Adults' Services
Orthopaedic Triage Service
OTS provides an assessment and treatment service within Primary Care and the community for patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.
About our service
The Orthopaedic Triage Service (OTS) provides an assessment and treatment service within Primary Care / Community for patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, referred by; their GP, a First-Contact Practitioner (FCP) or a Physiotherapist. Our aim is to provide an effective, evidence-based ‘one-stop-shop’ service for all patients with MSK conditions.
The term MSK refers to;
- Muscles
- Bones
- Joints
- Soft tissues e.g. ligaments, cartilage and fascia
The Orthopaedic Triage Service is made up of a large team of experienced Advanced Clinical Practitioners (Physiotherapists and Podiatrists) who will assess, diagnose and help you to manage your condition at health centres spread across the local community. The aim of the service is to ensure that patients with MSK conditions are seen by the right clinician at the right time to facilitate a timely recovery.
Who works in the service?
Our expert team is staffed by Advanced Musculoskeletal Practitioners (Extended Scope Physiotherapists and Podiatrists).
Our practitioners are up to date with the latest research findings and can provide a thorough assessment and management programme tailored to each individual's needs. We also help our patients to understand their condition, prevent recurrences and learn how to actively manage it.
Services and treatments
All referrals that come in to this service are reviewed by one of our extended scope practitioners. They will then decide who you will see depending upon your condition.
We will book you an appointment with either the clinician in the Orthopaedic Triage Service or, in some cases, we may need to refer you directly to the local hospitals or, to another NHS service, the Multidisciplinary Pain Service or back to your GP with guidance.
The Orthopaedic Triage Service is a service for patients who typically have more complex musculoskeletal conditions or those who may require surgery. Our team team consists of Extended Scope Physiotherapists and Podiatrists (ESPs), who will provide an assessment, request investigations, provide a range of treatments including joint/soft tissue injections as well as refer to hospital services if required.
How can I access the service
Members of the public who are registered with a Birmingham GP practice can access our community orthopaedic triage service by referral from your doctor.
Additional information
Attending your appointment
If you need to change your appointment or no longer want an assessment, please call the service at least 48 hours prior to your appointment so that your appointment can be offered to someone else.
Please arrive on time so that you get the maximum benefit from your allocated appointment. If you arrive late for your appointment it may need to be rescheduled for another time.
If you do not attend your appointment without notifying us in advance you may be discharged from this service. Attending your appointment or informing us in good time if you need to cancel keeps waiting times low and reduces NHS costs.
If you need a translator please contact the service prior to your appointment and state the language you require.
What should I wear?
During your assessment you might be required to carry out a number of movements to determine the cause of your pain.
We therefore recommend you wear suitable loose fitting clothing, such as a T-shirt, shorts, jogging bottoms and underwear that you are comfortable being assessed in.
Useful links
Useful websites on related topics:
Chartered Society of Physiotherapists
Ingeus (formerly Work Directions)