Cost Savings from Outpatient Joint Replacement Surgeries

This technical report outlines the financial benefits of shifting joint replacement surgeries from hospital inpatient settings to outpatient settings, specifically hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). The report details that this transition is expected to save the healthcare system approximately $6 billion in 2025 and a total of $70 billion over the next decade. It highlights the significant increase in outpatient surgeries, with projections indicating that 1.5 million total hip and knee replacements will occur in the U.S. by 2025. The report explains that advancements in surgical techniques and changes in policy have enabled these surgeries to be performed safely in outpatient settings without compromising quality or patient satisfaction. Furthermore, it discusses the cost advantages of outpatient procedures, noting that they are generally less expensive than inpatient surgeries. The report also emphasizes the role of policymakers in facilitating this transition to further reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and enhance patient care.