Why choose turnkey leasing with Auxo Medical

• Flexible renewal and uptime: Lease refurbished equipment for temporary or permanent use, ensuring your throughput stays steady and surgical suites remain active.
• Compliance at the core: Our leasing approach includes collaboration with plant management to meet today’s regulatory standards, reducing risk and procurement friction.
• End-to-end project support: We oversee the entire lifecycle—from installation and staff training to preventative maintenance and repairs—so your team can focus on patient care.
• Ongoing reliability: A 24-hour support hotline and on-site maintenance ensure minimal downtime and sustained system performance.

What we offer

A broad suite of refurbished equipment and related services designed to fit diverse facility needs:

• Sterile Processing and Sterilizers: Completely refurbished Steris Century and Amsco 3000 stage 3 sterilizers, available in multiple chamber sizes, offering current-cycle setup and monitoring.
• Washer Disinfectors: Refurbished Pass-through or single-door Steris 444 or Synergy washer disinfectors, with loading equipment and stainless trim options.
• Exam & Surgical Tables: A wide selection of refurbished Steris and Skytron OR tables, available in manual and power-actuated configurations.
• Lighting: A range of new and refurbished lighting systems to suit various applications and budgets.
• OEM Repair Parts and Maintenance: Access to OEM repair parts and preventative maintenance/repair services as part of lease agreements.

Service and support that go beyond installation

• 24/7 support: A dedicated hotline staffed to provide rapid assistance, ensuring you’re never left waiting for help.
• On-site maintenance: Trained technicians available to perform preventative maintenance and repairs to maximize uptime.
• Training and knowledge transfer: Ongoing training for staff to optimize system use and performance.
• Complete project management: From planning to deployment, we coordinate every detail to ensure a smooth transition.
• Post-lease support: Ongoing service and support after installation to sustain performance and reliability.

Warranty and assurances

• Factory defect policy: All leased units are warrantied for the duration of the lease or up to one year post-purchase, covering factory defects.
• Transparent terms: Clear expectations around performance, maintenance, and service commitments to prevent surprises.

Who benefits from Auxo Medical’s leasing options

• Hospitals and health systems expanding capacity or upgrading facilities.
• Ambulatory surgery centers seeking flexible, reliable equipment upgrades.
• Plant managers coordinating complex multi-site deployments who need compliant, turnkey solutions.

A collaborative approach to compliance and performance

We work closely with your team to ensure equipment choices align with regulatory requirements, workflow needs, and budget constraints. Our emphasis on turnkey delivery means you can trust that installation, training, maintenance, and ongoing support are all integrated within a single, coherent lease plan.

Cost advantage solution over Steris Mobile Sterile Processing Unit

Auxo Medical’s turnkey temporary leasing solution is positioned as a cost-effective option for rapid deployment and short- to mid-term needs. In many cases, the total cost of lease can be about 1/8 the expense of Steris’ mobile solutions, delivering substantial savings without compromising reliability or compliance. This contrasts with the higher upfront and ongoing costs often associated with mobile equipment, while still providing fully refurbished, uptime-focused performance.

Getting started

• Reach out to our sales team by filling out the form below or calling our office at 888-728-8448 to discuss your equipment needs, timeline, and budget.
• We’ll assess your facility requirements, propose refurbished equipment options, and outline a lease plan tailored to your operation.
• Plan installation and training with our project management team to minimize disruption and maximize early productivity.
• Activate ongoing support and maintenance through our 24-hour hotline and service network.

Auxo Medical’s turnkey leasing solutions are designed to simplify expansion and modernization projects without compromising uptime or regulatory compliance. By combining refurbished, reliability-tested equipment with comprehensive project management, training, and 24/7 support, we help you keep critical operations—like sterile processing and operating rooms—moving smoothly, today and in the future.

Contact Us

* Please note:  Auxo Medical does not provide services for personal equipment.

