according to Dr.
Morgan. He says insur-
ers aren't currently
paying for the treat-
ments, so surgeons
are forced to "sell" the
new therapies in the
clinic to patients who
must be willing to pay
out of pocket for the
potential of improved
post-op healing.
Surgical facilities must also pay more for the kits needed to harvest
bone marrow and perform PRP injections. PRP kits cost between
$150 and $200 and stem cell kits run $750 to $1,250, says Dr. Morgan.
PRP injections don't add much complexity to procedures; the anes-
thesia provider draws the needed blood as the patient is draped and
put to sleep. Stem cell aspiration is more involved and takes up valu-
able OR time. Dr. Morgan says it can be profitable for multi-specialty
facilities or orthopedic centers that specialize in lower reimbursed
hand and pediatric procedures. He cautions, however, that adding the
longer, more involved procedures might not be as financially benefi-
cial for orthopedic centers already running at full capacity with
money-making joint repairs.
Still, Dr. Morgan believes orthobiologics is poised to be the next big
thing in joint repair. He says, "It's in its infancy now, but researchers
are developing algorithms for determining which patients will benefit
the most, when and where to perform the treatments, and how many
injections are needed to promote healing."
OSM
F E B R U A R U Y 2 0 1 8 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 6 1
• NEW AND IMPROVED Smaller instruments are contributing to the continued
evolution of arthroscopy, which has already revolutionized the way joint injuries are
diagnosed and treated.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
