Outpatient total shoulder arthroplasty: A cost-identification analysis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Health Economics
• Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Background:

• Rising demand for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) necessitates cost containment strategies.
• The current healthcare landscape requires innovative approaches to manage the financial implications of orthopedic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential cost savings associated with performing ambulatory total shoulder arthroplasty.
• To quantify the economic benefits of shifting TSA procedures to an outpatient setting.

Main Methods:

• A cost-saving model was developed utilizing literature-based estimates.
• Key variables included hospital stay length and associated costs, pain management strategies and expenses, and annual outpatient TSA procedure volume.

Main Results:

• Estimated cost savings per patient ranged from $747 to $15,507, with a base case of $5,594.
• Total annual savings were projected between $4.1 million and $349 million (base case $82 million).
• Ten-year savings estimates ranged from $51 million to $5.4 billion (base case $1.1 billion).

Conclusions:

• Ambulatory total shoulder arthroplasty procedures demonstrate significant cost-saving potential.
• Outpatient TSA represents a financially viable alternative to traditional inpatient procedures.