News Summary
In a significant move, ten orthopedic surgeons have left the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute to form Orthopedic Specialists of Jacksonville. Their goal is to enhance accessibility to orthopedic care in the region. Operating from two locations, OSJ aims to provide a wide range of services while maintaining a collaborative relationship with Baptist Health. Patients have been smoothly transitioned, with options to continue their care at OSJ or stay with JOI as the orthopedic landscape in Jacksonville evolves.
Jacksonville Surgeons Establish New Orthopedic Practice
Ten orthopedic surgeons have left the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute (JOI) to create a new practice known as Orthopedic Specialists of Jacksonville (OSJ). This transition occurred in the spring and aims to enhance orthopedic care accessibility in the Jacksonville area.
OSJ operates out of two facilities: the first located at 5191 First Coast Technology Parkway, near the intersection of Butler and Kernan boulevards, and the second at 14534 Old St. Augustine Road, Suite 3210, close to the Baptist Health South Campus. The lead physician for OSJ, Kevin M. Kaplan, highlighted the group’s primary goal of providing improved availability and access to orthopedic care for patients.
Reasons Behind the Transition
The decision for the surgeons to depart JOI was not primarily tied to the institute’s restructuring. It reflected growing opinions within the surgeon group about their future directions amidst JOI’s expansion. In March, JOI announced a restructuring plan that involved closing several offices and laying off staff due to its divestiture from Baptist Health. JOI initially sold its stock to Baptist Health in 2011 and has been working on a buyback process to regain autonomy and operate independently.
Services and Operations of OSJ
OSJ aims to provide a wide array of services, including treatment for sports injuries and orthopedic issues affecting the spine, hands, feet, and joints. The practice has retained its staff of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, while each doctor is responsible for the payment of their respective personnel. Shared administrative staff, like receptionists and surgery schedulers, are financially supported collectively within the group.
The transition for patients has been facilitated smoothly, with JOI notifying its patients about the change and giving them options to either continue seeing their physicians at OSJ or remain with JOI. Medical records for patients choosing to transition to OSJ have been successfully transferred, and patients have been allowed to request their records as needed.
OSJ maintains its affiliation with Baptist Health and continues to collaborate with the hospital for patient care. It also accepts most insurance plans, ensuring a variety of payment options for prospective patients.
Impact on JOI and Future Directions
Despite the surgeons’ departure, JOI has indicated it will continue to support ongoing patient care and facilitate the transition for those choosing to follow their doctors to OSJ. JOI’s restructuring involved layoffs of 153 employees, closure of six locations, and decreased staffing at additional sites, all aimed at positioning itself for greater autonomy and flexibility going forward.
The reshaping of JOI’s operational structure brings about a new focus, shifting away from the orthopedic care traditionally associated with JOI. This includes a new partnership involving the Jacksonville Jaguars, which will align with UF Health Jacksonville as their official orthopedic caregiver beginning in the 2025-26 season.
In addition to OSJ’s establishment, Baptist Health is expanding its orthopedic services throughout the region, which includes plans for a new comprehensive health care center in Southeast Jacksonville. As the orthopedic landscape in Jacksonville evolves, both JOI and OSJ are set to play significant roles in the region’s patient care offerings.
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Additional Resources
- JAX Daily Record: Newly Formed Orthopedic Specialists of Jacksonville
- Jacksonville.com: Groundbreakings Lead Jacksonville Area Health Care News
- UNF Ospreys: North Florida Athletics Announces Joint Venture Partnership
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orthopedics
- Google Search: Orthopedic Care Jacksonville
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
