Vision Simulator Prepares Cataract Patients for Surgery

by

Coming Soon: SimVis Vision Simulator

Although cataract surgery is routine and safe, you may have questions about scheduling an invasive eye procedure. But what if you could get a glimpse of how cataract surgery can improve your vision?  Developed by scientists at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the SimVis is a lightweight vision simulator that can be worn alone or in a headset. The device was designed to imitate the effects of a multifocal IOL and help patients anticipate their post-cataract surgery vision. The SimVis is not yet available on the market, but researchers predict the device holds the potential to assist millions of patients in selecting the best lens for cataract surgery.

Cataracts, a Common Cause of Vision Loss

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, and it can cause blindness if left untreated. Today, more than 24 million Americans over 40 have cataracts. Most cases of cataracts can be treated with a short outpatient procedure to remove the clouded lens and insert a prescription IOL. Determining the best lens is often the most difficult decision, but the SimVis can eliminate much of the guesswork. 

How the SimVis Mimics IOLs

The SimVis uses lenses, mirrors and light modulators to simulate different types of IOLs. The binocular headset allows patients to experience vision changes associated with different lenses. Throughout the simulation, the device is controlled wirelessly via a mobile or tablet app.

One of the best benefits of the SimVis is it is non-invasive, so it decreases the fear barrier of cataract removal. CSIC researcher Susana Marcos says, “The possibility of the patient experimenting [sic] vision with a multifocal lens before the surgery is very attractive to reduce uncertainty and to manage expectations. Visual simulators are an ideal technique to provide patients with a new realistic experience of multifocality before the implantation of a new intraocular lens” (Science Daily).

Details about the SimVis are available in the February 7, 2019 edition of Scientific Reports.

Make an Appointment With your Eye Doctor

One in six adults have a developing cataract by age 40, and half of adults have a cataract by age 70. Don’t let cataracts affect your independence. If you have symptoms like clouded, blurry vision, double vision, fading of colors, and sensitivity to light, call your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.

Myth #3 – Colonoscopies are Too Expensive

by

How Much is a Screening Colonoscopy?

Under the Affordable Care Act, most screening colonoscopies (including anesthesia) are covered by insurance and, if you qualify, you can even avoid the hassle of a pre-procedure consultation with a GI doctor under a “direct access” or “open access colonoscopy” – saving you time and money.

If you are at average risk for colon cancer, your screening colonoscopy is considered a preventative service and is not subject to cost-sharing. Between the ages of 50 and 75, you are entitled to one screening colonoscopy every ten years, following the recommendations of the United States Preventative Services Task Force.

With an “open access” or “direct access colonoscopy,” healthy, qualified patients can schedule a screening colonoscopy without an initial office visit and co-pay to a gastroenterologist. However, open or direct access colonoscopies are available in participating markets only to patients who qualify. Qualification is based on medical history and current medical status. Ask your doctor for more details.

What if My Doctor Removes a Polyp During the Procedure?

If you have private healthcare insurance and your doctor removes a polyp during a first-time screening colonoscopy, you won’t be responsible for a copay or deductible. According to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), “polyp removal is an integral part of a colonoscopy. Accordingly, the plan or issuer may not impose cost-sharing with respect to a polyp removal during a colonoscopy performed as a screening procedure.”

If you are a Medicare beneficiary, however, the screening colonoscopy guidelines differ. If your doctor finds a polyp, the screening colonoscopy is coded as a diagnostic colonoscopy and you will be responsible for a copayment.

Are There Other Costs Associated With a Colonoscopy?

Even though insurance typically covers screening colonoscopies, you may be responsible for paying for your bowel prep kit and other services. To get accurate pricing and avoid unexpected costs, obtain the current procedural terminology (CPT) code for your colonoscopy from your doctor. Call your insurance provider and ask:

  1. What out-of-pocket costs, if any, should I expect to pay for CPT code ____?
  2. What in-network gastroenterologists are near me?
  3. Can you verify whether the anesthesiologist for my colonoscopy is in your network?
  4. What in-network facilities are near me?
  5. Can I save money by scheduling my procedure at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) versus a hospital outpatient department (HOPD)?
  6. If my doctor finds a polyp during my screening colonoscopy, will I have any financial responsibility?

