Inflation-Adjusted Medicare Reimbursement for Hip Arthroscopy Fell by 21.1% on Average Between 2011 and 2022

Inflation-Adjusted Medicare Reimbursement for Hip Arthroscopy Fell by 21.1% on Average Between 2011 and 2022

Authors

Kufta AY, Maldonado DR, Go CC, Curley AJ, Padilla P, Domb BG

Journal

Arthroscopy Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, December 2022

Objective

To evaluate how Medicare reimbursement rates for hip arthroscopy procedures have changed over the past decade.

Key Findings

• The inflation-adjusted reimbursement rate for hip arthroscopy fell by 21.1% from 2011 to 2022.
• The average reimbursement in 2022 was $899.21 per procedure, compared to $1,141.45 in 2011, reflecting a $242.24 decrease.
• This reduction in reimbursement could affect the financial viability for surgeons performing these procedures and could impact patient access to care.

Conclusion

Medicare reimbursement for hip arthroscopy has significantly decreased, which may have substantial implications for both surgeons and patients, potentially leading to reduced availability or increased costs for treatments.

What Does This Mean For Patients

Patients seeking hip arthroscopy may face challenges with insurance coverage, as decreased Medicare reimbursement rates may influence the availability of the procedure or the costs associated with it.