Nearly 70 patients have participated in the pilot so far, which is intended to increase patient satisfaction for joint replacements and lower costs. The cost of a partial knee replacement (the procedure most of the patients in the pilot have undergone), followed by a stay at the Hilton, costs 15-20 percent less than a hospital stay for the same procedure, according to the report. Additionally, 98 percent of the patients have given their experience the highest satisfaction rating possible.
To be eligible for the program, patients must be healthy (presenting no co-morbidities) and have a friend or family member available to stay with them at the hotel, though a nurse will tend to the patient throughout the night.
BCBS and Tria are expected to evaluate the program and will negotiate permanent contracts for the program, if it proves successful.
Read the Star Tribune’s report on Tria Orthopedic Center.
