With more than 80,000 patient visits per year, you’re likely to rub elbows with someone who’s had a hip or knee replaced, treatment of back pain, a foot problem, or sore shoulder, or been rehabilitated from a sports injury by one of their experienced specialists.

Founded as a solo practice by Robert W. Murphy, M.D., M.P.H., in 1976, Desert Orthopedic Center has evolved into one of the most comprehensive practices in the nation with full-service programs in all areas of orthopedics: foot and ankle surgery, podiatry, hand and upper extremity surgery, spine surgery, physiatry, sports medicine, pediatric orthopedics, orthopedic trauma, and acupuncture. Now simply known as DOC, the center remains true to its original mission: helping people lead active lives.

At its headquarter offices located on the Eisenhower Medical Center campus in the Harry and Diane Rinker Building, patients are offered the convenience of on-site X-ray, clinical visits, MRI, outpatient surgery, and physical therapy. “One-stop shopping is an old adage, but patients really appreciate the convenience and familiarity of having all their services provided in a single location,” states Dr. David Tahernia, director of the Comprehensive Spine Center at DOC. Two additional locations — Palm Springs and Indio — provide valleywide access. Physical therapy is the latest service under the DOC umbrella. While DOC physicians regularly prescribe physical therapy, it wasn’t until 2007 that the physical therapy services in the Rancho Mirage building were staffed by DOC specialists. The physical therapy team provides dedicated orthopedic rehabilitation and carries out specific researchbased orthopedic protocols while working closely with the physicians.

Nearly 20 percent of DOC patients are injured workers. According to Dr. Stephen O’Connell, director of hand and upper extremity surgery, DOC is also looking at adding occupational medicine under its leadership to improve its worker’s compensation program.

Longer-range plans include unveiling a dedicated orthopedic hospital at Eisenhower Medical Center — the first in the Coachella Valley and one of a few in the country. In discussion for some time, it was announced in 2007 that the orthopedic hospital would become a reality — perhaps as early as 2011.

Advancement of minimally invasive procedures continues to take center stage in orthopedic news. This technique reduces scarring, promotes faster healing, and minimizes both hospital and recovery time. One of the most exciting minimally invasive procedures is cervical disc replacement, which Dr. Tahernia has been performing for more than a year as part of a national study. “Patients with this new disc routinely have wonderful results. They do well with fusions anyway; but with this new disc, they retain greater motion in the neck.”

Whether through conservative treatment or surgery, DOC is credited with helping thousands of people improve their quality of life by regaining mobility and the ability to return to their favorite sport, activity, or work. DOC’s commitment to comprehensive, quality, and compassionate orthopedic care is what makes the center the leading and preferred provider of orthopedic services in the Coachella Valley and beyond.

DESERT ORTHOPEDIC CENTER
(760) 568-2684

El Mirador Medical Plaza
1180 N. Indian Canyon Drive Suite W-200
Palm Springs, CA 92262

Eisenhower Medical Center
Harry and Diane Rinker Building
39-000 Bob Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

Near JFK Hospital
82-013 Dr. Carreon Blvd. Suite G
Indio, CA 92201

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