Orthopedics is a thriving industry, but that doesn't mean there aren't occasional snags in the road to success.
Here are three challenges orthopedics is presented with today:
Reimbursement challenges
The estimated reimbursement for total knee and hip arthroplasty dropped 3% from 2023 to 2024, according to a VMG Health report.
The overall trend of declining reimbursements not only affects orthopedics, but healthcare in general.
"The trend of declining reimbursement, particularly in Medicare reimbursement, poses a threat to care access for Medicare beneficiaries," David Buchalter, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics in Bethesda, Md., told Becker's. "The challenge of maintaining financial viability becomes more difficult with diminishing reimbursements each year, while the overall costs continue to rise. This trend jeopardizes the ability to provide quality care."
Cybersecurity incidents
Cybersecurity incidents are bad news for any healthcare organization, and orthopedic practices are no exception.
In March alone, Becker's has reported on three data security incidents that directly affected orthopedic practices.
- Vancouver, Wash.-based Rebound Orthopedics & Neurosurgery filed a notice of a data breach with the attorney general of Montana.
- Orthopedic Associates of Flower Mound (Texas) notified patients of an email breach.
- Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine experienced a data security incident affecting 177,101 individuals.
Recalls
Becker's has reported on three spine and orthopedic product recalls in 2024.
- The FDA issued a patient safety alert regarding Equinoxe Shoulder System joint replacement devices manufactured by Exactech between 2004 and August 2021 due to a defect with the packaging.
- Stryker is recalling 143 units of its Triathlon total knee system.
- Medtronic Neurosurgery issued a Class I recall affecting 45,176 Duet external drainage and monitoring system catheter tubing following 26 reported injuries.