Watauga Orthopaedics Has Issued A Statement Concerning A Recent Change By Ballad Health Concerning Orthopedic Trauma Care. Watauga Claims Ballad Is Removing All Independent Orthopedic Groups From Providing On-Call Coverage At Johnson City Medical Center Effective February 1st, Meaning All Of The Services Would Be Provided By Ballad-Affiliated Physicians. The Group Called Ballad’s Decision A Blatant Attempt To Prevent Them From Treating Valued And Loyal Patients. However, Ballad Called Part Of Watauga’s Claim, Simply False, Saying Patients Will Always Have The Right To Choose Who Their Provider Is In The Hospital. Ballad Said The Move Was Based On National Standards.