Rotator Cuff Repair Facility Costs in an Outpatient Surgery Center and Hospital Setting

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the surgical supply costs associated with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery in an outpatient surgery center and hospital based surgery. Cost was analyzed in a generic/wholesale outpatient setting, generic/sales rep hospital setting and a brand-name/sales rep hospital model. Method: 15 consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed for surgical supply costs for an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair performed at an outpatient surgical facility and a hospital setting. All procedures were performed by the same orthopedic surgeon (BR). Surgical supplies were analyzed by utilizing the surgical pick list and charge sheet generated during surgery. Tear size and anchor usage were documented. Results: 15 consecutive tears were analyzed at each institution. Average surgical supply costs for a rotator cuff repair performed at the outpatient surgery center utilizing a generic/wholesale model was $353.07 versus $1750.58 when performed at the hospital utilizing generic/sales rep model. Surgical implants represent 40.6% of total costs of surgical supplies at the outpatient surgery center and 46.5% of total supply costs at the hospital. Conclusion: Rotator cuff repairs performed at an outpatient surgery center utilizing a generic/wholesale model result in an average net savings of $1397.51. Surgical supply costs are 4.96 times higher at a hospital utilizing a generic/sales rep model. Significant cost savings can be achieved by performing rotator cuff repair surgery at an outpatient surgery center using a generic, wholesale model. Clinical Relevance: Downward fiscal pressure has created a scenario where the surgeon must begin to consider surgical costs when considering implant choice.