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Auxo Medical Turnkey Leasing Solutions FAQ

1. What is included in Auxo Medical’s turnkey leasing package?

• Fully refurbished medical equipment, end-to-end project management, installation, staff training, preventative maintenance, repairs, and ongoing support. The package is designed to keep operating rooms, sterile processing, and related infrastructure up and running with minimal disruption.

2. Which equipment categories are available for lease?

• Sterile Processing and Sterilizers (refurbished Steris Century and Amsco 3000 stage 3, various chamber sizes)
• Washer Disinfectors (refurbished Steris 444 or Synergy, pass-through or single-door)
• Exam and Surgical Tables (refurbished Steris and Skytron, manual and power-actuated)
• Lighting systems (new and refurbished)
• OEM repair parts and ongoing maintenance services as part of the lease

3. How does the project management work?

• A dedicated project management team oversees planning, installation, training, migration, and any site-specific compliance tasks. They coordinate with plant operations to minimize downtime and ensure a smooth transition.

4. What kind of training is included?

• Comprehensive staff training delivered as part of the lease, covering operation, safety, workflow optimization, and basic preventive maintenance best practices to extend equipment life.

5. What ongoing support is available?

• 24/7 support hotline for rapid assistance
• On-site maintenance by trained technicians
• Preventative maintenance and repairs during the lease term
• Ongoing knowledge transfer and post-lease support to sustain performance

6. How is uptime protected?

• Regular preventative maintenance aligned with manufacturer guidelines
• Immediate on-site diagnostics and prioritized parts when issues arise
• Access to a broad parts catalog and remote diagnostics where applicable

7. What about regulatory compliance and safety?

• The leasing process includes coordination with plant management to meet current regulatory standards
• Equipment and service delivery are maintained to support dose management, shielding, interlocks, and other safety requirements

8. What warranties or assurances come with leased equipment?

• Units are covered by a factory defect policy for the lease duration or up to one year post-purchase, whichever applies
• Clear terms around performance, maintenance, and service commitments to avoid surprises

9. How does the cost compare to other mobile or temporary solutions?

• Auxo Medical’s turnkey temporary leasing can offer a lower total cost of ownership compared to some mobile solutions, delivering substantial savings while preserving reliability and compliance

10. Who should consider these leasing options?

• Hospitals and health systems expanding capacity or upgrading facilities
• Ambulatory surgery centers needing flexible, reliable equipment
• Multi-site facilities managers coordinating deployments and ensuring regulatory compliance

11. How do I start the conversation?

• Contact the sales team at sales@auxomedical.com or 888-728-8448 to discuss needs, timelines, and budget
• Our team will assess facility requirements, present refurbished options, and outline a lease plan
• Plan installation and training with the project management team to minimize disruption
• Enroll in ongoing support and maintenance through our 24/7 service network

12. Can leasing cover both capital equipment and ongoing maintenance?

• Yes. The lease typically includes refurbished equipment plus preventative maintenance and repair services, ensuring uptime and reliability throughout the lease term.

The post Renovating or Expanding? Turnkey Leasing Solutions for a Seamless Healthcare Expansion appeared first on Auxo Medical.

Why Rent Medical Equipment from Auxo Medical?

Our rental fleet includes top brands like Steris, Mindray, Zimmer, Skytron, and many others, ensuring you receive reliable, hospital-grade equipment. Renting from us allows your facility to manage costs effectively while maintaining access to the latest technology. Additionally, renting equipment can be an excellent way to evaluate devices before making a long-term investment or to cover equipment gaps during maintenance or upgrades.

Our Wide Range of Rental Equipment

We offer an extensive selection of medical equipment available for short-term or long-term rental, including:

Patient Monitors and Vital Signs Monitors

Keep a close eye on patient health with our advanced monitoring solutions:

• GE Dash 3000 Patient Monitor – RENTAL
• Dinamap Pro 400 V2 Vital Signs Monitor – RENTAL
• Mindray Accutorr V Vital Signs Monitor – RENTAL
• Welch Allyn Spot Vital Signs Model 420 NTB – RENTAL

Anesthesia and Respiratory Equipment

Ensure safe anesthesia management with:

• Mindray DPM 4 – RENTAL
• GE Datex-Ohmeda S/5 Aespire – RENTAL
• Draeger Fabius GS Anesthesia Machine – RENTAL

Sterilization and OR Equipment

Maintain sterile environments with:

• Steris Amsco Eagle 3043 – RENTAL
• Steris Amsco Century V160 – RENTAL
• Ritter M11 Autoclave, M11-001 – RENTAL

Surgical and Operating Room Tables & Furniture

Optimize operative procedures with:

• Skytron 3500 Elite – RENTAL
• Steris Eagle 3000 Small Series – RENTAL
• Midmark Ritter 75L – RENTAL

Hospital Beds & Patient Support

Provide comfort and care with:

• Hill-Rom P8000 – RENTAL
• Hill-Rom TotalCare Bed – RENTAL
• Midmark 647 Power Podiatry Chair – RENTAL

Monitoring & Diagnostic Equipment

From ECGs to fetal monitors:

• Burdick 8500 ECG Machine – RENTAL
• GE Corometrics 120 Fetal Monitor – RENTAL
• CardioCap 5 with 5 Agent Gas with Printer – RENTAL

Emergency & Resuscitation Equipment

Be prepared with:

• Lifepak 20E Defibrillator – RENTAL
• Zoll AED Plus – RENTAL
• Zoll M Series 3 lead Biphasic, Pacing AED – RENTAL

Additional Equipment

We also rent a variety of other essential devices including:

• Surgical lighting systems like Skytron 6500 – RENTAL
• Surgical tables such as Steris Amsco 3080 – RENTAL
• Infusion pumps like Medfusion 3500 V4 Syringe Infusion Pump – RENTAL
• Sterile processing and autoclave equipment, e.g., Ritter M11 Autoclave – RENTAL

Use Cases for Equipment Rentals

• Temporary Coverage: Cover for equipment downtime during repairs or maintenance.
• Procedural Needs: Use advanced monitors or sterilizers for specific procedures or events.
• Training & Evaluation: Test new equipment before committing to purchase.
• Event or Mobile Clinics: Equip temporary clinics or outreach programs with the latest technology without long-term investment.

Why Rent from Auxo Medical?

Our rental fleet is maintained to the highest standards, and we provide flexible rental terms to fit your facility’s needs. We also offer full support, including delivery, setup, and technical assistance, so you can focus on patient care without worries.

Rent Your Needed Medical and Lab Equipment From Auxo Medical

At Auxo Medical, our medical equipment rental program provides an excellent, cost-effective way to access high-quality, hospital-grade equipment. Whether you need monitors, sterilizers, OR tables, or emergency devices, we have the right solution for your facility.

To explore our rental options or request a quote, visit our Rentals Catalog.

The post Medical Equipment Rentals Available at Auxo Medical appeared first on Auxo Medical.

The Flexibility of Medical Equipment Rental

One of the primary benefits of medical equipment rental is flexibility. Rental agreements can be tailored to meet the specific needs of healthcare facilities, with options for short-term or long-term rentals. This flexibility allows healthcare facilities to access equipment for specific procedures or projects, without the need for long-term commitments.

The Cost Savings of Medical Equipment Rental

Medical equipment rental can also offer significant cost savings for healthcare facilities. Rental agreements eliminate the need for upfront capital expenditures, reducing the financial burden of purchasing and maintaining medical equipment. Additionally, rental agreements often include maintenance and repair costs, reducing the overall cost of ownership.

The Access to Latest Technology

Medical equipment rental provides healthcare facilities with access to the latest technology, without the need for significant capital expenditures. Rental agreements can include the latest equipment models, ensuring that healthcare facilities have access to cutting-edge technology.

The Reduced Administrative Burden

Medical equipment rental can also reduce the administrative burden associated with purchasing and maintaining medical equipment. Rental agreements often include maintenance and repair services, reducing the need for in-house maintenance and repair teams.

