Kathleen Fossen,
PA-C, MPAS
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Katie L. Fossen is a Physican’s Assisant (PA) at the University of Utah who exclusively treats hand, wrist and elbow conditions. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, she has been working in Orthopaedic Surgery since receiving her graduate degree, and has extensive experience in treating hand, wrist, and elbow problems.
In addition to many common problems affecting the upper extremity, Katie Fossen, PA, also has specific expertise in treating injuries to the hand, wrist, and elbow. She helps to treat urgent and acute problems due to broken bones, tendon lacerations, nerve injuries and trauma. Katie is available to see patients with acute problems on short notice, helping to identify which injuries may need surgery urgently.
She primarily works in concert with Dr. Andrew Tyser, MD at both the University Orthopaedic Center and the South Jordan Medical Center. Katie performs all aspects of non-surgical upper extremity care including injections, casting, and splinting, and helps to refer patients who may wish to explore surgical options with Dr. Tyser. Together, they help find the best solutions for patients with upper extremity problems, and work as an integrated team.
Andrew R. Tyser M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Utah Hospital and Clinics who exclusively specializes in hand, upper extremity (hand / wrist / forearm / elbow), peripheral nerve, and microvascular surgery.
Katie Fossen and Dr. Tyser treat common upper extremity disorders such as:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Dupuytren's disease (collagenase/Xiaflex injection, percutaneous needle aponeurotomy, and surgery)
Trigger finger
Thumb arthritis
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Injuries of the elbow, wrist and hands including:
Distal Radius Fractures
Elbow Fractures
Scaphoid Fractures
Lacerations to nerves and tendons
For selected smaller procedures, and based on patient preference, Dr. Tyser commonly performs "wide-awake" surgery--a streamlined experience that can help decrease the time, expense, and inconvenience associated with having hand surgery. This is also known as WALANT (wide-awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet) surgery.
Internationally, Dr. Tyser has been involved with multiple service trips to locations such as the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. He is an active member of Health Volunteers Overseas, and considers care of the underserved both at home and abroad a priority.
Dr. Tyser received his B.A. in Biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, his medical degree at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and completed a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Utah. His fellowship training in Hand and Microvascular Surgery was completed at the Curtis National Hand Center in Baltimore, MD.
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Orthopaedics
-
Advanced Practice Clinician |
| Board Certification | National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants |
Patient Rating
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Likelihood of recommending care provider
4.5/ 5
Care provider's explanation of condition/problem
4.5/ 5
Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
4.5/ 5
Wait time at clinic
4.4/ 5
Care provider's concern for questions & worries
4.5/ 5
Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
UofU Patient
September 22, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Great!
UofU Patient
September 05, 2021
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Excellent experience.
UofU Patient
September 05, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I really liked her and felt heard as a pt.
UofU Patient
August 27, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Good
UofU Patient
August 01, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Greatness in every possible way
UofU Patient
July 26, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Katie knew exactly what It was from the Images and exam. She told me It was hyper extension when I thought It was from a direct Impact. I realized then from her description of a hyper extension Injury that she was correct, and she was very good at explaining what Incan and can't do, care, time period, etc.
UofU Patient
June 29, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I feel like provider was not interested in helping me at all. I had to ask tons of questions to get any advice or help
UofU Patient
June 28, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
My care provider was outstanding in explaining the potential options.
UofU Patient
June 13, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
good
UofU Patient
May 24, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
My PA was very thorough when explaining my options and what they would look like. I felt confident in my decision and plan made with her.
UofU Patient
May 23, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Katie explained very clearly the options available to me and presented realistic expected outcomes following treatment options.
UofU Patient
May 20, 2021
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
good
UofU Patient
May 18, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
very friendly
UofU Patient
April 27, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Excellent service
UofU Patient
April 26, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
all good
UofU Patient
April 14, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
extremely professional and excellent chair side manner and it was a good appointment
UofU Patient
April 13, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
The visit was so quick-hard to give an accurate assessment.
UofU Patient
April 09, 2021
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Kate and Amber and their assistants are outstanding in their care and concern.
UofU Patient
March 26, 2021
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Very thorough and professional. She was able to quickly identify the problem and solve out.
UofU Patient
March 13, 2021
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
I really like her help.
UofU Patient
March 01, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I always feel cared for at these operations.
UofU Patient
February 12, 2021
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
excellent provider/communicator. Excellent technique with shot in my hand. almost painless
UofU Patient
December 22, 2020
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
This PA is disrespectful and judgmental
UofU Patient
December 03, 2020
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
bad
UofU Patient
November 25, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
was told on a Friday I had to have surgery on Monday I wasn't asked if that would work for me or not. the PH told me she would be right back she was going to check where to send me on Monday. about 10 min latter in walks a guy told me they would call me latter with a time for Monday. I didnt walk away feeling good at all. when I had asked the PA about pain meds she laughed at me and said "we don't give out pain meds you will be lucky to get any after surgery" knowing how much pain i was already in with broken bones leaving that appointment I was so scared couldn't get in my car fast enough before I started crying. your people need more compassion at the very least they need to learn how to fake some.
