(PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS) — Thirty years ago, when University Orthopedics’ Dr. John Froehlich was an orthopedic surgical resident, the average stay for patients coming into hospitals for replacement of knees and hips was seven days. By 2011, when the Total Joint Center opened at The Miriam Hospital, its typical patient remained in the hospital for almost four days.
Last year, thanks to greater efficiencies and a coordinated effort among health care professionals, the center led by Froehlich reduced its average hospital stay to one day – a statistic that reflects the speed of people getting back on their feet after surgery, but also an increase in outpatient procedures.
Dr. Froehlich explained to the Providence Business News how more and more of these procedures are becoming outpatient.