Congress is now considering a bill that would give Medicare beneficiaries access to the advanced surgical techniques, improved outcomes, and decreased pain that is seen when joint replacements are done in outpatient facilities.
H.R. 1453 is a bill being sponsored by Devin Nunes (R-CA) and John Larson (D-CT) that would ensure that Medicare patients would have access to the high level of care, personal touch and cost savings that are available in ASCs. Dr. McAllister was asked to appear at a Congressional Briefing on the results of over 300 joint replacements done using MIS techniques and a rapid rehabilitation.
Ambulatory Surgery Centers―known as ASCs―are modern health care facilities that allow advanced surgical care to be provided in a focused, highly specialized and effective way. The outpatient experience is a convenient, personalized, lower-cost alternative to traditional hospital care.
Besides offering a simpler, more personal way to receive a joint replacement, outpatient joint replacement increases safety and reduces costs. According to a recent analysis by the University of California-Berkeley Nicholas C. Petris Center on Health Care Markets and Consumer Welfare, during the four-year period from 2008 to 2011, ASCs saved the Medicare program $7.5 billion―$2.3 billion in 2011 alone. The Berkeley researchers also found that ASCs have the potential to save Medicare up to $57.6 billion more over the next decade.
According to Dr. McAllister, “the savings are as important to patients as they are to physicians and payers. First of all, they occur because ASCs are more efficient, result in fewer complications, involve fewer unnecessary tests and procedures, and do not charge exorbitant facility fees. Secondly, there are no hidden copays, surprise medical bills, or uncovered costs.”
At ProOrtho, we are proud to partner with the SwiftPath program to improve outpatient hip replacement and knee replacement for good! Contact us today if you have any questions or would like to get back to your pain-free, active lifestyle.