The Benefits of Medical Equipment Rental for Healthcare Facilities

The benefits of medical equipment rental for healthcare facilities are numerous. Some of the key benefits include:

Cost savings: Rental agreements can eliminate the need for upfront capital expenditures, reducing the financial burden of purchasing and maintaining medical equipment.
Flexibility: Rental agreements can be tailored to meet the specific needs of healthcare facilities, with options for short-term or long-term rentals.
Access to latest technology: Rental agreements can include the latest equipment models, ensuring that healthcare facilities have access to cutting-edge technology.
Reduced administrative burden: Rental agreements often include maintenance and repair services, reducing the need for in-house maintenance and repair teams.

Medical Equipment Rentals: Flexible, Cost-Effective Solution

Medical equipment rental offers healthcare facilities a flexible and cost-effective solution for accessing medical equipment. With its cost savings, flexibility, access to latest technology, and reduced administrative burden, medical equipment rental is an attractive option for healthcare facilities looking to improve patient care while reducing costs.

The post The Benefits of Medical Equipment Rental for Healthcare Facilities appeared first on Auxo Medical.

Large Variety of Equipment 

At Auxo Medical, we offer a large variety of different hospital equipment for you to choose from. When choosing an equipment company to rent from, the specifics of the equipment are key. Here are some of the categories of equipment we provide: 

• AEDs
• Anesthesia Machines
• Autoclaves
• Bladder Scanners
• Boilers & Generators
• C-Arms
• Carts
• Defibrillators
• ECG
• Electrosurgical Units
• Endoscopy
• Patient and Fetal Monitors
• Sterilizers
• Sterile Processing Supplies & Accessories

This is just a small portion of the large list of hospital equipment rentals you can choose from. The variety of options for equipment may help keep your medical practice in check. It can be helpful to get all of your rentals in one place. When you get all of your equipment in the same place, you can reduce the number of agreements, time spent searching for equipment, and other aspects of the rental process. 

High Equipment Quality 

Another reason your hospital should choose us as your equipment rental choice is the high quality of our equipment. There are many different reasons that one should opt for higher quality medical equipment, and a healthcare provider should choose quality equipment to make sure that all tests and procedures are able to run correctly. 

When equipment is accurate, it is more likely the test may be accurate as well. An accurate test can be key to a patient’s care. When you provide accurate testing, you can better treat your patient. Good-quality equipment can help your patient receive the care they deserve. 

At Auxo Medical, we provide high quality for several different practices. Our equipment may be new or refurbished, and all equipment is high quality and can be fixed or maintained by our team. The better the quality of equipment, the better care you can provide. 

Highly Reliable Services

At Auxo Medical, we have a long track record of providing reliable services. We are a small business, which assists us in providing the best quality services. Small businesses like us know that communication between two parties is key to a successful partnership. We want to provide that personal service you get from a small business while offering the benefits of a larger company. We take pride in our business and its reliability. When you choose Auxo Medical, you are choosing a service that prides itself on being dependable. 

Knowledgeable Staff

We want our customers to feel like they are working with experts in the hospital equipment rental field. Our team contains a variety of knowledgeable staff. We understand that medical equipment that runs right is key to a successful medical operation. Whether you are speaking to a technician for repairs or a staff member for assistance, you can feel confident that you are talking to an expert. Our knowledgeable staff can assist in eliminating issues, finding solutions, and getting your practice the equipment you need. 

Wide Variety of Services 

At Auxo Medical, not only do we provide many different types of equipment, but we also provide different services. We are mainly a hospital equipment rental company but can also repair and maintain equipment. We also provide sales consultation services and support through sales. Valuation and liquidation services are another part of what we offer. For those who need assistance with financing, we provide that as well. With all of these services, we can be a one-stop shop for your medical equipment needs. At Auxo Medical, we want to provide these services for our customers to give them the best experience possible. 

