Our Practice and Care Philosophy

At the Hip & Knee Center our care philosophy is to provide patients the best possible experience and the best possible outcomes. This starts with your very first visit and means personal attention to detail and exceptional patient care at every step of the way working with your Nurse Navigator, who will be with you at every step to help you complete necessary forms and understand peri-operative procedures.

The Doctor/Patient Relationship

Because we believe strongly in the important role that patients should play in their own healthcare, every patient is also provided Dr. Palmer’s email address so you can direct questions to him 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

One of the largest practices in the country, The Hip & Knee Center works with many different patients and is a national referral location for patients suffering from hip and knee disorders caused by arthritis, trauma, congenital deformity, cancel and failed prior surgery.

We Provide VIP Patient Experience

Personal attention to detail and exceptional patient care are hallmarks of The Hip & Knee Center patient experience. That experience begins by meeting Dr. Palmer to discuss your movement goals and to address any concerns you may have.

You will then meet with Nurse Navigator Lori Compton to schedule your surgery and discuss a care plan customized to your needs and goals. We will not ask you to fill out dozens of forms or schedule multiple appointments, instead your Nurse Navigator will meet with you to:

• Schedule your procedure with the surgery center or hospital, including working with your primary care provider for medical clearance
• Discuss with you what to do to prepare for surgery and what to expect the day of your procedure
• Help you to understand post-surgery recovery and expectations
• Gather insurance information and secure necessary pre-authorizations
• Answer additional questions you may have at any point in time

Meet Our Nurse Navigator

Lori Compton, RN, BSN, ONC

Lori specializes in Orthopedics specifically Joint Replacement. She completed her Bachelor of Science at Olivet Nazarene University. Lori holds a national board certification in Orthopedic Nursing from NAON (National Association of Orthopedic Nurses) and has almost 20 years of Orthopedic Nursing experience.

Lori navigates the patient from the first office visit through the surgical experience and postoperative care, her passion is patient education and experience. Lori’s recent experience includes 8 years as the Nurse Manager of a 36 bed Orthopedic Unit. Lori has lived in Elgin for almost 30 years; she is married to a local attorney and has 3 adult children.

Meet Our Physician’s Assistant

Don Kuick, PA

Don is a board-certified physician assistant licensed to practice in Illinois and specializing in orthopedic surgery with an emphasis on joint replacement and sports medicine. He joined The Hip and Knee Center in 2021 and works alongside Dr. Palmer in the operating room, hospital, and clinical setting to preserve patients’ functionality and return them back to their active lifestyles. Before joining Dr. Palmer, Don worked as a sports medicine and orthopedic urgent care physician assistant.

Don completed his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and his  Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana. Following his master, he completed an orthopedic physician assistant residency at Hinsdale Orthopaedics, a division of Illinois Bone and Joint Institute. Prior to physician assistant school, Don worked as an EMT in the emergency room.

Don is a Chicagoland native, who grew up in the western suburbs. He enjoys an active lifestyle and a good cup of coffee. Returning patients back to their active lives and seeing them smile and enjoy their life is why he went into orthopedics.

Anterior Approach Hip Replacement

Total Knee Replacement

Outpatient and Inpatient Surgery

Educational Videos

Elgin, IL

Algonquin, IL