Benefis Health System in Montana created a joint replacement guarantee program, according to a Great Falls Tribune report.
Here are five key notes on the program:
1. Patients who undergo elective joint replacement surgery — including knee, hip and shoulder surgery — will have the ability to participate in the guarantee program.
2. The guarantee program focuses on outcomes and covers avoidable complications. If the patient experiences an avoidable complication, the patient and insurance company won't be billed for additional care.
3. Benefis Health System is the first to partner with implant companies to launch the program. DePuy Synthes, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, is partnering with the health system on the joint replacement guarantee.
4. Under the partnership, patients who have a DePuy implant will receive a free device replacement if the device needs replacing.
5. The health system is seeing changes in the types of patients undergoing joint replacements today; the patients are trending younger and technology advancement expanded the indications for surgery. Joints are lasting longer and more people with joint issues are opting for surgery.