Performing hip resurfacing as an outpatient procedure may help hospitals and surgery centers mitigate cost, according to a study published in Orthopaedic Proceedings.
The researchers identified 77 outpatient hip resurfacing procedures that were performed at a single physician-owned ambulatory surgery center. All of the patients were young and had no major comorbidities. The researchers analyzed these patients' postoperative outcomes in terms of complication rate and cost savings.
Here's what you need to know:
1. The researchers say that the three main reasons inpatient hospitalization has been necessary are: possible transfusion, pain control and physical therapy.
2. Advances in blood management, multimodal pain management and surgical technique have reduced hospital stay, paving the way for additional outpatient procedures.
3. All 77 of the patients were successfully discharged on the day of surgery. None of the patients experienced major complicates in the first six weeks following surgery.
4. There was one emergency room visit, however, hospitalization was not required. Other minor complicates included three patients requiring a morphine injection after discharge.
5. The researchers compared the cost of outpatient hip resurfacing at the ASC with the cost of inpatient hip resurfacing at hospitals in the region, using data from Blue Cross. The insurance company saw between 26 percent and 60 percent cost savings at the ASC.
The researchers conclude that in "properly selected patients, outpatient hip resurfacing can be accomplished safely, with a high degree of patient satisfaction and a tremendous cost savings to the insurer." They suggest that health insurers can incentivize patient interest in outpatient procedures to accumulate healthcare savings.