1 1 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 8
Thinking of adding joint replace-
ment surgery to your facility?
Here are 4 questions you should
first explore:
1. Is there patient demand?
Your patient demographics will
tell you whether there is demand
for joint replacement. There is
definitely a regional component to
it. If it's a new concept for your
area, it will take time to build
momentum. Like anything else,
word of mouth and satisfied
patients will be your best market-
ing tools.
2. What about surgeon interest? The best outpatient joint
replacement programs are physician-driven. Surgeons are critical
to developing clinical pathways and protocols, proposing the proce-
dure to patients and providing support after the surgery.
3. Can your facility accommodate total joints? Evaluate your
facility's layout to see if your ORs and PACU can accommodate
same-day total joint patients. You'll need space and amenities to
make patients comfortable. OR size is important because these
cases require a lot of instrumentation and supplies. Also, typically
there are assistants and a rep in the room supporting the case.
Not only do you need to ensure you have the beds for a patient to
linger longer, but also appropriate 'runway' space to have the
SELF-ASSESSMENT
Is Joint Replacement Right for You?
• SPACIOUS Are your ORs and PACU large enough to
accommodate same-day total joint patients?
