As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable progress we made at Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance (KCOA) over the past year. 2024 was a year of growth, transformation and opportunity in healthcare, and we are deeply grateful for the trust and support you—our patients and community—have shown us.
Together, we’ve embraced challenges, celebrated achievements and laid a stronger foundation to serve you even better in the year ahead. As we look to 2025, we remain committed to delivering exceptional care and advancing orthopedic excellence.
KCOA is the largest, independently owned orthopedic practice in our region. With 41 physicians and over 60 providers, delivering care in seven metro locations, we are progressing our mission to deliver the best musculoskeletal care close to where you live, work and play.
Highlights from 2024
This year, KCOA experienced incredible growth and innovation, enabling us to expand access to care and enhance the services we provide. Here are some of the milestones we’re proud to share:
- Welcoming New Members to the KCOA Family: We were thrilled to integrate Midwest Orthopaedics and Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Consultants of Kansas City into KCOA, along with adding outstanding providers like Dr. Sean Bonanni, who specializes in hip and knee replacement, and Advanced Practice Providers Derek Barnard, Jessica Upah, and Katie Fry.
- Expanding Locations and Services: In March, we opened our seventh clinic location at Prairie Star in Lenexa, Kansas. Furthermore, in collaboration with PrimeHealth at St. Mary’s Medical Center, we expanded our service offerings in Blue Springs, adding robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement procedures under the expert care of Dr. Scott Wingerter. KCOA will also add an additional location in 2026, with the opening of a Medical Office Building (MOB) in the new Lenexa City Center.
- Improving Patient Access and Experience: We consolidated our Merriam location into our Shawnee Mission campus to create a more seamless experience and grew our Leawood campus to better support our incredible team.
- Investing in Technology: We selected a new Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system for implementation in 2025 to further improve our efficiency and enhance patient care.
- Supporting the Community: This year, we provided care during 140,000 visits, supported 15 regional charitable organizations with time, talent and treasure, and partnered with local schools and professional sports teams for athletic coverage and injury prevention.
- Enhancing Direct Payment Options: Through our partnership with HealthMe, we expanded our direct-payment offerings, allowing us to bring transparent pricing to patients choosing this route to access services.
- Supporting Local Athletics: Our Sports Medicine Team provided coverage for seven high schools, one university, and local teams including the Kansas City Rugby Football Club, KC Mavericks, KC Current and Sporting KC.
- Receiving Outstanding Feedback: We received over 2,400 external reviews across platforms like Google, HealthGrades, Vitals and Facebook, with an average star rating of 4.75.
- Growing Our Team: Our KCOA family grew by 6% in 2024, allowing us to continue delivering the care you need and expect.
Our Commitment to You
At KCOA, we are driven by a simple mission: to deliver the best orthopedic care possible in a patient-centered environment. We are proud to remain independently owned and physician-led because we believe this model allows us to make decisions that prioritize your health and well-being above all else. It ensures that your care is delivered with efficiency, transparency and a collaborative approach that empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.
Looking Ahead in 2025
As we embrace the opportunities of a new year, we’re excited to continue growing, innovating and enhancing the care we provide. Thank you for trusting KCOA with your orthopedic health. It’s an honor to serve this incredible community, and we remain dedicated to delivering the highest level of care in 2025 and beyond.
Wishing you and your loved ones a year filled with health, happiness and success.
Gene Austin
CEO, Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance
