C
heck out these eye-popping predictions if you're con-
sidering adding outpatient total joints: The demand for
knee and hip replacements is expected to increase by
nearly 700% and 200%, respectively, by the year 2030.
"There isn't capacity in the current healthcare system
to accommodate that dramatic jump in volume," says Mark Wolbert,
director of business development and marketing at Excelsior
Orthopaedics in Amherst, N.Y. "And it isn't necessary that all those
patients undergo surgery in an acute care setting."
Excelsior just wrapped up its first year of hosting same-day total
joints, performing approximately 45 hip, knee and shoulder replace-
ments in a physician-owned surgery center. Next year, when the pro-
gram is in full swing, the surgeons hope to replace 100 joints.
Excelsior is now reaping the benefits of a plan that was put in place
8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 6
It's Time to Add Outpatient Total Joints
John
Hickey
(Buffalo
News)
Advancements in surgical technology and
pain management usher in same-day joint replacement.
