Evaluation of fiscal and treatment outcomes in major joint replacement.

The market demand for major arthroplasty procedures is increasing. This descriptive comparative study was conducted to examine clinical and fiscal outcomes in total joint arthroplasty patients discharged either to home or to a subacute unit. The post-acute care setting was self-selected by patients after information was provided on both options. The Self-Administered Joint Rating Questionnaire served as the primary data collection tool. Age, health status, and living alone were significant factors in post-acute care site selection. Although there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two groups, overall costs were substantially different. Opportunities to maintain outcome status, while reducing total costs, in the subacute group are discussed.