Athletes of all abilities, from professionals to amateurs, have sought care at the UCHealth Steadman Hawkins Clinic – Denver for years.

Now, the clinic offers convenient, walk-in urgent orthopedic services to get people back to their everyday activities and competitive edge as soon as possible. At the walk-in clinic, patients can be seen by an orthopedic specialist on their first visit without a referral from another medical provider. Walking in, patients receive an initial evaluation, imaging (X-ray and MRI), physical therapy, casting and injections.

After an injury, having access to expert care quickly is pivotal in the long-term recovery of patients and their ability to return to what they enjoy doing, said Dr. Jason Dragoo, the head team physician for the Denver Nuggets and a team physician for the Denver Broncos who also serves as a physician consultant for the U.S. Ski Team.

We reached out to Dragoo, who serves as professor and vice chair of Academic Affairs for the CU Department of Orthopedics, to learn more about the orthopedic walk-in clinic and how it can make a difference for patients.

When should I seek care at an orthopedic walk-in clinic?

A: You should seek care at a walk-in clinic when you have an injury to your bones, joints or muscles and do not have an appointment or referral to see an orthopedic specialist. Our evening hour clinics on Mondays and Tuesdays are also convenient for individuals and working families that do not have time for doctor appointments during the day, or if an injury occurs after normal clinic hours.

Can children be treated at the walk-in clinic?

A: Yes. We can treat children 12 years old and older.

What to expect when visiting the walk-in clinic?

A: When you visit the walk-in clinic, you will quickly be seen by an orthopedic specialist for an initial evaluation. After your initial evaluation, your doctor may recommend and schedule you for x-rays, casting, injections or surgical scheduling as appropriate. All these services – and more – are available to you in our walk-in clinic.

Is there a cost savings/benefit to visiting an ortho walk-in clinic?

A: There may be cost-savings benefits. In a walk-in clinic, you can be examined by an orthopedic specialist in a single visit which can save you time and money.

Do you accept my insurance?

A: UCHealth works with major payers to provide access to our facilities to as many individuals as possible, and our facilities are in-network for most insurance plans. However, UCHealth may be out-of-network for some products. To confirm if your insurance provider or specific plan is contracted with any of our facilities, contact your insurance provider and your clinic to confirm network status.