Cost in Hand Surgery: The Patient Perspective.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Health Economics
• Patient-Physician Communication

Background:

• Patient-level healthcare costs significantly impact treatment decisions.
• Understanding patient interest in cost discussions is crucial for hand surgeons.
• Effective cost communication can improve patient preparedness and practice management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient interest in discussing the costs of hand surgery.
• To identify patient perspectives on physician-initiated cost conversations.
• To explore barriers and views on cost containment in hand care.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 128 patients at an upper extremity surgery clinic.
• Assessed patient demographics, financial distress, and interest in cost discussions.
• Investigated patient desire for financial conversations and physician roles in cost containment.

Main Results:

• Only 7% of patients discussed surgical costs with their physician.
• 48% of patients believe physicians should initiate cost discussions for new treatments.
• 59% of patients feel physicians should consider out-of-pocket expenses when selecting treatments.

Conclusions:

• Patients are open to discussing hand surgery costs with their doctors.
• Physicians should proactively address costs and consider patient financial burdens.
• Increased transparency of cost data can enhance physician-patient communication.