25 of the Best Orthopedic Doctors Near Me in Lancaster, TX

"Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Venkat Rapuri, M.D., is fellowship-trained in adult reconstruction (total joint replacement surgeries). He has more than two decades of clinical experience focused on providing advanced and minimally invasive orthopedic surgical care to active individuals and athletes.Fellowship-trained in adult reconstruction</li>Fellow, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons</li>Fellow, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons</li></ul>Dr. Rapuri received his medical degree from the Guntur Medical College, NTR University of Health Sciences in Guntur, India, in 1994. He went on to train in the area of general surgery through the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom before earning his master's degree in orthopaedics at James Cook University Hospital in Teesside, U.K. Dr. Rapuri came to the United States in 2003 to complete his internship and orthopedic residency training at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pa., followed by fellowship training in adult reconstruction at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz.Dr. Rapuri's areas of special focus include traditional and less-invasive surgical approaches to hip replacement, with the majority of his primary hip replacement procedures taking place through the table-less Direct Anterior Approach. He also focuses on custom and uni-knee replacements, hip and knee revision surgery, and treatments for hip and knee trauma and joint infections.Prior to joining Orthopedic Medicine Specialists, Dr. Rapuri worked as an adult reconstructive orthopedic surgeon with Healthspan Medical Group and Ahuja Medical Center in Ohio. He has also consulted in the area of surgeon education.WATCH NOW:</h5>Patient Testimonial: Jessie Hunt - Orthopedic Medicine Specialists</a>". Dr. Rapuri is highly rated in 3 conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Osteoarthritis, Bowlegs, Knock Knees, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement. Dr. Rapuri is currently accepting new patients.

David Podeszwa is an Orthopedics provider practicing medicine in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Podeszwa is highly rated in 6 conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis, Collins Pope Syndrome, Knock Knees, Osteotomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Podeszwa is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Podeszwa is currently accepting new patients.

Jaysson Brooks is an Orthopedics provider practicing medicine in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Brooks is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Spinal Fusion, and Osteotomy. Dr. Brooks is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Brooks is currently accepting new patients.

Lawson Copley is an Orthopedics provider practicing medicine in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Copley is highly rated in 4 conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Infectious Arthritis, Pyomyositis, Septic Arthritis, and Toxic Synovitis. Dr. Copley is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Copley is currently accepting new patients.

Clinton Bell is an Orthopedics specialist and a Sports Medicine provider practicing medicine in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Bell is highly rated in 4 conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinitis, Knee Replacement, and Hip Replacement. Dr. Bell is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Bell is currently accepting new patients.

"Dr. Mollabashy is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with an interest in the care of patients with benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors. The surgical treatment of tumors and restoration of the skeleton have been lifelong professional pursuits of his. Dr. Mollabashy is actively involved in the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Conference every month, where he is included in a panel of experts who review patient cases and provide treatment recommendations. Outside of work, Dr. Mollabashy is a father of two girls, who make him proud daily. His wife is supportive and a rock to keep him grounded. He is a pretty big sports fan, cheering for Indiana Hoosiers Basketball and Pittsburgh Steeler Football. Dr. Mollabashy enjoys reading American history, the history of science and historical fiction. He also enjoys classical music, and his favorite composers are Antonin Dvorak and Sergei Rachmaninoff. One of his favorite pieces is Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor played by Khatia Buniatishvili. Dr. Mollabashy was recognized by D Magazine as a Best Doctor for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Read Dr. Mollabashy's article, ""Replacing a replacement: When an artificial joint wears out."" Read Dr. Mollabashy's article, ""Complex joint replacement and revision: An FAQ"" . Dr. Mollabashy has been named a Texas Super Doctor for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 by Texas Monthly. D Magazine has named Baylor Scott & White Orthopedics the ""Face of Orthopedics"" for 2025.". Dr. Mollabashy is highly rated in 19 conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Bone Tumor, Fibrosarcoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma Embryonal, Knee Replacement, and Hip Replacement. Dr. Mollabashy is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Mollabashy is currently accepting new patients.