Medicare patients can access the Procedure Price Lookup Tool to compare payments and copayments for colonoscopies and other medical procedures performed in ASCs and HOPDs.

How Much is a Colonoscopy Without Insurance Coverage?

Colon cancer screenings are an essential part of your preventative healthcare. If you don’t have health insurance, you still have affordable options to help you get access to this life-saving procedure:

These suggestions also apply to patients who want to be screened earlier than their insurance provider’s recommended age. The American Cancer Society recommends all adults who are at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45, but Medicare and most commercial insurers will not cover colon screenings until age 50.

Call a Gastroenterologist

A colonoscopy is an essential component of digestive wellness and can help prevent colon cancer when scheduled at recommended intervals. By asking the right questions, you can get an affordable colonoscopy with or without insurance. Call your gastroenterologist and ask to schedule your colonoscopy at an outpatient endoscopy center for a high-quality procedure at a lower cost. 

Filed Under: News Tagged With:

Americans Are Waiting Too Long To Start Colorectal Cancer Screening

by

Yet according to new data from AMSURG, a leader in the detection, prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer, most people wait until the age of 58 for an initial screening – 13 years after the recommended guidelines.

In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, AMSURG today released proprietary data from approximately 1 million patient encounters during the past five years showing that more work is needed to encourage Americans to get screened at the recommended age. This year, more than 140,000 people in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. While research shows that younger adults are increasingly diagnosed, they do not start regular screenings until their late 50s when cancer is often more advanced.

“Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second deadliest form in the U.S.,” said John Popp, M.D., Medical Director for AMSURG. “Having a screening during those 13 years can be life-changing. Screening is the most effective way to detect, prevent and treat colorectal cancer. These cancers typically develop during a 10- to 15-year period, and with early and regular screenings, growths can be removed before they become cancerous.”

If cancer is diagnosed early, it is easier to treat, and patients often have a shorter recovery time as well as an increased chance of survival. Colorectal cancer affects people of all genders, races and ethnicities and it often has no warning signs or symptoms until it becomes advanced. Risk factors can include a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, diabetes and certain lifestyle habits.

“A screening colonoscopy is considered the gold standard,” said Colleen Schmitt, M.D., MHS, FASGE, FACG, Past President of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Trustee and Vice Chair of the ASGE Foundation and a gastroenterologist at Chattanooga Endoscopy Center in Tennessee. “It is the most comprehensive because we can both detect and remove precancerous polyps during the procedure. In addition to being safe, colonoscopies enable us to evaluate the overall health of the colon and help patients treat any underlying conditions.”

People can decrease their chances of developing colorectal cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and having routine screenings.

Depending on a person’s age and health insurance policy, a screening colonoscopy may be provided free of cost.

AMSURG, an Envision Healthcare solution, provides nearly 1 million colonoscopies a year and is committed to helping patients develop appropriate care plans to prevent and treat colorectal cancer. To learn more about colorectal cancer and find a gastroenterologist, visit www.stopcoloncancernow.com.

How Does Health Insurance Work?

by

What are the costs associated with health insurance?

Most health insurance costs can be divided into three categories:

  • Premiums: Most health insurance companies offer several types of plans with varying degrees of coverage. These differences in coverage affect monthly costs, known as premiums. The higher the premium, the less you will pay when you get sick.
  • Deductibles: The dollar amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance begins to pay is called your deductible. Insurance plans that have higher monthly premiums tend to have lower deductibles, while plans with lower monthly premiums tend to have higher deductibles.
  • Copays or Coinsurance: When you visit the doctor, you may be asked to pay either a copay which is a standard flat rate, or coinsurance, which is a percentage of the total charge for the visit.

What are the different types of health insurance plans?

