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The Transformative Power of Outpatient Migration in Orthopedic Care: A Guide for Surgeons
There was a time when most procedures, including orthopedic surgeries, were conducted strictly within the confines of a hospital. Fast forward to today, and we see that technology and clinical advancements have allowed many of these procedures to shift from hospital inpatient to outpatient settings, including Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs). This phenomenon, known as outpatient migration, has revolutionized the landscape of orthopedic care.
A Historical Perspective on Outpatient Care
The shift towards outpatient procedures began almost two decades ago but has picked up significant pace over the last five years. This trend can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, an increased demand for orthopedic procedures, especially total joint replacements, has outpaced hospitals’ capacity to deliver this care in an inpatient setting.
Secondly, clinical advancements such as minimally invasive surgical techniques, wearable sensors for remote patient monitoring, anesthesia postoperative pain control, telehealth, and real-time patient status reporting have made it possible for more complex procedures to be performed in an outpatient setting.
Thirdly, research findings have established that orthopedic surgery performed in an ASC is safe and effective for appropriate patients, with outcomes and complication rates equal to or better than inpatient procedures1.
The Benefits of Outpatient Migration
This shift towards outpatient migration has not only improved patient satisfaction by reducing cost-sharing but also enhanced physician satisfaction. Surgeons have considerably more control over the care delivered in an ASC versus a hospital, leading to lower costs and greater efficiency.
Moreover, surgical procedures performed in ASCs save billions of dollars per year currently2. Consequently, insurers are eager to establish the ASC as the preferred site of service for many orthopedic procedures. Payers are beginning to adopt policies whereby they will pay only for the least costly setting, appropriate to the type of surgery and patient risk characteristics.
Outpatient Migration: A Catalyst for Practice Growth
For private practice orthopedic surgeons, outpatient migration presents an opportunity to propel their practices forward. The transition from hospital inpatient to outpatient settings or ASCs is not only improving patient outcomes but also presenting new avenues for practice expansion.
As the demand for orthopedic procedures continues to grow, especially amongst baby boomers, practices that adapt to this shift stand to benefit from increased patient volumes and operational efficiency3. This, in turn, can lead to improved financial performance and practice growth.
Navigating the Future with American Orthopedic Partners
At American Orthopedic Partners (AOP), we are committed to staying at the forefront of technological innovation and industry trends. As thought leaders in the orthopedic industry, we understand the transformative power of outpatient migration and the opportunities it presents for orthopedic surgeons and practices.
We provide our partners with the expertise and support needed to navigate this shift successfully. Our proven strategies and solutions help practices optimize their operations, enhance patient care, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Outpatient migration is more than just a trend; it’s a paradigm shift that’s transforming the face of orthopedic care. With AOP as your partner, you can harness the power of this transformation to propel your practice into the future.
References:
1 Outpatient Migration – New Opportunities for Joint Ventures
2 ASCs vs. HOPDs: 4 Key Cost Differences
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