Very Clear Terms 

When renting certain items, the terms and conditions can be confusing and hard to understand. At Auxo Medical, we provide our renters with clear terms and conditions. This allows you to understand exactly what you can expect from our services. When the terms are clear, you can focus on the care you are giving your patients. We understand that knowing exactly what your rental agreement states is helpful. We provide you with these terms, and you can find them on our website if you have questions before choosing us as your hospital equipment rental provider. 

Choose Auxo Medical as Your Hospital Equipment Rental Provider

At Auxo Medical, we want to provide our customers with the highest quality equipment while giving the best service possible. The right equipment is key to the success of your healthcare practice. With our services, you can feel confident that your equipment is dependable and comes from a reliable source. With accurate results from reliable equipment, the better care you can provide your patients. Our medical equipment is dependable and maintained to keep you and your patients safe. To learn more about our equipment and services, contact Auxo Medical today. 

The post Why You Should Choose Auxo Medical for Your Hospital Equipment Rentals appeared first on Auxo Medical.

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A research letter, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), reports that Americans are heavily relying on melatonin supplements to help them sleep. 

What is Melatonin? 

Our bodies naturally produce a hormone, melatonin. It is made by the pineal gland in our brains, but is also found in other areas including our eyes and gastrointestinal tract. 

It is commonly referred to as the sleep hormone since it’s associated with helping people fall asleep faster. Yet, it’s important to understand that the hormone is not going to nudge you into a coma-like state. Melatonin’s role is to simply prompt your body that it’s time to unwind and fall asleep by governing your circadian rhythm. 

Melatonin Supplements 

Melatonin has been created in an exogenous supplement form, aka an over-the-counter sleep support; it’s indicated for balancing the circadian rhythm. Because there is evidence to believe that melatonin shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes, investigative research has been conducted to help better under the therapeutic effects. 

Generally speaking, the consumption of melatonin is considered safe. However, adverse consequences have been reported. Additionally, longer-term use and high-dose studies are limited. 

New Insights on Exogenous Melatonin 

In the 2022 JAMA Journal’s published letter mentioned above, the authors examined melatonin supplemental use trends among American adults between 1999 through 2018. Since the recommended melatonin dosage is not greater than 5mg/day, the authors also studied prevalence in using more than 5mg/day. 

The conclusion? There was a significant increase in melatonin supplement consumption from 1999-2000, to 2017-2018 among all demographic groups. The discovery indicates that by 2018, US adults were ingesting more than twice the amount of melatonin vs. the 10 years prior. 

Misleading Labels 

While melatonin supplements can certainly help promote a restful night’s sleep, the insights from past and recent data analysis is raising safety apprehension, considering the true quantity of melatonin in over-the-counter supplements is evidently much lower, or higher, than what the label indicates — 478% higher to be exact.  

The problem with absorbing too much melatonin is it can interfere with our sleep-wake cycle, making it even more challenging to fall asleep. Many experts suggest a safe dose ranges from 2mg to 5mg. The good news is that melatonin does not have the potential to become addictive, unlike some prescription medications used for better sleep. 

Another study, published in 2017, reported that as many as 70% of melatonin supplements did not possess the amount indicated on the product’s label. 

The study also uncovered evidence of inconsistent ingredients among bottles within the same supplement brand’s line; there was up to a 465% variability of ingredients. For example, some brands had significant amounts of a neurotransmitter, serotonin, but that ingredient was not included on the label. 

When shopping for supplements, look for a “USP” verified mark on the dietary label. This is an indication that the product has been through extensive testing. 

It is worth nothing that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements. 

Alternative Considerations 

Melatonin can be a great short-term solution to help with sleep in particular situations, such as recovering from jet lag, or when facing a crisis in your life. 

For longer-term solutions, working on your “sleep hygiene” means there are ways to promote better quality sleep. Some examples include reducing or limiting stimulants such as caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol; limiting or eliminating electronics before bedtime including phone and TV screens; committing to a consistent sleep schedule; keeping the bedroom dark with a cooler temperature. 

For more ideas on living a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle, visit our Auxo Medical blog archives. 

