Now that you have decided that it’s time to take the next step and opt for a Total Hip, Knee or Shoulder replacement, you may find that having your procedure performed outside of the traditional hospital setting is right for you.
First of all, how is an outpatient joint replacement different from traditional inpatient surgery? In a traditional total joint replacement, the patient comes into a hospital for their procedure and stays overnight for 3 to 4 days after to recover. In an outpatient surgical center (frequently referred to as an Ambulatory Surgical Center or ASC) the patient comes to our facility for the procedure and goes home the same day under the care of a customized clinical team of nurses and therapists who continue your care in the comfort of your own home.
Did you know that an increasing number of patients are considering outpatient surgical centers for their Knee, Hip and Shoulder arthroplasty procedures? Here are just a few reasons why you may want to do the same:
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Flexible, innovative care: Outpatient facilities tend to be newer, with forward-thinking surgeons using cutting-edge techniques that allow for early discharge.
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Less costly for patients: An inpatient joint replacement can cost more than double what an outpatient joint replacement costs. In fact, according to the National Institute of Health, studies have shown that “the average cost savings of 17.6% to 57.6% for outpatient procedures relative to similar procedures performed in a hospital”. If your insurance coverage isn’t as comprehensive, you may have to pay out of pocket for the extra expenses.
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Greater patient satisfaction: Outpatient joint replacement recipients report being more satisfied with the care they’ve received with the continuum of care in comparison to those receiving care in the inpatient setting.
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Improved surgery outcomes and recovery: Studies show that complications are lower, infections can be reduced, and that patient groups that have outpatient surgery can recover faster at home.
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Shorter stay in a facility: A shorter stay at a medical center comes with a host of benefits including a lower risk of hospital-acquired infection (like MRSA) and greater comfort being able to recovery immediately after surgery in your the comfort of your own home.