How artificial intelligence can be used to reduce costs and improve outcomes in total joint replacement surgery

January 31, 2019 Artificial Intelligence, Bundled Payments, Digital Health, Joint Replacement, Mobile Health, Orthopedics, TeleRehab, Value Based Care

Use of AI led to cost reductions including a 25 percent drop in hospital length of stay and 91 percent reduction in discharges to nursing facilities.

Total joint replacement surgery is one of the most prevalent and expensive surgeries in the U.S., and a study published in the Annals of Translational Medicine indicates that costs and outcomes for such surgeries can be improved by using artificial intelligence platforms.

Specifically, the research examined the efficacy of PreHab AI technology from mobile technology company PeerWell. Offering pre-operative education, PreHab was associated with a reduction in surgery costs of $1,215 — with one big catch: It had to be delivered in person by a physical therapist.

Many insurance plans only allow for a small number of paid physical therapy sessions per year, making surgeons reluctant to use them before surgery.

IMPACT

The platform was able to deliver effective preoperative optimization without the need for clinicians, findings showed.

A patient’s use of PeerWell led to significant cost reductions including a 25 percent drop in hospital length of stay, an 80 percent increase in going home without the need for home care, and a 91 percent reduction in discharges to skilled nursing facilities.

The platform uses patient data to create personalized daily plans to get patients ready for surgery. Plans include video physical therapy, nutrition counseling, comprehensive anxiety management and pain resilience training, home preparation guidance and medical risk management.

By using machine learning, PeerWell can also glean clinically relevant data from ordinary smartphones. For example, using the accelerometer and gyroscope, it can track range of motion. Or, by using the smartphone camera, it can identify trip and fall hazards in the home.

By Jeff Lagasse | Healthcare Finance

Image Credit: Jeff Lagasse / Healthcare Finance

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About Peter Coffaro 506 Articles

Peter Coffaro is a growth-driven and strategic executive with over 25 years of progressive management success in the medical device industry. With a proven track record and recognized expertise, Peter has established himself as one of the top influencers in medical sales, as acknowledged by prestigious publications such as the World Journal of Orthopedics, Exponential Healthtech, and MedReps.com. Throughout his career, Peter has accumulated 10 years of combined sales management experience, excelling in various roles including Director, General Manager, Distributor, and Vice President. He has worked for industry-leading orthopedic companies such as Zimmer, DePuy, and Stryker, solidifying his deep knowledge and network within the field. Peter’s passion for innovation and emerging technologies led him to found OrthoFeed, an award-winning blog covering digital orthopedic news and emerging medical technologies. Through this platform, he stays at the forefront of the industry and contributes to the dissemination of valuable insights. Peter is a three-time Hall of Fame award winner at Johnson and Johnson, demonstrating his exceptional contributions and impact on the organization. His expertise extends to areas such as organizational development, business development, sales management, digital marketing, and professional education. Peter earned a B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Northern Illinois University, further complementing his comprehensive understanding of the medical field. With his wealth of experience, strategic mindset, and dedication to advancing healthcare, Peter Coffaro is a valuable asset and leader in the medical device industry.