Factors That Influence Provider Selection for Elective Total Joint Arthroplasty

摘要

Background The growth of consumer-directed health plans has sparked increased demand for information regarding the cost and quality of healthcare services, including total joint arthroplasty (TJA). However, the factors that influence patients' choice of provider when pursuing elective orthopaedic care, such as TJA, are poorly understood. Questions/purposes We evaluated the factors patients consider when selecting an orthopaedic surgeon and hospital for TJA. Methods Two hundred fifty-one patients who sought treatment from either an academic or community-based orthopaedic practice for primary TJA completed a 37-item survey using a 5-point Likert scale rating ("unimportant" to "very important") regarding seven established clinical and nonclinical dimensions of care patients considered when selecting a provider and hospital.