There are four types of traditional healthcare plans:

  • Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO): A managed care plan in which services are covered only if you use doctors, specialists or hospitals in the plan’s network (except in an emergency).
  • Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): A type of health insurance plan that usually limits coverage to care from doctors who work for or contract with the HMO. It generally does not cover out-of-network care except in an emergency. An HMO may require you to live or work in its service area to be eligible for coverage, and you must select a primary care physician (PCP) to manage your care.
  • Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): A type of health plan in which you pay less if you use providers in the plan’s network. You can use doctors, hospitals or providers outside of the network without a referral for an additional cost.
  • Point of Service (POS): A type of plan in which you pay less if you use doctors, hospitals or other health care providers that belong to the plan’s network. POS plans require a referral from your PCP in order to see a specialist.

Managing Healthcare Costs

by

A lower monthly premium gives you the power to choose how you want to spend your reserved healthcare funds. Instead of contributing your hard-earned dollars toward a healthcare network account, you can invest that same money, tax-free, into your HSA for your own medical costs and even earn interest.

Budgeting for better health

Traditional healthcare plans focus on managing your health benefits, but HDHPs focus on managing your health and your budget. If you can be self-disciplined and plan ahead, your HDHP will offer you flexibility and control. Here are some guidelines on how to maximize your cost savings and make your HDHP work for you:

Open an HSA and contribute the maximum amount each year

To open and put money into a Health Savings Account (HSA), you must have an HDHP. This is regulated by the Internal Revenue Service. Think of your HSA as a unique bank account whose sole purpose is to fund your HSA-qualified expenses. You are eligible to reserve $3,450 annually (pre-tax) for an individual and $6,850 (pre-tax) for a family to pay for qualified medical expenses, including your deductible. You can even request an HSA debit card that is linked to your HSA. This allows you to immediately pay for covered medical expenses using your reserved HSA dollars, instead of requesting to be reimbursed from your HSA later . Another advantage is that the dollars in your HSA account do not expire, so they roll into the following year if you do not use them.

When you open and fund an HSA, you have the flexibility to:

  • Pay for eligible medical expenses on a claim-by-claim basis using your HSA or
  • Use your own personal funds to cover medical expenses and save HSA dollars for future use

This is where personal monthly budgeting can help you get ahead. If you pay toward your deductible with your own funds and leave your HSA intact, you can accumulate a large savings account that can accrue interest.

Consistently building into your HSA can benefit you in two ways. You will be financially secure in the event of an unexpected medical event because you have funds readily available. You can also accumulate a sizable reserve for when you decide to enroll in Medicare (Part A and/or B). Although the IRS will not allow you to contribute to your HSA after you enroll in Medicare, you can still withdraw money from your HSA to help pay for medical expenses such as deductibles, premiums, copayments and coinsurances. As long as you use your HSA for qualified medical expenses, it will continue to be tax-free.

Price compare in-network doctors and facilities

There is no standard cost for a doctor visit or elective medical procedure, which means there can be huge cost variation among doctors and facilities in the same geographic area. Just as you would shop around before purchasing a new car, you should compare prices of doctors and facilities. By calling around to find low-cost, high-quality healthcare, you will be able to make informed decisions about how you spend your HSA funds.

Federal and state-initiated programs on healthcare price transparency allow you to obtain information regarding specific health charges and provider payments. This has not always been the case, but thanks to recent transparency laws, you are perfectly within your rights to call a doctor or facility and inquire about the cost of services such as non-emergency procedures and tests.

One of the best ways to reduce your medical costs is to stay in-network. Schedule your appointments with in-network doctors, and choose an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) over a hospital if you need an outpatient procedure. ASCs are modern healthcare facilities focused on providing same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures. They are a convenient alternative to hospital-based outpatient procedures, and many patients prefer ASCs because they offer quality care, personal service, convenient access, shorter wait times and lower cost. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, ASCs save consumers between 17 and 43 percent compared to hospitals.

The role of screenings and lifestyle habits in preventive care

It is always more expensive to treat a disease than to prevent it. Preventive screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies and annual physicals offer early detection, quick intervention and disease prevention. HDHPs do not require you to pay for covered preventive care services as long as you stay within the guidelines of your plan. You may be required to see a doctor within your network for the procedure to be covered at 100 percent.