"Using his fellowship training in spinal surgery for adult and pediatric patients, Ioannis Alexander Avramis, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon, focuses on the comprehensive treatment of spinal deformity of both patient populations. Dr. Avramis is Director of the Baylor Scott & White Spine & Scoliosis Center at Baylor University Medical Center through which he endeavors to develop innovative treatments for spine conditions. In the past, he has also served as research director of the Baylor Scott & White Scoliosis Center - Plano. Dr. Avramis was born in Houston and raised in southern California. He earned his bachelor's degree from UCLA, was inducted Phi Beta Kappa and graduated with honors summa cum laude. Medical school studies were completed at UC Davis in Sacramento, California, followed by an orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Southern California and Los Angeles County Hospital. Dr. Avramis has received additional specialized training in adult and pediatric spinal surgery during his fellowship at UC Davis Medical Center and Shriner's Hospital for Children-Northern California. Dr. Avramis is dedicated to advancing the field of spinal surgery through research, publication and membership in various societies which include the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon, North American Spine Society and Scoliosis Research Society. He has contributed to more than thirty medical publications and spine textbook chapters, and holds a medical patent. In addition to the book chapters and research projects for which he serves as principal investigator, Dr. Avramis is interested in the development of instruments and techniques that allow patients to have a more successful and less painful surgical experience. Dr. Avramis was recognized by Texas Top Docs as a ""Top Doctor"" for his commitment to excellence in Orthopedic Surgery for 2025. Dr. Avramis has been nominated for the fifth consecutive year for D Magazine's 2025 Best Docs . D Magazine has named Baylor Scott & White Orthopedics the ""Face of Orthopedics"" for 2025. Read Dr. Avramis's article, "" How to talk to your doctor about your back pain. "" Read Dr. Avramis's article, "" Seeing a spine doctor? How to prepare and what questions to ask ."" Read Dr. Avramis's article, ""Tech neck is real: 7 smart ways to prevent or treat it."" Dr.  Avramis has been named a Texas Super Doctor for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 by Texas Monthly. Watch here as Dr. Avramis discusses our growing understanding of pediatric idiopathic scoliosis, how it's diagnosed and what options there are to treat it. Dr. Avramis talks with Sam Baker, with KERA News, about 'Tech neck:' Why too much onscreen time can cause injuries and how to fix it .". Dr. Avramis is highly rated in 9 conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Scoliosis, Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Spinal Stenosis, Microdiscectomy, and Herniated Disc Surgery. Dr. Avramis is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Avramis is currently accepting new patients.

John Tenny is an Orthopedics provider practicing medicine in Lancaster, Texas. His clinical expertise encompasses Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, Tendinitis, and Hip Replacement. Dr. Tenny is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Tenny is currently accepting new patients.

Alexandra Callan is an Orthopedics provider practicing medicine in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Callan is highly rated in 34 conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Ewing Sarcoma, Bone Tumor, Caffey Disease, Leg or Foot Amputation, and Hip Replacement. Dr. Callan is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Callan is currently accepting new patients.

Paul Freudigman is an Orthopedics provider practicing medicine in Waxahachie, Texas. Dr. Freudigman is highly rated in 4 conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement. Dr. Freudigman is currently accepting new patients.

