June 21st, 2022 by WCBC Radio

UPMC is partnering with Hall of Fame Health—a joint venture between the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Sovereign Healthcare— to bring world-class health care solutions and services to former professional football players, as well as their families and dependents.

 

“UPMC is one of the best health systems in the country and in the world, and we couldn’t be happier to be announcing this relationship,” said Jeremy Hogue, CEO of Hall of Fame Health. “Our goal is to make this a broad partnership through the expansive scope of all that UPMC does. The integrated nature of their delivery system and their commitment to innovation lends itself to that type of approach. Together, we can help individuals with the most serious of health needs and join forces on important topics like health equity and behavioral health care.”  

 

UPMC’s nationally ranked Orthopaedics services, and Behavioral Health services, have been designated as Elite Care Centers by Hall of Fame Health. Hall of Fame Health’s concierge service will connect patients requiring orthopaedic, behavioral health, primary or other specialty care to UPMC facilities and outpatient clinics, including UPMC Health Plan Hip and Knee Centers of Excellence. Patients will also be advised of the UPMC Health Plan network and products.

 

“Knowing the strain that professional athletics can put on their joints, I am glad to be able to support these former players and their families with the comprehensive joint replacement programs we provide here at UPMC,” said Brian Klatt, M.D., chief of the Division of Adult Reconstruction at UPMC.

 

“Furthermore, patients will have access to our data and research driven care programs within our Centers of Excellence,” said Ken Urish, M.D., Ph.D., associate director of the Magee Bone and Joint Center at UPMC.

 

Since its establishment in 2020, Hall of Fame Health has partnered with notable health care organizations around the country to build offerings like a concierge service to direct families to Elite Care Centers, help families navigate the health care system and advocate for themselves and provide assistance to families with insurance and benefits issues. Hall of Fame Health has also developed a comprehensive behavioral health network with providers across all levels of care, and a crisis team to assist families during emergencies.

 

“We are excited to be partnering with Hall of Fame Health to offer former athletes and their families the exceptional care we provide at UPMC,” said Joon Lee, M.D., executive vice president, UPMC, and president, UPMC Physician Services. “We are proud to serve as an Elite Care Center and offer our leading orthopaedic and behavioral health care options to this community— as well as to leverage resources across the entire UPMC health system to meet the needs of patients.”

 

“Having worked with professional football athletes for over 30 years, I can attest to the unique health needs of these players,” said James Bradley, M.D., clinical professor at UPMC Sports Medicine Institute and co-founder of Burke and Bradley Orthopedics at UPMC St. Margaret. “This important partnership will continue to link athletes, even after they’ve retired, to the fantastic resources available at UPMC.”

 

Dr. MaCalus Hogan, M.D., MBA, vice chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at UPMC and senior medical director UPMC Health Plan Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Care Services, will be joining Hall of Fame Health’s Medical Advisory Board— an advisory group that includes prominent physician leaders and helps to support the mission of Hall of Fame Health.

 

“It is an honor to join this group of accomplished physicians on the Medical Advisory Board and support the overall mission of Hall of Fame Health,” said Dr. Hogan. “We applaud Hall of Fame Health for connecting this community of former athletes and their families to the cutting-edge health care and innovation we provide here at UPMC.”

 

This will serve as the beginning of what is hoped to be a long-lasting partnership between UPMC and Hall of Fame Health.