As much as 70 percent of healthcare spending can be attributed to behavioral and lifestyle choices. HDHPs encourage healthy lifestyle habits that keep your healthcare costs down. Because you pay out-of-pocket when you go to the doctor, staying healthy keeps money in your HSA where it belongs. Unhealthy choices like smoking, drinking alcohol and not exercising increase your risk for chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and cancer.  These conditions are associated with frequent doctor visits, expensive medications and hospitalizations. Good nutrition, regular exercise, annual wellness exams and preventive screenings can save you thousands of dollars each year in medical costs.

Take control of your budget and your health. Consider an HDHP so you can get the most out of your healthcare plan. High-quality medical care does not have to be expensive, so inquire today about an HDHP that fits your needs.

Planning a Procedure on a High Deductible Health Plan

by

Planning a procedure on an HDHP can be very affordable because you can use funds from your Health Savings Account (HSA). This type of account is unique to HDHPs and allows you to pay for certain medical expenses with money that has not been taxed by the federal government. You are eligible to reserve $3,450 annually (pre-tax) for an individual and $6,850 (pre-tax) for a family to pay for qualified medical expenses, including your deductible.

Factors to Consider When Planning a Healthcare Procedure on a HDHP

There are several pieces of information that you must obtain before scheduling your procedure. An HDHP allows you to direct your own healthcare, and this begins with careful planning. Three important considerations are the cost of your procedure, the quality ratings of your provider and the timing of your procedure.

The Cost of Your Procedure

Because you are responsible for costs for covered healthcare services until you reach your deductible, you should comparison shop if you elect to have a nonemergency procedure. Many health insurance websites provide information on where to find in-network services. Some even offer cost-estimator tools that give the price you would pay to various providers for a specific service. One of the benefits of an HDHP is that out-of-pocket expenses are the negotiated rate between the healthcare provider and insurance company, not the market rate. This can offer you significant savings.

To obtain accurate pricing, ask your physician’s billing office for the Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) code for your procedure. You will want to call your insurance company for detailed information about your out-of-pocket responsibility.

Remember that many preventative tests and screenings are covered at 100 percent. You may be able to find a list of covered preventative procedures on your health insurance provider’s website, but call Member Services to confirm before scheduling.

The Quality Ratings of Your Provider

Quality can vary just as much as price, so do your research to find independent ratings of physicians and facilities you are considering. Be open with doctors about your goals of balancing cost with quality of care. Often, doctors may offer solutions for less expensive tests, services, procedures or prescriptions. This may help you in your final decisions.

The Timing of Your Procedure

Timing is also an important consideration. If you anticipate needing an expensive procedure that approaches or exceeds your deductible, schedule it early in the year, if possible. After you have met your deductible, your plan will pay for 100 percent of covered services for the rest of the year. This is where HDHPs can work in your favor, so plan your expensive procedures carefully.

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Provider to Determine Procedure Costs on an HDHP

Now, let’s put what we learned into action so you can begin using your healthcare dollars more efficiently under your HDHP, refer to this.

Here is an A-Z guide for scheduling a procedure on a HDHP:

  1. Call your insurance company and say, “I am considering having ________________ procedure. The CPT code is ________.   Can you verify whether this is a preventative service at no charge or whether I will be responsible for paying the negotiated rate?”
  2. If the procedure is not a preventative service, ask, “How much have I already paid toward my individual/family deductible?”
  3. Now, you should ask about in-network doctors. If you have already chosen your doctor, you can ask, “Would you please verify that Dr. ____________ [your (preferred doctor]) is in-network?” If you do not have a preferred doctor, you may ask for a list of a few doctors in your surrounding area who are in-network and their corresponding contact information.
  4. The next step is to inquire about in-network facilities by asking, “Where does Dr. ________________ perform this procedure? Is _________________ [(your preferred location]) an in-network facility?” Some doctors have privileges at several hospitals and/or ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), so you will want to choose the most economical location. Often, an ASC is more reasonably priced.
  5. Ask, “Are there other specialists that will be billing for this procedure such as an anesthesiologist, radiologist or physical therapist?” Gather as much information as you can to so you can plan ahead.
  6. If your procedure requires a hospital stay, ask, “How much should I expect my bill from the hospital to be? Is there a daily charge?”
  7. You are now ready to contact and interview doctors if you have not yet made your selection.
  8. After you choose a doctor and a facility, check the balance of your HSA. If you have not set aside enough funds through HSA, ask your doctor’s billing office or facility billing office about a payment plan.

