Reimagining Joint Replacement: Dr. H. Kurtis Biggs on Innovation, Outcomes & the Future of Orthopedics

In this Becker's Healthcare Podcast episode, Chanel Bunger interviews Dr. H. Kurtis Biggs from the Joint Replacement Institute about hip and knee replacement trends. Dr. Biggs discusses initiatives to reduce post-operative narcotic use, highlighting the March to a Million initiative. He also shares his experience in designing and bringing to market a new hip replacement femoral component. The conversation transitions to reimbursement challenges faced by surgeons, including declining Medicare payments and rising overhead costs, which may lead to changes in practice models like concierge services or fee-for-service structures. Dr. Biggs also expresses pride in his institute's low same-day discharge and infection rates, emphasizing the importance of patient education and realistic expectations in treatment plans. He advises evolving leaders to prioritize patient outcomes, understand the business side of medicine, and maintain a work-life balance.