Increasing Quality. Reducing Cost.

Joint replacement bundles, or bundled payment programs, are agreements between doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies, designed to improve the outcome of the surgery and limit the cost involved. To do this, teams are developed to help manage the entire process, from the time the decision for surgery is made until well after surgery. Depending on what type of insurance you have, the details of the bundle may differ.

What is Outpatient Surgery?

Outpatient surgery, whether performed in an ambulatory surgery center or a hospital, is an approach to surgery that does not require an overnight hospital stay. This is made possible through minimally invasive techniques and pain management protocols that allow patients to be up and moving in less time after undergoing surgery.

What are the Benefits of Outpatient Joint Replacement?

  • Less Risk of Complications
    • An outpatient setting greatly reduces a patient’s risk of infection compared to surgery in a traditional hospital. Additionally, there is less surgical scarring due to the smaller incision. A rapid recovery protocol for quicker mobility can decrease the risk of blood clots and other postoperative complications.
  • Less Expensive
    • Outpatient surgery is typically less expensive than inpatient surgery. One night of inpatient hospital care can increase the cost of treatment by thousands of dollars.
  • Improved Health and Comfort
    • Outpatient surgery allows the patient to recover at home on the same day as their procedure with the help of a family member or close friend.
  • Faster Recovery
    • Minimally invasive procedures shorten the duration in which patients are under anesthesia. Additionally, a refined approach to postoperative pain management enables patients to be up and walking the same day.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Outpatient Joint Replacement?

The ideal candidate for Outpatient Joint Replacement is:

  • Healthy: Patients must be free of certain medical conditions that would require monitoring in a hospital, such as cardiovascular conditions.
  • Motivated to Recover: Recovering from such a major surgery at home requires a great deal of will and determination. Recovery exercises will need to be performed regularly and correctly. The patients who make the best recovery are those who are excited about the results they can achieve after the procedure.
  • Assisted by a Good Support System: It’s hard to recover without help. A family member or a close friend who will help the patient through the first few days of recovery can provide a considerable boost to their recovery efforts. They can help with anything from medication, to doing exercises alongside the patient, to encouragement.

Although joint replacement may make sense for some patients, only your surgeon can help you decide what is best for you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about outpatient vs. inpatient joint replacement surgery.

Eligible Orthopedic Surgical Procedures Include:

Participating Insurance Carriers

EmergeOrtho participates in Blue Cross Blue Shield Commercial or NC State Health Plan Joint Replacement Program for hips and knees. Program criteria for the Knee & Hip Replacement Program include partial knee replacements, total hip replacements, full knee replacements, and ages 18-64 (cannot turn 65 during the global period) qualify. This is a 90-day program that includes everything from surgery to therapy in one bill.

EmergeOrtho-Triad Region participates with multiple insurance carriers for bundle programs including:

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • BridgeHealth
  • Health Team Advantage
  • Humana Medicare
  • MedCost
  • PriceMD
  • Surgery Plus
  • Triad Health Network – Medicare
  • United Healthcare – Medicare

Participating Ambulatory Surgery Centers in North Carolina