The post Melatonin Supplements: Friend or Foe? appeared first on Auxo Medical.

A patient’s heart monitor sends an alert to a physician that her arrhythmia is back.

A senior forgets to take their prescribed medication on time, and a devices helps remind them to take it and also documents what time they took it.

 A man’s implanted device monitors blood glucose symptoms and delivers a corrective insulin stimulus, alerting the physician simultaneously.

All of these examples are the epitome of the “Internet of Medical Things” (IoMT). The Internet of Medical Things refers to an ecosystem of medical devices and applications that collect data that is then provided to healthcare IT systems through online computer networks. Wi-Fi enabled devices are a catalyst for machines to communicate and link to cloud platforms for data storage. The “Internet of Things” (IoT) has influenced several industries, and the healthcare field is no exception. The medical industry across the board has gradually started to enter the integrated world of IoT.

IoMT covers a broad spectrum, such as wearabledevices, remote patient monitoring, sensor-enabled hospital beds and infusion pumps, medication-tracking systems, medical supply and equipment inventory tracking. Electronic Medical Records (EMR) are being implemented across the United States in healthcare facilities; patients have access to online portals to obtain their own records. Doctors can also now digitally prescribe medication and upload it directly to the patient’s pharmacy for pick-up. Additionally, portable diagnostic devices can make routine blood and urine tests easier on our aging population—where mobility is more challenging and who need to take these tests more often.

Benefits to Patients

IoMT can improve patient diagnoses. This is possible through connected devices — allowing data collection for analytics — and patients that benefit from the data down the road. Almost 60% of healthcare providers are utilizing IoMT devices – and they’re reporting improved patient care, according to a Frost & Sullivan study. Wearable healthcare devices and healthcare apps allow patients and their medical providers stay in touch.

IoMT devices can also make operations more efficient for healthcare workers, who are often simultaneously caring for a number of patients. Ironing out processes and improving efficiency decreases the burden for health workers while increasing the quality of care they can give.

One of the most obvious and popular applications of healthcare and the IoT is in remote health monitoring — sometimes known as “telehealth.” In some instances, patients don’t even have to visit an ER or be admitted to a hospital.

If a person has restricted mobility, or needs to utilize public transportation, remote monitoring can be priceless for patients. Not only does this reduce costs, but it spares them the inconvenience of being away from home.

The IoMT can help monitor and notify not only caregivers, but give healthcare providers real data to pinpoint issues prior to a desperate situation and allow for invention earlier.

There are even safeguards in place for remote healthcare tools. For example, a new IoT-driven solution from Philips, is called “e-Alert.” Instead of waiting for a device to fail, Philips’ system takes a proactive approach by virtually monitoring medical hardware and alerting hospital staff members if there’s a problem.

Patient Compliance & Reporting

One of the biggest concerns of IoMT is adherence to doctor’s directions. IoMT isn’t intended to substitute healthcare providers, but to provide them with the data gathered from devices for better diagnoses and treatment plans. Healthcare facilities also currently use the IoMT to help with streamlining workflow, overseeing inventory and medical device integration.

A connected IoMT device provides objective reporting of authentic occurrences. Without these findings, providers must rely on subjective patient reports based on their memory and feelings alone.

IoMT devices help monitor patient behavior and activity from a distance so the provider will have actual data to refer to regarding compliance to treatment recommendations and what ensues after a patient leaves the healthcare premises.

It’s Personal…and Here to Stay

Although today’s modern technology can sometimes get a bad rap (i.e. a nurse is too busy to have eye contact because they’re completing medical notes on an iPad), the reality is that IoMT can actually offer more personalized healthcare for each individual patient. From creating customized therapy plans, to determining care guidelines based on the unique situation of a patient.

There’s no doubt that IoMT is here to stay, and will continue to evolve as technology continues to advance.

Stay tuned for our next blog in the upcoming weeks— we will elaborate on the future of IoMT and what to expect.

