The landscape of orthopedic care is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by rising health care costs, patient demand for convenience, and the increasing popularity of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). As an orthopedic surgeon dedicated to advancing minimally invasive techniques and maximizing patient outcomes, I believe the key to navigating this evolving landscape lies in prioritizing patient access to the appropriate clinician via seamless care delivery. Simply put, “the right clinician at the right time.”
This is where the ASC-urgent care model comes into play. ASCs offer a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional hospital settings for a wide range of surgical procedures, including many orthopedic procedures previously thought unfathomable—i.e., hip replacement, front/back spine surgery, and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. By integrating ASCs with urgent care centers, we can create a more comprehensive and patient-centric system that delivers care from initial assessment through post-operative rehabilitation. It is important to point out that the buzzword “urgent care” does not often apply to orthopedic urgent care since recent data show that over 70 percent of patient visits to an ortho walk-in clinic are for pain: low back pain, knee pain, and shoulder pain, to name the most common.
This integrated model offers several advantages:
Increased convenience and accessibility. Patients can receive specialized orthopedic care without the need to travel to a hospital or navigate the complex scheduling processes often associated with traditional settings.
Streamlined care. The seamless transition from diagnosis to treatment within a single facility minimizes patient stress and optimizes efficiency. Patients often start their journey in general urgent care where the clinician is not adequately trained in musculoskeletal issues, hence the need for yet another visit in order to make the diagnosis, let alone actually provide effective treatment. This prolongs the patient journey and increases the overall cost of care.
Enhanced focus on complex cases. Surgeons can dedicate more time to complex cases and better use their surgical expertise by directing routine orthopedic minor injuries and painful conditions to an urgent care center—one with appropriate expertise.
Reduced costs. ASCs typically operate at a much lower cost than hospitals, resulting in potential savings for both patients and insurance companies. The difference can be 40 to 60 percent lower for hospital surgery, and only somewhat less at a hospital outpatient department. If initial orthopedic care is initiated at a free-standing orthopedic walk-in center that is affiliated with an independent ASC, the overall care cost differences can be significant. This is in addition to a vastly improved patient and family experience at dedicated outpatient specialty centers.
This model is not without its challenges, including securing insurance contracts and changing the mindset of both providers and patients. However, the potential is undeniable. Examples like OrthoNOW demonstrate the effectiveness of this model. As we refine these models, we envision a future where patients can access specialized orthopedic care without unnecessary delays or burdens.
The future of orthopedic care lies in embracing innovation and prioritizing patient needs. By leveraging the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of ASCs, integrating urgent care centers, and fostering a collaborative approach to care, we can create a system that empowers patients, enhances surgical outcomes, and ultimately improves the overall quality of care for orthopedic patients nationwide.
Alejandro Badia is an orthopedic surgeon.
