“Sometimes it’s diagnosing the problem and creating a rehab plan — whether that’s physical therapy, home exercises or medication to manage pain,” Romero said. “Other times, it’s performing injections like steroids or gel injections. It really depends on the patient, their age and where they are in their condition.” 

By expanding MSK services across multiple locations, more patients can be seen sooner and closer to home. “Providing more MSK clinics really opens this up to an underserved population that needs it,” Romero said. 

Previously offered just one half-day per week at Southeast Health and Wellness Center, expanded clinic sessions are now available at:  

• Southeast Health and Wellness Center 
  
  • Tuesday Mornings 
  • Friday Mornings (1st/3rd/5th of the month) 
• North Central Health Center  
  • Thursday Afternoons  
• Central Health CEC Building 
  • Mondays 
  • Wednesday Mornings 
  • Wednesday Afternoons (2nd/4th of the month) 
  • Thursday Mornings 

Keeping care within the medical home also strengthens coordination and continuity. 

“By keeping care within the medical home, patients avoid outside referrals and fragmented records,” Romero said. “Imaging, labs, medications and specialty services remain coordinated in one trusted system.” 

A Difference Patients Can Feel 

For patients like Angie Harris, 70, expanded MSK services mean quicker access to a provider she trusts. A patient of more than 40 years, Harris has been experiencing chronic pain in her shoulder due to arthritis. “I come to Dr. Romero to get my steriod shots. I depend on those shots to relieve me of my pain,” Harris said. “She takes care of me pretty good. And when I need to come in, she works me in.” 

Harris’ chronic pain being managed by through the MSK clinic, but is looking at a surgery referral for long-term relief.  

“They listen to my concerns,” Harris said. “I can see my primary care doctor here and some of the specialists. It’s all in one area — I don’t have to run across town. It’s convenient because it’s not far from my home.” 

Beyond the convenience, Harris values the relationship built over time. 

“Dr. Romero is someone you can be comfortable with,” she said. “You can communicate with her, and you feel more at home with a person like that.” 

Strengthening Access and Education 

In addition to increasing patient access, the expanded clinic strengthens hands-on training for future physicians. Twenty-one Family Medicine residents rotate through Southeast Health and Wellness Center each year, along with one Sports Medicine Fellow. 

Romero says teaching enhances the patient experience. 

“They spend time getting a detailed history and exam,” she said. “When I come in, we talk through what we’re seeing and thinking. Patients appreciate understanding what’s going on with their bodies.” 

With additional clinic sessions and expanded locations, MSK services are positioned to serve more patients, reduce barriers to specialty care and deliver timely relief — all within the medical home patients already know and trust. 

“I’m really happy we’re able to expand,” Romero said. “There’s a growing need, and it’s important patients have more openings and more places to receive this care.”