NIHD, MOI partner to strengthen local orthopedic care

In a major step forward for healthcare in the Eastern Sierra, Northern Inyo Healthcare District (NIHD) has entered into a formal partnership with Mammoth Orthopedic Institute (MOI) designed to deliver consistent, world-class orthopedic care to residents and visitors across the region.

This partnership, supported by Mammoth Hospital, brings together the area’s most experienced orthopedic providers under a single care model. The goal: reduce differences in services between the region’s two largest hospitals, and keep more patients from needing to leave the area for orthopedic surgeries or emergencies.

NIHD’s Board of Directors approved the plan during a Special Board meeting held Thursday, June 26. The Board strongly expressed support for the partnership from the outset. Chair Jean Turner, Vice Chair Melissa Best-Baker, Secretary David Lent, Treasurer David McCoy Barrett, and Member-at-Large Laura Smith backed the plan, citing its potential to expand access, improve patient care, and strengthen regional services.

“This partnership allows us to deliver efficient, coordinated care centered on the needs of our communities,” said Dr. Adam Hawkins, NIHD’s Chief Medical Officer. “By working as one team, we ensure each patient sees the right specialist at the right time, all while staying close to home.”

“This is what regional care should look like,” said Dr. Timothy Crall, orthopedic surgeon and spokesperson for Mammoth Orthopedic Institute. “It’s about setting aside lines on a map to do what’s best for the people we serve. Our surgeons are committed to shared access and smooth communication across practices, facilities, and counties.”

Together, the teams from NIHD and MOI will offer many orthopedic services. These include care for broken bones and joint problems, hip and knee replacements, sports injuries, shoulder and hand surgery, foot and ankle care, non-complex spine procedures, and orthopedic care for children. All Orthopedic referrals at NIHD will now flow through one system. This will help patients see the right specialist sooner and stay on track through recovery.

Strongest When Working Together

NIHD Board Member David McCoy Barrett spearheaded early talks. For Barrett, the effort honors the vision of his grandfather, the late Dave McCoy, founder of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. The senior McCoy long advocated for greater collaboration among the communities along the U.S. 395 corridor.

Barrett said he is thankful to the Mammoth Orthopedic Institute surgeons for stepping in to help NIHD during a tough financial time, and to Mammoth Hospital CEO Tom Parker for collaborating to reach a regional vision.

“We all recognize these are two different cities, but we are absolutely one community,” Barrett said. “This partnership means a lot to me and my family. My grandfather believed the Eastern Sierra was strongest when its communities worked together. Helping NIHD and MOI begin these conversations felt like a way to carry that forward. It brings better care closer to home and strengthens the ties that hold our region together.”

The partnership comes at a time of growing concern for rural healthcare. Nearly two-thirds of California’s 37 critical access hospitals are losing money, according to the California Hospital Association. Since 2019, hospital profits have dropped by about eight points. This is largely due to lower payments from insurance and government programs, along with rising costs to provide care.

“We risk becoming healthcare deserts without new solutions,” Barrett stressed. “Our Board acted on this because we believe in collaboration over competition. This is not about replacing what is already here. It’s about strengthening it. With our team’s dedication and our community’s trust, we believe this model can thrive.”

A path forward for the future

While the partnership is between NIHD and MOI, discussions regarding the partnership have included representatives from Mammoth Hospital (Southern Mono Healthcare District) who have expressed support. Mammoth Hospital CEO Tom Parker praised the effort and said he’s open to more regional teamwork. “This shows what we can accomplish when we focus on what unites us and that is our patients,” Parker said. “We look forward to exploring more ways to support regional care.”

NIHD Interim CEO Christian Wallis agreed. “Partnering with Mammoth Orthopedic Institute in this new way builds on the strengths of both organizations,” Wallis said. “It’s a natural step toward expanding access to excellent care across the mountain communities.”

Allison Partridge, NIHD’s Chief Operations and Nursing Officer, who helped negotiate the agreement alongside Dr. Hawkins, added: “This partnership reflects our confidence in the skill of our surgical teams, the dedication of our support staff, and our shared commitment to growing services close to home. It’s a meaningful step forward for NIHD and the people we serve.”

NIHD leaders note that, even as the NIHD undergoes current leadership changes, its focus remains on strengthening services, improving customer service, and deepening its roots within the community.

The partners plan to share more details with the public through local media outlets.