Colonoscopy Myth #2: Colonoscopy Prep is Not Easy

by

A colonoscopy can prevent colon cancer, but only if your doctor can view the entire colon during the procedure. Your responsibility is to clear all debris from the colon so your gastroenterologist can detect and remove precancerous polyps and prevent colon cancer.

Inadequate bowel preparation is responsible for one out of three incomplete colonoscopies, so commit to your colon prep with determination and precision.

For Easy Colonoscopy Prep, Ask for “Low Volume Colonoscopy Prep”

It’s normal to dread or even fear the colonoscopy prep. The first step to calming your fears and having an easy colonoscopy prep is to talk with your doctor. You will not be the first patient to express concerns about colonoscopy preparation. Know that you can request a low volume prep and even ask about “split-dose prepping.” Most modern prep formulations are designed to enhance patient comfort, but talking with your doctor will confirm you get the prep best suited to your preferences and medical needs.

Ask your gastroenterologist about:

  • SUPREP
  • Moviprep
  • Plenvu
  • Halflytely

How to Easily Prep for a Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy prep doesn’t have to be painful or complex. Make your colonoscopy prep simple and more comfortable. Use this guide on what to eat and what to avoid before a colonoscopy.

A week before the exam

Begin eating a “low-residue diet.” A low-residue diet is low in fiber and will reduce the volume and frequency of bowel movements.

What to eat:

  • Pasta
  • White bread
  • White rice
  • Eggs
  • Lean chicken
  • Cooked or canned fruits and vegetables without seeds

What to avoid:

  • Whole grain bread
  • Seeds
  • Nuts
  • Raw fruits and vegetables
  • Leafy greens
  • Legumes
  • Fatty meats

A few days before the colonoscopy

Consume clear liquids like beef broth, chicken broth, clear fruit juices, Gatorade, sports drinks, sodas, Jell-O and Italian ice. You can even buy Gummy Bears because they dissolve into clear liquids. Avoid any product that is red, blue or purple because the dye can interfere with your colonoscopy results.

Thoroughly read the instructions in your prep kit. If you have questions, call your doctor’s office.

How to Survive Prep Day

On your prep day (the day before your colonoscopy), you’ll begin drinking the clear liquids you have purchased. Dissolve your “prescription cocktail” of laxatives and salts in your desired liquid, and chill it in the refrigerator. The instructions in the prep kit will tell you when to begin drinking the solution.

Many prep solutions can be divided into two equal doses, known as the “split-dose regimen.” This new method advises you to drink half of the prep solution the evening before the colonoscopy and the remainder of the liquid on the morning of the procedure.

Easy Colonoscopy Prep Drink Tips

To make your colonoscopy prep solution more palatable, here are five tips and tricks:

  1. Use Gatorade or Crystal Lite in your prep solution (avoid red, blue or purple colors/flavors)
  2. Chill the solution for several hours and drink it cold
  3. Use a straw
  4. Chase the prep with cold water
  5. Treat yourself with a piece of hard candy after consumption (no red, blue or purple colors/flavors)

Remember, your goal is colon cancer prevention. Failing to cleanse your colon properly will delay testing and force you to dedicate more time to the screening process. If you do not adequately cleanse your bowel, you will have to reschedule and go through the process again.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy Today

The American Cancer Society recommends adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45, but certain risk factors may require earlier screening. Most cases of colon cancer are preventable with routine colonoscopies, but one-third of American adults aren’t up-to-date on their screenings. Are you one of them? Call your gastroenterologist to see if you are due for a colonoscopy. And don’t let the prep scare you — modern prep formulas are easier to swallow than ever before.

Filed Under: News Tagged With:

Relieve Joint Pain with Exercise

by

It’s normal to want pain relief right away. Although ice and anti-inflammatory medication can help, they can only offer temporary relief.

You may be tempted to avoid certain motions that seem to aggravate your joints. However, limiting your mobility can actually increase your joint pain since you are allowing your muscles to weaken. Weak muscles can further stress the joint, which may increase the chance that you will eventually need surgery.

