Orthopedic Specialty Care:
Changing Lives One Patient at a Time
Changing Lives One Patient at a Time
As Demand for Care Grows, the U.S. Faces a Future Shortage of Physicians
- The government is projecting a shortfall of 55,000 physicians in 2020.
- Source: Health Resources and Services Administration, "Physician Supply and Demand: Projections to 2020," October, 2006
- The Council on Graduate Medical Education projects a shortage of 85,000 physicians in 2020.
- Using midpoint projected supply and demand scenarios
- Source: Council on Graduate Medical Education, "Physician Workforce Policy Guidelines for the U.S. for 2000-2020," U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2005.
- Merritt and Hawkins predict a future shortage of 90,000-200,000 physicians.
- Average wait times for specialty care is likely to increase.
- Merritt, J., Hawkins, J., et al., "Will the Last Physician in America Please Turn Off The Lights? A Look at America’s Looming Doctor Shortage," Practice Support Resources, Inc., 2004.
The Need for Orthopedic Specialty Care
- A Growing Need for Specialty Orthopedic Care
- Millions of Americans Suffer From Bone and Joint Disorders
- Americans With Arthritis and Joint Pain
- 50% of Americans 65 and Over Will Experience Arthritis
- The Number of Americans Suffering From Arthritis Will Continue to Grow
- Bone and Joint Disorders Impair Daily Activities More Than Other Medical Conditions
- Demand for Total Joint Replacements Expected to Accelerate Through 2030
The Cost of Orthopedic Disorders
- 437 Million Work Days Lost (52%) Due to Arthritis and Bone Pain
- Earnings Loss for Persons Aged 18-64 with Bone and Joint Diseases and a Work History
- Cost of Bone and Joint Disease is Rising as a Percentage of U.S. GDP
- Prescription Medications for Bone and Joint Pain Increased over 50% from 1998-2004
Patient Access to Orthopedic Specialists
- As Demand for Care Grows, the U.S. Faces a Future Shortage of Physicians
- Orthopedic Surgeons per 100,000 Americans Growing at Only 1.1% per Year
- As Patients Approach Retirement Age, So Do Their Orthopedic Surgeons
- How Medicare Policies May Limit Access to Specialty Care
- Orthopedic Surgeons are Paid Less Today Than in 1992
- Medicare Will Drastically Cut Physician Pay, While Practice Expenses Continue to Rise
- Surgeons Who Perform Total Joint Replacement Have Been Hit Especially Hard
- Expected Future Cuts in Physician Fees
The Value of Orthopedic Surgery
- Knee Replacement Surgery Costs 66% Less Than Non-Surgical Intervention
- Patients Get Many More Quality Years After Knee Replacement Surgery Than With Non-Surgical Intervention
- Hip Replacement Surgery Costs 81% Less Than Non-Surgical Intervention
- Patients Get Many More Quality Years After Hip Replacement Surgery Than With Non-Surgical Intervention