What Types of Orthopedic Surgeries are Performed as Outpatient Procedures?

The number of outpatient procedures performed in the United States is on the rise. In fact, it has tripled over the past 30 years to more than 54 million outpatient procedures per year. That almost equals the number of procedures that require hospital stays.

There are many advantages to outpatient procedures. The anesthesia doesn’t last as long, and the procedure is usually much less invasive. That makes the whole process much safer, and your recovery time will also be faster. You can often go home within a few hours of your procedure. Orthopedic outpatient procedures include:

  1. Wellness and prevention: counseling and weight-loss programs
  2. Diagnosis: lab tests and MRI scans
  3. Treatment: surgeries and chemotherapy
  4. Rehabilitation: drug or alcohol rehab and physical therapy

Outpatient surgery is best suited for healthy people undergoing minor or intermediate procedures. Recently, people with more complex medical problems are undergoing outpatient surgery, and the types and complexity of surgical procedures have expanded significantly. Most arthroscopic and even some joint replacement procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day.

Benefits of Outpatient Surgery:

  1. Lower out-of-pocket costs (up to 50 percent less than traditional hospital outpatient surgery)
  2. Personalized service
  3. Comprehensive care (work up, testing, surgical planning, surgery, rehab)
  4. Most insurance, Workman's Comp, Medicare, & Medicaid accepted
  5. A lower risk of infection after surgery
  6. Recovery at home
  7. Fewer delays and shorter waiting times
  8. Lower cost
  9. Less disruption of your schedule

Facing surgery can be a frightening experience fraught with questions, doubts and uncertainties. However, most surgeries are elective, meaning that you decide if surgery is the best option for you and elect to have the procedure. This decision process often gives you needed time to prepare, which is an important step.

If you want to learn more about either outpatient surgery or other outpatient procedures, call OrthoUnited today at (844) 469-2663 or request an appointment online