An Overview of Telehealth in Total Joint Arthroplasty |
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Authors: | Eric N. Windsor Abhinav K. Sharma Ioannis Gkiatas Ameer M. Elbuluk Peter K. Sculco Jonathan M. Vigdorchik |
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Affiliation: | 1.Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA;2.Stavros Niarchos Foundation Complex Joint Reconstruction Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA;3.Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA |
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Abstract: | With the increase in technological advances over the years, telehealth services in orthopedic surgery have gained in popularity, yet adoption among surgeons has been slow. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, orthopedic surgery practices nationwide have accelerated adaptation to telemedicine. Telehealth can be effectively applied to total joint arthroplasty, with the ability to perform preoperative consultations, postoperative follow-up, and telerehabilitation in a virtual, remote manner with similar outcomes to in-person visits. New technologies that have emerged, such as virtual goniometers, wearable sensors, and app-based patient questionnaires, have improved clinicians’ ability to conduct telehealth visits. Benefits of using telehealth include high patient satisfaction, cost-savings, increased access to care, and more efficiency. Notably, some challenges still exist, including widespread accessibility and adaptation of new technologies, inability to conduct an in-person orthopedic physical examination, and regulatory barriers, such as insurance reimbursement, increased medicolegal risk, and privacy and confidentiality concerns. Despite these hurdles, telehealth is here to stay and can be successfully incorporated in any total joint arthroplasty practice with the appropriate adjustments. |
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Keywords: | total joint arthroplasty total hip arthroplasty total knee arthroplasty telehealth telemedicine technology |
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