Fort Worth, TX (July 15, 2026) – U.S. Specialists Management (USSM) today announced that Orthopedic Associates, a highly respected orthopedic practice serving the greater St. Louis region, has joined its physician-led specialty Management Services Organization. The partnership represents a major milestone for USSM as Orthopedic Associates becomes the organization’s first orthopedic group.

Founded more than 60 years ago, Orthopedic Associates has built a long-standing reputation for specialized musculoskeletal care across St. Louis and surrounding communities. The practice includes 10 physicians and four advanced practice providers, offering expertise across sports medicine, joint replacement, shoulder, knee, hip, spine, hand, wrist, foot, ankle, trauma, work injuries, and general orthopedic care.

“Welcoming Orthopedic Associates marks an important and exciting first for USSM,” said Bob Yonke, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Specialists Management. “This is a premier orthopedic group with deep roots in the St. Louis community, a strong physician leadership culture, and a clear commitment to delivering exceptional patient care. Their decision to join USSM validates the strength of our physician led model beyond our founding specialties and solidifies another phase of our growth strategy.”

Yonke added, “Orthopedic practices face increasing operational, reimbursement, and growth pressures across all US markets. USSM was built to help physician groups remain independent, retain local leadership, and focus on delivering world class patient care while giving each practice the financial and operational infrastructure and strategic support needed to grow and prosper as independent specialists.”

“Orthopedic Associates has always been focused on providing patients with high-quality, accessible orthopedic care close to home,” said Dr. Ryan Pitts, Managing Partner of Orthopedic Associates. “As we’ve thoroughly evaluated the future of our practice, it was important to find a partner that understood physician leadership and respected the culture we have built. USSM clearly stood out because of their commitment to putting “Patients First” and helping independent groups grow without compromising Physician integrity.”

“This partnership creates new opportunities for our physicians, providers, and team members while keeping quality patient care at the center of every decision,” said Dr. Ryan Pitts, Managing Partner of Orthopedic Associates. “With USSM’s support, we will be better positioned to expand clinical services, invest in patient centric resources, and continue meeting the orthopedic needs of patients throughout the St. Louis region.”

The addition of Orthopedic Associates broadens USSM’s multi-specialty platform and establishes orthopedics as a new area of growth for the organization. USSM will continue partnering with patient centric physician groups that seek to preserve independence, strengthen operations, and build sustainable platforms for specialty care.

About U.S. Specialists Management

U.S. Specialists Management (USSM) is a Physician Equity™ Management Services Organization (MSO) that is Physician Owned, Physician Controlled, Physician Centric, and Professionally Managed. With a mission of putting patients first, USSM is dedicated to preserving physician independence, strengthening the physician-patient relationship, and ensuring that patient care remains the top priority. USSM partners with physicians and specialty groups of all sizes across multiple specialties. Through operational expertise, ancillary development, managed care support, and strategic resources, USSM enables physicians to focus on delivering exceptional patient care while building durable, physician-led organizations.

Learn more at: www.ussm.com

About Orthopedic Associates

Orthopedic Associates is a St. Louis, Missouri-based orthopedic practice that has served patients across the region for more than 60 years. The practice provides specialized orthopedic care for bone, joint, muscle, and sports-related injuries and conditions, with expertise across areas including shoulder, knee, hip, spine, joint replacement, hand, wrist, foot, ankle, trauma, work injuries, and sports medicine.

Learn more at: www.oastl.com

CONTACT

U.S. Specialists Management
Investor Relations
817-925-8460