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Distal radius fracture system cost significantly impacts facility operating budgets
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LAS VEGAS — A significant difference was observed between financial operating costs based on the type of volar distal radius locking plate system used, according to a speaker here.
“A positive operating margin is inversely related to what implants are chosen and the costs associated with the implant,” Suneel B. Bhat, MD, said during his presentation at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting.
Bhat and colleagues evaluated the costs associated with five separate volar distal radius locking plate systems that make use of screws from a single institution. Costs were estimated via Medicare facility reimbursement rates for CPT codes 25607, 25608 and 25609, and $900 was estimated as the facility cost per case. A Monte Carlo simulation with 100,000 iterations was conducted to ascertain stable outcomes.
Results showed a difference of $65,271,437 between operating surpluses when routine use of the lowest cost distal radius system ($131,996,896) was observed as opposed to the highest ($66,725,459). Costs per system ranged from $1,228.95 to $2,029.00, according to the researchers. – by Christian Ingram
Reference:
Bhat SB, et al. Paper #581. Presented at: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting. March 24-28, 2015; Las Vegas.
Disclosure: Bhat reports no relevant financial disclosures.