Senthil Sambandam is an Orthopedics provider practicing medicine in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Sambandam is highly rated in 3 conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Arthritis, Acute Pain, Femoral Nerve Dysfunction, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

Dr. Krishnan has over 30 years of research experience which includes over 100 publications and book chapters, the textbook author of “The Shoulder and The Overhead Athlete,” and over 30 published video articles. Click here to read his research around “Revising Failed Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.” Click here to read his research around “Anchorless Arthroscopic Transosseous Rotator Cuff Repair.” Dr. Krishnan has held many editorial positions which include, Editorial Review Committee, The American Journal of Sports Medicine; Editorial Review Committee, Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research; Editorial Board: North America, The Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery; Editorial Board, Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery; Editorial Board: JBJS-Case Connector; Education Committee, ASES; Neer Circle ASES; Editorial Board: Journal of Arthroscopy. Dr. Krishnan’s teaching record includes, ASES Traveling Fellows:  Annual site hosting the international fellows from the American shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), the European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow (SECEC), the Korean Shoulder Society (KSS), the Brazilian Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow (SBCOC), and the Italian Shoulder Society (ISS). International Postdoctoral Visiting Shoulder Fellowship Program (Italy, Korea, India, Turkey, Brazil ), the Worldwide Shoulder Education Program: Hosted ONLINE through G9MD (source for shoulder training worldwide: videos and didactic weekly lectures broadcast all over the world). Invited as Faculty Presenter, Keynote Speaker, and Course Faculty at multiple Nationwide and International Conferences and Courses, and Mentor BUMC Orthopaedic Residents, Physical Therapists, Medical Students, Research Masters students. Dr. Krishnan’s awards and recognitions include 3 of the top 10 Surgical Technique Video Articles of 2024 in JBJS Essential Surgical Techniques- (including the #1 article), Article made the # 2 spot in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS) for the Top 10 Essential Surgical Techniques for 2023, Neer Award Nomination, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons in 2007, and named one of Texas Monthly's Texas Super Doctors for over 10 years earning him a place on Texas Monthly's Hall of Fame list. Dr. Krishnan is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Axillary Nerve Dysfunction, Osteoarthritis, Brachial Plexopathy, and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Dr. Krishnan is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Krishnan is currently accepting new patients.

"Dr. Mack Lancaster specializes in the treatment of injuries and disorders of the hip and knee. He performs a large volume of hip and knee replacement surgery and arthroscopic surgery of the knee and is involved in research in the field of joint replacement. He was certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery in 1986 and recertified in 1994 and 2004. Dr. Lancaster performed the first minimally invasive hip replacement done at Baylor University Medical Center and frequently performs minimally invasive joint replacement techniques for both hip and knee. Dr. Lancaster received a bachelor's degree in zoology from the University of Tulsa, where he was an All-Conference defensive tackle and a member of the Academic All-America football team. Though drafted by the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, he chose instead to attend the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at North Carolina Baptist Hospital/Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem. He has been a physician member of Orthopedic Associates of Dallas since 1984. He is a member of numerous medical organizations, including the Dallas County Medical Society, Texas Medical Association, American Medical Association, Texas Orthopedic Association, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and American Association of Arthritic Hip and Knee Surgeons. D Magazine has named Baylor Scott & White Orthopedics the ""Face of Orthopedics"" for 2025. Read more here . Dr. Lancaster was recognized by D Magazine as a Best Doctor for 2024 and 2025.". Dr. Lancaster is highly rated in 4 conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, and Tendinitis. Dr. Lancaster is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Lancaster is currently accepting new patients.

"Dr. Cates is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in the care of fractures and post-traumatic reconstruction. He has particular interest in articular fractures (bone breaks near major joints), injuries to the pelvis and acetabulum, and fracture non-union and mal-union. Dr. Cates earned his medical degree from The University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio, TX, before completing an internship and residency at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He then completed a fellowship in Orthopedic Trauma at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Cates has been named one of Texas Monthly's Texas Super Doctors for over 10 years earning him a place on Texas Monthly's Hall of Fame list. D Magazine has named Baylor Scott & White Orthopedics the ""Face of Orthopedics"" for 2025. Read Dr. Cates' article, ""Osteoporosis vs. osteoarthritis: How to tell the difference"" .". Dr. Cates is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Hip Replacement. Dr. Cates is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Cates is currently accepting new patients.

