Biography
Dr. Christian Skjong is an orthopedic surgeon who is fellowship trained in hand and upper extremity surgery. Treating adults, adolescents and children, Dr. Skjong sees many patients with sports-related injuries to the hand, wrist, arm or elbow. Among his specialties are microvascular surgery and small joint replacement. He also treats patients with carpel tunnel syndrome and Dupuytren’s Contracture.
A native of Minnesota, Dr. Skjong earned his bachelor of arts in biology at Carleton College before moving to Chicago to study at University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at University of Chicago Medical Center and his fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School in Providence, Rhode Island.
A self-described science enthusiast, Dr. Skjong developed an early fascination with how complex extremities such as the human hand function. He is committed to staying current on the latest advances and techniques in hand and upper extremity treatment, working with patients to explore minimally invasive treatment options whenever possible. A guitarist who has treated many musicians during his career, Dr. Skjong has a keen appreciation for the profound importance of restoring form and function for patients who rely heavily on their hands and upper extremities.
Additional Areas of Expertise
- Arthritis of Hand, Wrist & Elbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Dupuytren’s Contracture
- Joint Replacement Hand, Wrist & Elbow
- Microvascular Surgery
- Arthroscopy
- Fracture Care
- Trauma
Philosophy of Care
I am a surgeon by training, but listening to and understanding my patients makes all the difference.
Education
Fellowship
Brown University
Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery
Residency
University of Chicago Medical Center
Orthopaedic Surgery
Medical School
University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Awards
- Medical Student Research Fellowship, Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF), 2008
- Basic Science Prize, Overall Excellence in Scientific Quality and Content, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine Summer Research Forum, 2006
- Graduated Summa cum laude, Carleton College, 2005
- Phi Beta Kappa, Carleton College Chapter, 2005
- All-Academic Team, MIAC Varsity Basketball, Carleton College, 2001
Accepted Insurance
- Aetna EPO, HMO, PPO, POS, NAP
- Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO, HMO
- Aetna Whole Health
- Beech Street/Concentra/Viant PPO and Workers’ Compensation
- Blue Advantage PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, BlueChoice PPO, HMO, HMOI, HMO Advantage, Blue Precision HMO, Medicare Advantage, MMAI Plan (some physicians)
- CareIQ, Rehab for Workers Compensation
- CCN POS
- CCN PPO
- Cigna HMO, PPO, POS
- CorVel PPO, Workers’ Compensation
- Coventry Medicare Advantage PPO, HMO
- Coventry PPO, Workers’ Compensation
- Encompass (surgery network for injured workers)
- First Health PPO
- Healthcare’s Finest Network PPO, Workers’ Compensation
- HealthLink Plans HMO, PPO
- HMO Illinois (some physicians)
- Humana MMAI, HMO, POS, PPO
- Imagine Health/Smart Network (MRI/CT Services, Rehab Services, and some Physicians)
- Longevity Health Medicare Advantage HMO
- Medicare
- MedRisk (Rehab services for injured workers)
- MultiPlan/Private Health Care Systems PPO
- One Call Medical Network (Imaging services for injured workers)
- One Call Care Management (Rehab services for injured workers)
- Orchid Medical (Rehab services for injured workers)
- PPO Next (aka HealthStar PPO, Preferred Health Network PPO)
- Preferred Network Access PPO
- Preferred Plan PPO
- Premier Comp Solutions (imaging services only)
- Savility
- Sunrise Advantage Medicare Advantage Plan
- Therapy Direct (Rehab services for injured workers)
- Union Health Service
- UnitedHealthcare HMO, Open Access, POS, PPO
IBJI providers are participating providers in the following workers’ compensation Preferred Provider Programs (PPP):
- CorVel
- Coventry
- Healthcare’s Finest Network
- MedRisk (Rehab/Work Comp)