UofU Patient
November 19, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Perfect
UofU Patient
November 16, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Katie immediately identified the principal point of injury
UofU Patient
November 15, 2020
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
cannot say enough great things about this group
UofU Patient
November 09, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I really enjoyed working with Dr. Fossen!
UofU Patient
November 05, 2020
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
superlative
UofU Patient
November 02, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
She laid everything out for me and was very clear with my options. I really liked Fossen and how she handled everything.
UofU Patient
November 02, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
there all good to let me no what's going on an what's to expect
UofU Patient
October 25, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
while the appointment was only 15 minutes, it was exactly what was needed. precise, thoughtful questions, and quick diagnosis filled with a game plan to move forward.
UofU Patient
September 14, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
All was great. Thank you!
UofU Patient
September 09, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
wonderful
UofU Patient
August 17, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I am not sure were the bad connection is.. if it is the doctor or the receptionist.. was suppose to have a call back and never have.. that was two weeks ago..
UofU Patient
July 12, 2020
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
I am concerned about the small amount of discussion regarding ongoing and future treatment possibilities
UofU Patient
July 01, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
no problems
UofU Patient
June 22, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I was impressed by Katie. She explained everything so I could understand it.
UofU Patient
June 22, 2020
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Kathleen Fossen was outstanding
UofU Patient
June 22, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Katie was very thorough and patient. Hang on to her, she's a good one !!
UofU Patient
June 11, 2020
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
my Doctor helped me by explaining my recovery process and exercises to help mobilize my hand.
UofU Patient
May 25, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
it has been extremely good all the way around
UofU Patient
May 16, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
She was awesome!!
UofU Patient
May 11, 2020
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
the provider was going to contact someone in her office to schedule a day, time and, location to get x-rays to further assess what is going on with my wrist pain. As of this writing I have not been contacted by the provider to schedule the appointment for x-ray. A week has passed since I had the video appointment with the PA. I am disappointed with the failure to follow up with the x-ray scheduling.
UofU Patient
December 15, 2019
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Excellent
Katie L. Fossen is a Physican’s Assisant (PA) at the University of Utah who exclusively treats hand, wrist and elbow conditions. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, she has been working in Orthopaedic Surgery since receiving her graduate degree, and has extensive experience in treating hand, wrist, and elbow problems.
In addition to many common problems affecting the upper extremity, Katie Fossen, PA, also has specific expertise in treating injuries to the hand, wrist, and elbow. She helps to treat urgent and acute problems due to broken bones, tendon lacerations, nerve injuries and trauma. Katie is available to see patients with acute problems on short notice, helping to identify which injuries may need surgery urgently.
She primarily works in concert with Dr. Andrew Tyser, MD at both the University Orthopaedic Center and the South Jordan Medical Center. Katie performs all aspects of non-surgical upper extremity care including injections, casting, and splinting, and helps to refer patients who may wish to explore surgical options with Dr. Tyser. Together, they help find the best solutions for patients with upper extremity problems, and work as an integrated team.
Andrew R. Tyser M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Utah Hospital and Clinics who exclusively specializes in hand, upper extremity (hand / wrist / forearm / elbow), peripheral nerve, and microvascular surgery.
Katie Fossen and Dr. Tyser treat common upper extremity disorders such as:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Dupuytren's disease (collagenase/Xiaflex injection, percutaneous needle aponeurotomy, and surgery)
Trigger finger
Thumb arthritis
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Injuries of the elbow, wrist and hands including:
Distal Radius Fractures
Elbow Fractures
Scaphoid Fractures
Lacerations to nerves and tendons
For selected smaller procedures, and based on patient preference, Dr. Tyser commonly performs "wide-awake" surgery--a streamlined experience that can help decrease the time, expense, and inconvenience associated with having hand surgery. This is also known as WALANT (wide-awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet) surgery.
Internationally, Dr. Tyser has been involved with multiple service trips to locations such as the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. He is an active member of Health Volunteers Overseas, and considers care of the underserved both at home and abroad a priority.
Dr. Tyser received his B.A. in Biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, his medical degree at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and completed a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Utah. His fellowship training in Hand and Microvascular Surgery was completed at the Curtis National Hand Center in Baltimore, MD.
Academic Locations
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Orthopaedics
-
Advanced Practice Clinician |
| Board Certification | National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants |
Education History
| Graduate Training | Idaho State University Physician Assistant Studies M.P.A.S., 2010 |
| Undergraduate | University of Nebraska Biological Sciences B.S., 2008 |