"Alan L. Jones, MD is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon and a founding member of Orthopaedic Trauma Associates of North Texas. Dr. Jones is on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas and serves as the medical director of orthopaedic trauma services. Dr. Jones specializes in articular fractures (bone breaks near major joints), injuries to the pelvis and acetabulum, and fracture non-union and mal-union. Dr. Jones received his medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston before completing an internship in surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and affiliated hospitals in Dallas, where he also completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery. He is fellowship trained in orthopaedic traumatology at the Shock Trauma Center/Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Jones has been named one of Texas Monthly's Texas Super Doctors for the past 15 years earning him a place on Texas Monthly's Legacy list. D Magazine has named Baylor Scott & White Orthopedics the ""Face of Orthopedics"" for 2025. Read more here .". Dr. Jones is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis, Hip Replacement, and Osteotomy. Dr. Jones is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Jones is currently accepting new patients.

As a third generation Texan, Dr. Donnally is compassionate to the needs of his community and the patients he serves in his native city of Dallas. He prides himself on performing the least invasive amount of surgery to alleviate a patient's spinal pathology while concurrently accelerating their post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, he stresses surgical techniques that minimize post-operative pain and medication use. While Dr. Donnally is passionate about minimally invasive surgery he is also committed to complex corrective procedures for adult spinal deformities. Early in his career Dr. Donnally placed an emphasis on medical research. His contribution of more than 70 peer reviewed publications and a dozen book chapters has allowed him to be invited to many speaking engagements across the country to present his findings. He is dedicated to advancing the spinal community's knowledge base through research and education. He continues to work with various scientific and product teams to identify modern techniques that will better diagnosis spinal conditions and manage these pathologies. A true local, Dr. Donnally graduated from Highland Park High School in Dallas and then earned Magna Cum Laude Honors at Southern Methodist University. While attending medical school at Texas Tech Health Science Center he graduated top of his class with a Distinction in Research. Dr. Donnally completed his Orthopedic Surgery training at University of Miami Hospital/Jackson Memorial Hospital. He continued his Spine Surgery training as a fellow at the world-renowned Rothman Institute in Philadelphia. He is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha honor societies. Additionally he earned the distinction of Eagle Scout with local Dallas Troop 82. Dr. Donnally is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Invertebral Disc Disease, Cervical Spondylosis, Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Fusion, and Microdiscectomy. Dr. Donnally is currently accepting new patients.

John Herring is an Orthopedics provider practicing medicine in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Herring is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD), Scoliosis, Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Osteotomy, and Spinal Fusion. Dr. Herring is currently accepting new patients.

John Birch is an Orthopedics provider practicing medicine in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Birch is highly rated in 4 conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Blount Disease, Congenital Femoral Deficiency, Osgood-Schlatter Disease, Kienbock's Disease, and Osteotomy. Dr. Birch is currently accepting new patients.

Varatharaj Mounasamy is an Orthopedics provider practicing medicine in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Mounasamy is highly rated in 3 conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Osteoarthritis, Acute Pain, Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

Alexander Cho is an Orthopedics provider practicing medicine in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Cho is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Frozen Shoulder, Bursitis, Osteoarthritis, Tenosynovitis, and Hip Replacement. Dr. Cho is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Cho is currently accepting new patients.

Edgar Araiza is an Orthopedics provider practicing medicine in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Araiza is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Osteotomy and Hip Replacement. Dr. Araiza is currently accepting new patients.

Jonathan Quinby is an Orthopedics provider practicing medicine in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Quinby is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Osteoarthritis, Tendinitis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, and Knee Replacement. Dr. Quinby is currently accepting new patients.

