Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger Health System is expanding its ProvenCare Total Hip program and covering any costs associated with orthopedic surgeries for a Geisinger Health Plan patient's lifetime.
A 53-year-old woman is the first patient enrolled in Geisinger's pilot program, which the system intends to expand. Under the program, the patient underwent total hip replacement surgery Feb. 26, and any future surgical care and costs related to the surgery will be covered by Geisinger and Medacta International, a global orthopedic medical device manufacturer.
"Rather than follow the prevalent fee-for-service model, Geisinger rewards value," said Michael Suk, MD, chair of the Geisinger Musculoskeletal Institute and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. "When it comes to the hip replacement pilot program, what we're saying to our patients is that the level of service we'll provide will be so exemplary that if there's a problem tomorrow or 20, 30, or 40 years from now, we'll take care of it."
Geisinger and Medacta International will share potential costs, including the medical device replacement and hospital costs, as long as the patient stays a Geisinger Health Plan member and sees Geisinger providers.