I'm 62, generally healthy, and my orthopedist is recommending a total knee replacement. I'm trying to figure out where to get it done — what should I be comparing?
Claude
Great context. The factors that move outcomes most are surgeon volume (procedures per year), Medicare network status, complication and readmission rates, and joint replacement program accreditation. Do you have specific surgeons your PCP referred you to?
Marianne
Three names — Dr. Patel at Riverbend Regional, Dr. Chen at Twin Cities Health Partners, and Dr. Anderson. My daughter's an ICU nurse and she's pushing for Patel.
Claude
Dr. Patel does over 300 knee replacements a year.
Marianne
Competent and direct. Not warm, but very professional. That matters to me. My sister-in-law had a serious infection at Twin Cities Health Partners — I won't go there.
Claude
Noted, excluding Twin Cities. Between Riverbend and Anderson's group: Riverbend's complication rate is 1.2%, Anderson's is 1.8%. Readmission rates are 2.8% vs 4.1%. Both in-network for Medicare + AARP Plan G.
Marianne
Riverbend it is. How long until I can hike again? My group starts up in April.
Claude
Most TKR patients walk unassisted by week 6 and resume low-impact hiking around month 4 with PT clearance. If surgery happens by late November, April hiking is realistic.