The Efficient Delivery of Elective Orthopedic Care

The reality of the modern orthopedic practice is that rising fixed business costs, rising malpractice premiums, and decreasing reimbursement make efficiency not just a matter of prosperity, but in some markets, one of practice survival. As physicians, we have been trained to deliver medical advice to our patients and offer plans of care catered to the patient's specific needs, goals, and lifestyle. Terms such as practice efficiency may initially seem to conflict with the concept of optimizing patient outcomes. This article introduces some of the strategies that can be integrated into a practice model to increase volumes, productivity, and efficiency while simultaneously controlling costs and improving patient outcomes.