The post Internet of Medical Things (IoT): The Vast Impact Inside & Outside of Hospital Walls appeared first on Auxo Medical.

Elective outpatient hip and knee replacements increased by 47 percent from 2012 to 2015, according to a study by Sg2. This insight is an early indicator that total joint replacements (TJR) are becoming more common in the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) setting as a higher number of surgeons become experts on minimally invasive technology and pain management techniques for outpatient procedures.

Total joint surgeries moving toward outpatient can also be attributed to:

• The transition to value-based care since ASCs are a high quality, low cost option
• Insurance companies are more willing to cover outpatient TJRs
• Studies show that patients who fit a particular criteria can achieve desired results in the outpatient setting

In this month’s newsletter, we’re peeling back the TJR outpatient trends, cost analysis, and how ASCs are taking a driver’s seat in the total joint arena.

TJR on the Rise

According to a report from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the number of total joint replacements is expected to dramatically jump between the years 2030 and 2060.

Primary total hip replacements are projected to grow 171 percent and primary total knee replacements are expected to grow 189 percent by 2030. Also, people are having TJR surgeries done earlier in their lives. The average age for primary total hip replacements dropped from 66.3 years old in 2000 to 64.9 years old in 2014. The average age for primary total knee replacement dropped from 68 years old to 65.9 years old.

A report by Vizient estimates that outpatient total joint replacements will grow 77 percent from 2016 to 2026, but inpatient total joint volume is expected to remain relatively flat.

Behind the Costs of Total Joint Replacement

According to a new report, there is a significant variance in the cost for a joint replacement surgery. It can cost $5,000, all the way to $30,000 depending on the medical center.

Total joint replacement surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States. More than one million joint replacements are performed every year in the U.S., and by 2030 that number is expected to grow to more than 4 million.

The analysis published by Premier, found that the cost of joint procedures vary considerably between facilities due to the differences in practice patterns and the devices that are used on patients.

According to the findings from Premier’s database of 1,100 hospitals, the overall median cost of TJR surgery is $14,520. However, 50% of cases run between $12,000 and $17,900.

The average cost of primary knee implants was $4,464, among 350 hospitals polled. Yet, 50% of the hospitals paid between $4,066 and $5,609 on the devices. Additionally, the same group of hospitals paid an average of $5,252 for primary hip implants, but 50% of the hospitals paid between $4,759 and $6,463.

Because devices make up a significant portion of the procedure’s expense, there is significant gap in pricing among vendors.

Another cost associated with TJRs is OR staff. Some OR’s may use a dozen people in the room while others many only have a handful of staff in a case.

And bone cement, which is used to hold the implant against the bone, can be quite costly too. Research shows that bone cement infused with antibiotics doesn’t improve patient outcomes, and it costs 120% more per patient compared to bone cement without antibiotics.

On the flip side, costs associated with length of stay and recovery have decreased due to advancements in modern healthcare.

How Ambulatory Centers are Capitalizing on TJRs

Ambulatory Surgery Centers are leading the way with Total Joint Replacement. The number of ASCs offering outpatient total joint replacements has increased from about 25 in 2014 to 200+ in 2017, according to a report from Advisory Board.

One of the reasons for this increase is because of the value-based model of healthcare. The Affordable Care Act’s necessity to publicly report data and holding back payment when you don’t meet certain quality objectives plays a role.

Another reason the number of ASCs providing TJRs continues to increase is because some insurance companies are more inclined to reimburse for the procedure. Outpatient total joint replacements remain a relatively unconventional concept in many parts of the country, but it is certainly on the rise and becoming more and more common.

Surgeons will likely take TJRs to outpatient departments primarily because reimbursement has increased and the hospital’s proximity. However, as the demand for high-quality, low-cost care increases and surgeons become involved in independent surgery centers, they will take higher volume to ASCs.

How ASCs Can Cut Costs With TJRs

Joint Surgery requires larger sterilizers, larger OR tables, and a laundry list of other necessities that may not have been previously needed at an outpatient center. As ASCs take on TJRs, outfitting your facility with the appropriate equipment comes at a price. Purchasing refurbished medical equipment can certainly help shave costs.

