Lowell (Mass.) General Hospital took a close look at total joint replacement costs and outcomes in an effort to streamline care and reduce expenses for patients, President and CEO Jody White told the Lowell Sun.
Four quick insights:
1. An analysis of costs and outcomes for nine joint replacement surgeons at LGH revealed that costs were largely driven by physician-controlled variables, such as implants and medications, Mr. White said. The difference per case among physicians was up to $6,000.
2. LGH used the data to streamline processes, improve patient satisfaction and reduce the cost difference between cases to about $300.
3. LGH also decreased its cost per case by 18 percent, shortened lengths of stay from three days to one and reduced medication variation.
4. In addition, LGH has reduced the number of patients going to inpatient rehab after a total joint replacement to about 20 percent, down from up to 60 percent about five years ago.
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