Joint Pain Exercises Reduce Stiffness and Promote Weight Loss

Exercise can strengthen joints and reduce stiffness. That alone is reason enough to begin an exercise routine. But there’s another reason your painful joints will feel better when you exercise: it can help you lose weight, which will take pressure off your aching joints.

In fact, for every pound you lose, you’ll release 4 pounds of pressure from your knees and hips.

Lose just 10 pounds, and it will lift an equivalent 40 pounds of pressure off these weight-bearing joints.

Relieve Joint Pain by Walking

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person with arthritis should be moderately active for at least 150 minutes each week. The CDC suggests walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week, dividing those walks into smaller 10-minute sessions throughout the day.

An easy way to get started — and to get support and encouragement — is to join Walk with Ease, a six-week walking program developed by the Arthritis Foundation. It can be done alone or with a group, and they even offer a free app for iPhone or Android to help you track your steps.

Joint Pain Exercises to Try at Home

In addition to walking and aerobic exercise, you should include range of motion and strengthening exercises in your routine. Here are examples of joint pain exercises you can try at home:

  • SI Joint Pain Exercise: Lie on the floor. Then bend your knees, keeping your feet on the floor. Next, grasp a knee and slowly bring it towards your chest, going only as far as you can without feeling pain. Hold the position briefly, then return your foot to the floor.
  • Knee Pain Exercise: Stand behind a chair, holding it. Lift your heel up as close to your rear as possible. Do several lifts, then switch to the other side.
  • Hip Joint Pain Exercise: Stand holding a sturdy chair next to you. Lift one knee up to form a 90-degree angle at your hip; hold briefly, then lower your knee to its original position. Do several lifts, then switch to the other knee.

Visit the Arthritis Foundation for tips on how to start an exercise program that addresses your unique type of joint pain.

Relieve Joint Pain While Exercising with Others

If you prefer to exercise with others who have arthritis versus exercising by yourself at home, check out these programs:

Orthopaedic Surgery Center of Ocala Performs 100th Total Joint Replacement Procedure

by

Joseph Locker, M.D., one of the center’s two physicians who perform TJRs, led the milestone procedure. The patient did not require pain medication and was able to leave the surgery center on crutches that day after spending two hours in recovery. In his post-operation follow-up, the patient rated the overall experience and the facility as a 10 out of 10.

Shorter Total Joint Replacement Recovery Time Compared to Hospitals

The physicians and staff at Orthopaedic Surgery Center of Ocala are committed to providing safe, high-quality, evidence-based care. As part of the center’s patient-centered approach, the team does not administer a spinal nerve block prior to surgery. Instead, they apply local anesthesia to the joint, which results in shorter recovery time and can have patients out the door within two hours after surgery.

Patients’ discharge is contingent upon ambulating to a reclining chair after the anesthesia wears off and demonstrating they can walk to their car. Following the surgery, patients are provided at-home physical therapy until the first post-operative appointment one week later. They are then transitioned to outpatient physical therapy.

These unique offerings have established Dr. Locker and his colleague, Zakariah Mahmood, M.D., as pre-eminent total joint orthopedic surgeons in the region. The center also relies on the expertise of surgeon Mark Rogers, M.D.

Surgery Center Patient Experience Surpasses Competitors

The staff at the center prides itself on going above and beyond the typical standard of care. The stellar patient experience is one of the many reasons the Orthopaedic Surgery Center of Ocala had a 97 percent patient satisfaction rate from April 2017-April 2018, as determined by Press Ganey’s annual patient survey. Little touches such as post-operative food and beverages and a tumbler emblazoned with Orthopaedic Surgery Center of Ocala Total Joint Program set the facility apart.

The Orthopaedic Surgery Center of Ocala opened its doors July 29, 2016. The 10,000-foot facility is certified by Medicare and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care and has three operating rooms. It also offers completely private post-operative rooms to ensure patient comfort. While the most common TJR is a hip procedure, the team frequently performs total knee and total shoulder replacements. As more patients seek care in the outpatient setting, the team expects its TJR program to continue growing.