Auxo Medical’s expertise is in refurbished, good-as-new medical equipment, which is thoroughly inspected to ensure it meets original manufacturer standards, Whether you may need sterilizers, washers, operating tables, or surgical beds to prepare for your influx of joint surgeries to come — we are happy to be a resource for your needs.

The post Outpatient is the Future of Total Joint Replacement appeared first on Auxo Medical.

Value-based healthcare is a delivery model in which providers are compensated based on patient health outcomes. Under value-based care agreements, providers (including hospitals and physicians) are recognized for helping patients improve their health, reduce the ramifications and incidence of chronic disease, and live a healthier lifestyle in an evidence-based process.

Value-based care is different from a traditional fee-for-service (FFS) approach. FFS providers are paid based on the amount of healthcare services they deliver. The “value” in value-based healthcare is derived from measuring health outcomes against the cost of delivering the outcomes.

 Benefits Of Value-Based Healthcare

1.) Quality and patient engagement measures increase when the focus is on value instead of volume. In addition, providers are not placed at the financial risk that comes with fee-for-service payment systems.

2.) Value-based care models focus on helping patients recover from illnesses and injuries quicker and avoid chronic disease in the first place. As a result, patients face fewer doctor’s visits, tests, and procedures, and they keep more money in their pockets on medication.

3.) Less money is spent helping people manage chronic diseases and experience expensive inpatient and medical emergencies. Value-based care has the promise to significantly reduce overall costs spent on healthcare.

ASCs are Positioned to Add Extra Value

Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) are designed to provide cost-effective, quality care. Now, with value-based care, they are already positioned to make good on the model’s mission.

For example, infection rates* after surgeries performed at outpatient surgical centers are quite low. This can be attributed to the fact that many ASCs have specialized areas and a focused approach with less variables, which leads to less complications. This ripple effect is the perfect equation for value-based care.

It’s important to make sure that consumers truly understand and appreciate the value-based care provided by an ASC. In addition to delivering quality care at a reduced cost, ASCs need to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. In other words, they need to prove it to consumers.

Helping Patients Find the Value in Value-Based Care 

Transparency + Sharing Success

Some healthcare providers go as far as sharing prices for procedures on their websites. Unfortunately, what is not shared with consumers due to HIPAA, are surgical results. Prospective patients do not necessarily know if a surgeon has had stellar surgical outcomes — from complications, to death. So it’s important for ASCs to provide transparency in any way possible. Calculate recovery rates by surgeon, for example, vs. average patient recovery time. Get creative in showcasing commitment to outcomes.

Customer Service + Clinical Excellence

Of course an ASC encourages surgeons and healthcare providers to follow best practices, but sharing this with the online community is incredibly important. In today’s Google-heavy, social media crazed world, customer service has never been more critical. Clinical and non-clinical employees are the frontlines of ensuring a “positive” experience in what is typically an uneasy medical circumstance. Viral and online channels will either serve your bottom-line through referrals or hurt it through scathing reviews — make sure staff is in alignment to make patient needs and comfort levels as high as possible.

Painless Billing

There is enough pain associated with medical procedures, the patient doesn’t need to worry about more discomfort once it comes time to process medical bills. A competent and trained ASC billing staff member will help standardize coding and billing accurately. Patients deserve to understand both charges and cost savings in relation to value-based care.

Patient-Centered Care: Look into the Future

As the healthcare terrain continues to advance and providers increase their implementation of value-based care models, moving from a fee-for-service to a fee-for-value system, they may see short-term financial hits before longer-term costs decline. However, the transition from fee-for-service to fee-for-value has been embraced as the best method for lowering healthcare costs while increasing quality care and helping people lead healthier lives. By implementing these strategies, an ASC can improve patient experience and outcomes, and decrease costs. Most importantly, they can influence consumers’ appreciation and understanding of the value in value-based care.

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