"Dr. Hansen specializes in treating disorders of the shoulder, elbow and hand. His practice includes sports injuries, rehabilitation, arthroscopy, arthritis surgery, trauma and fractures, nerve injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome, joint replacement surgery, and other causes of pain or loss of arm function. A Dallas native and graduate of Richardson High School, Dr. Hansen received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and then stayed to complete his Residency in Orthopedic Surgery. He completed a fellowship in shoulder and elbow surgery in New York City taught by Charles S. Neer II, MD (thought by many to be the father of modern shoulder surgery and the developer of the most commonly used artificial shoulder replacements in use today). He completed a second fellowship in Hand Surgery at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Hansen, who has been with Orthopedic Associates of Dallas since 1984, is board certified in orthopedic surgery and holds a special certificate for the practice of hand surgery granted based upon practice experience and certification examination. A member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Society for more than 20 years, he has been an active member of the North Texas Arthritis Foundation and served as Chairman of the Medical and Scientific Committee for several years, helping to direct research dollars here in Dallas and nationwide. D Magazine has named Baylor Scott & White Orthopedics the ""Face of Orthopedics"" for 2025. Read more here.". His clinical expertise encompasses Radial Nerve Dysfunction, Tendinitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and Dupuytren Contracture. Dr. Hansen is board certified in Surgery Of The Hand- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery/Surgery Of The Hand, Surgery Of The Hand- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery, and Orthopaedic Surgery- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Hansen is currently accepting new patients.

"Dr. Lo trained at Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health, with Dr. Krishnan nearly 10 years ago and then went back to his family home in San Francisco. He established one of the foremost shoulder practices in the Bay Area and is now returning to join our center. Through Dr. Krishnan and his guidance, The Shoulder Center at Baylor Dallas has become one of the preeminent shoulder centers both in the US and internationally. We are privileged to welcome Dr. Lo back to his roots with us. Dr. Lo practices the same techniques that he learned with Dr. Krishnan, and they continue to innovate together to offer advanced solutions for your shoulder problem. In his spare time, he enjoys snowboarding, basketball, tennis, and traveling to Italy and Japan. Dr. Lo and the BSW The Shoulder Center team made the number 2 spot in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS), ""Top 10 Essential Surgical Techniques for 2023."" D Magazine has named Baylor Scott & White Orthopedics the ""Face of Orthopedics"" for 2025. Read more here . Read Dr. Lo's article, ""How to fix shoulder pain with 4 simple exercises and stretches.""". His clinical expertise encompasses Osteoarthritis, Septic Arthritis, Infectious Arthritis, Bone Graft, and Osteotomy. Dr. Lo is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery- American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Lo is currently accepting new patients.

"Dr. James Rizkalla was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. He attended Indiana University, where he obtained his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. While in medical school, Dr. Rizkalla obtained a prestigious research fellowship at the University of Oxford, England to perform orthopedic research at the Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences. Dr. Rizkalla completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. During his time there, he served as chief resident and received both the Resident Teaching Award and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Following residency, he was awarded a position at the University of Utah Complex Spine Fellowship, regarded as one of the most selective and top fellowships in the country. After his complex spine fellowship at the University of Utah, Dr. Rizkalla was granted a minimally-invasive AO Spine Fellowship position at the Spine Ortho Clinic in Melbourne, Australia focusing on motion preservation, endoscopy, and robotics. Dr. Rizkalla has a strong interest in advancing the field of spine surgery through basic science and clinical research and is the recipient of research grants and awards. He has authored numerous publications, book chapters, abstracts, and presents regularly at national and international meetings on topics related to diseases of the spine. He serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M College of Medicine, as well as the Medical Director for orthopedic research at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. Read Dr. Rizkalla's article, ""Back pain? 10 possible causes and what to do about it"" . D Magazine has named Baylor Scott & White Orthopedics the ""Face of Orthopedics"" for 2025. Read more here . Read Dr. Rizkalla's article, ""Best exercises for herniated disc: 9 safe moves to strengthen and heal your spine"".". His clinical expertise encompasses Facet Joint Syndrome, Synovial Osteochondromatosis, Chondroma, Spinal Fusion, and Hip Replacement. Dr. Rizkalla is currently accepting new patients.