Total joint replacement or reconstruction is an invasive procedure with potentially lengthy recovery times. When patients are facing the prospect of joint procedures followed by weeks of physical therapy and restrictions, a positive experience at your ASC can dramatically improve their recovery and satisfaction.

Outpatient total joint replacements are becoming more and more attractive to patients. Particularly in a post-COVID-19 world, patients are attracted to the idea of at-home recovery and a shorter length-of-stay in the acute setting. As demand rises, outpatient joint replacements are expected to increase by nearly 80% over the next few years. Your ASC can meet this increasing demand by optimizing and implementing best practices now for total joint surgery. 

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, elective orthopedic procedures dropped about 61%, according to the American Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives. Postponing these elective surgeries has left a significant amount of revenue on the table. While general hospitals are still prioritizing COVID-19 treatment, ASCs have a perfect opportunity to increase their volume of elective procedures, such as total joint replacements. 

Research has found that undergoing any total joint replacement can make patients feel uncertain, vulnerable, and nervous. They may experience a decrease in trust for their own body. They may have intense anxiety about harming their new joint. As their healthcare provider, you have a crucial role in helping patients feel more confident and at ease. Instead of feeling anxious and uncertain, with your help, patients can experience a significantly improved quality of life.  

Over 250 ambulatory surgery centers in the U.S. offer outpatient total joint replacements. With costs for ASC joint replacements at 40% less than the cost of inpatient replacements, more and more ASCs have adopted the procedure in recent years.