UCI Health Physician Network expands with Coury & Buehler Physical Therapy and California Rehabilitation and Sports Therapy

Affiliation enhances access to physical therapy in Orange County

Orange, Calif. — UCI Health, Orange County’s only academic health system, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its UCI Health Physician Network with the addition of two premier physical therapy providers as key participants: Coury & Buehler Physical Therapy (Coury & Buehler PT) and California Rehabilitation and Sports Therapy (Cal Rehab).

“By integrating Coury & Buehler Physical Therapy and California Rehabilitation and Sports Therapy into our UCI Health Physician Network, we are significantly expanding access to exceptional physical therapy services,” said Tatyana Popkova, chief strategy officer and senior vice president of UCI Health. “This partnership ensures that Orange County residents can achieve their optimal health and wellness through coordinated and trusted care, closer to home.”

Coury & Buehler Physical Therapy, founded in 2004 by Brandon Buehler and Richard Coury, has ten locations across Orange County, offering personalized care to relieve pain, retrain movement, and restore function.

Cal Rehab, a partner of Physical Rehabilitation Network (PRN PT), provides leading physical therapy and rehabilitation services at 35 clinics throughout Southern California. Trusted by physicians and patients, Cal Rehab is recognized for delivering excellent outcomes in injury recovery and mobility improvement.

The expansion follows the recent inclusions of Orange County Urology Associates, SoCal Eye, United Medical Doctors and Associated Gastroenterology Medical Group. Such growth underscores the commitment of UCI Health to delivering integrated, high-quality care across Southern California.

The UCI Health Physician Network combines the rehabilitation and academic expertise of UCI Health with the specialized skills of community-based practices like Coury & Buehler PT and Cal Rehab, both of which are renowned for their patient-centered, hands-on physical therapy programs.

Commitment to improving quality of life

The demand for physical therapy in Orange County is rising due to an aging population, increasing sports injuries, and the prevalence of chronic conditions. In Orange County, where the population aged 65 and older is projected to grow by 30% by 2030, the need for post-surgical rehabilitation and mobility restoration is critical.

Dr. Nitin Bhatia, chair of UCI Orthopedic Surgery, noted how patients benefit from the addition of the new network participants.

“The addition of Coury & Buehler PT and Cal Rehab strengthens our ability to provide comprehensive care for musculoskeletal conditions. Their expertise in physical therapy complements our surgical and nonsurgical interventions ensure patients recover faster and return to their active lifestyles.”

Rehabilitation hospital coming soon

The UCI Health Rehabilitation Hospital will further expand access to world-class physical, occupational and speech therapy services. The 68,000-square-foot, 52-bed facility will feature specialized cancer rehabilitation care, specialized acquired brain injury unit, a dialysis suite, an imaging suite, and multidisciplinary therapy gymnasiums equipped with leading-edge therapeutic technologies.

Designed for patients recovering from stroke, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations and other conditions, the hospital will more than triple the inpatient rehabilitation capacity at UCI Health.

Additionally, UCI Health Rehabilitation Services is dedicated to helping patients overcome disabilities, regain independence, and improve their quality of life with a portfolio of outpatient services. The team of highly skilled physical, occupational, and speech therapists at UCI Health creates individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique condition, needs and personal goals. Whether recovering from surgery, injury, or managing chronic conditions like stroke or neurological disorders, patients receive compassionate, evidence-based care.

Tara Kasmarek, MBA, FACHE, vice president of operations overseeing UCI Health Rehabilitation Services and activation of the new rehabilitation hospital, highlighted the network’s holistic approach: “This collaboration enhances our mission to deliver whole-person care. By combining UCI Health’s rehabilitation resources with the specialized programs at Coury & Buehler PT and Cal Rehab, we can address the diverse needs of patients, from chronic pain to post-operative recovery, with unparalleled expertise.”

Enabling high-quality seamless care through partnership

Rich Coury, PT, DPT, OCS, co-founder of Coury & Buehler Physical Therapy, added, “Joining the UCI Health Physician Network aligns with our vision of creating access to care that empowers patients to live pain-free. We are excited to collaborate with UCI Health to deliver innovative, compassionate care that transforms lives in our community.”

David DeGumbia, chief operating officer at PRN PT, representing Cal Rehab, stated, "Our partnership with UCI Health is a major step forward in delivering truly integrated, patient-centered rehabilitation for Orange County. By combining our expertise with UCI Health’s trusted resources, we’re making it even easier for patients to access the high-quality care they deserve so they can get back to living life to the fullest.”

About the UCI Health Physician Network

The UCI Health Physician Network is a collaborative effort between UCI Health and select community providers, clinics, and hospitals. As a clinically integrated network (CIN), the UCI Health Physician Network is designed to deliver evidence-based patient care that is safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable. All affiliates in this network work to meet or improve targeted patient health outcomes for an expanding range of diseases and conditions, working to reduce the total cost of care. Learn more at https://care.ucihealth.org/uci-health-physician-network/.

About Coury & Buehler Physical Therapy

With over 20 years of providing quality care and service, Coury & Buehler Physical Therapy is a leading physical therapy practice in Orange County, with ten locations dedicated to relieving pain, retraining movement, and restoring function. Their team of highly trained therapists provides personalized, hands-on care in state-of-the-art facilities, creating a compassionate environment focused on total healing. Learn more at www.cbphysicaltherapy.com.

About California Rehabilitation and Sports Therapy

California Rehabilitation and Sports Therapy, a partner of Physical Rehabilitation Network, provides high-quality rehabilitation programs trusted by physicians and patients. Its expert therapists deliver individualized care for injury recovery, mobility improvement, and chronic pain management, supporting patients as they return to active lifestyles. With locations in major Southern California regions - including Irvine, Newport Beach, Long Beach, and Torrance - California Rehabilitation and Sports Therapy’s network across Orange, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties helps make physical therapy services accessible to communities throughout the area. Learn more at www.prnpt.com/brands/california-rehabilitation-and-sports-therapy/.

About Physical Rehabilitation Network

Physical Rehabilitation Network (PRN) is a leading owner-operator of more than 260 outpatient physical therapy clinics across 16 states in the western and central regions of the United States. Boasting a differentiated delivery model, PRN integrates owning, managing and developing physical therapy locations and brands as well as establishing Health System Joint Ventures and PT practice partnerships with its value-based, people-first and outcomes-driven care delivery solutions. PRN’s growing network of distinguished regional brands offers a full range of treatment services, including outpatient physical therapy, workplace ergonomics, workers’ compensation therapy, sports and auto injury rehabilitation, and rehabilitation for seniors.