Scott Gillogly, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon with a special interest in sports medicine. He has dedicated his career to arthroscopic procedures and biologic cartilage restoration, pioneering the use of autologous chondrocyte cells for cartilage repair.
In addition to his research and practice, Dr. Gillogly spent time as a head team physician and orthopedic surgeon for NFL, NHL and MLB teams and treated athletes at all levels. He serves as the chief medical officer and director of sports cartilage repair at ASPETAR Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Doha, Qatar.
Here, Dr. Gillogly discusses the key trends and opportunities for orthopedics next year.
Question: What are the top two to three challenges orthopedic surgeons face heading into 2019?
Dr. Scott D. Gillogly: From the broadest perspective, the biggest challenge will be the transition and melding of the fee for service model to value-based care. While the concept of value-based care is hard to refute and saturates sound bites on the 'future of healthcare,' there are many unknowns in how this concept will translate to the bottom line. While orthopedic surgeons have typically been very cognizant of patient satisfaction and outcomes, associated issues surrounding outcomes data collection, patient self-reporting, patient behavior, assessment methods and ultimately who will be the decision maker of value versus costs portend uncertainty.
Although it is unlikely that these issues will be sorted in 2019, the drive for patient centered, value-based healthcare will closely intermingle with any future decisions or strategies.
Q: What technology are you most excited about in the future?
SDG: Undoubtedly, artificial intelligence is the pervading technology that is only limited by imagination. Sometimes as orthopedic surgeons we only see the cool technology in front of us that greatly enhances surgical challenges such as robotics, 3D image guided hardware placement or slick meniscus repair systems. However, we are so busy we can temporarily miss the extensive data science scope of AI in the 'softer' areas of healthcare such as big data mining, integrated treatment protocols and outcomes databases as well as machine learning guided imaging reading, consultation second opinions and complication risk stratification.
These same compelling features of AI driven enhancements extend to administrative areas, population medicine, revenue cycle and supply chain optimization and so on. We are clearly at the tip of the iceberg with AI and so if we are to make an impact to enhance the value of the patient experience and outcomes, this is the future.
Q: What is your best opportunity for growth?
SDG: The best opportunity is to be on the leading edge of the above, alert and agile to the changing environment.
To participate in future Becker's Q&As, contact Laura Dyrda at ldyrda@beckershealthcare.com.
For a deeper dive into the future of orthopedics, attend the Becker's 17th Annual Future of Spine + Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC in Chicago, June 13-5, 2019. Click here to learn more and register.