Launch your ASC’s total joint replacement program with this roadmap

Since the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services added total knee replacements and total hip arthroplasties to covered outpatient surgeries, the volume of these orthopedic procedures performed in surgery centers has seen significant growth and is expected to continue to rise. 

Procedures are shifting from inpatient to outpatient, and joint replacement is leading the way. Orthopedics are projected to grow 25% in the outpatient space over the next five years, and total joint replacement procedures are driving that growth with a projected 96% increase*. There’s a clear opportunity and benefit for Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) to add these procedures. Develop or strengthen your ASC’s total joint replacements program with these five steps. 

1. Build a business case
   1. Assess the local opportunity
   2. Return on investment goal
2. Get buy-in
   1. Manage expectations
   2. Educate staff
   3. Include in planning
3. Assess facility
   1. Determine OR suitability
   2. Review storage capacity
   3. Review OR equipment
   4. Assess sterile processing department
4. Determine equipment and supply needs
   1. Talk with stakeholders
   2. Identify “gaps”
   3. Establish vendor contracts
5. Contracting
   1. Payor contracts 
   2. Implant pricing
   3. Home health services 
   4. PT services

These five steps are a great way to build a successful foundation for your ASC’s joint replacement program. Click here to view the rest of the roadmap to continue to strengthen your surgery center and to find more total joint replacement program resources.

*Source: Advisory Board Market Scenario Planner