IMPACT OF COST REDUCTION PROGRAMS ON SHORT-TERM PATIENT OUTCOME AND HOSPITAL COST OF TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

The clinical pathway and the knee-implant standardization program reduced resource utilization and hospital cost for total knee arthroplasty without affecting short-term patient outcome in our hospital. Orthopaedic surgeons should carefully evaluate cost reduction programs, which may affect their patients, in order to maintain high-quality orthopaedic care and consistently successful patient outcomes.