Thomas V. King, MD, an orthopedic surgeon who practices at the Knee Hip and Shoulder Center at Portsmouth (N.H.) Regional Hospital, developed a program for patients undergoing outpatient joint replacement in collaboration with Kathleen Leavitt, PA-C.
The key details to know:
1. The Alignment of Vital Assets to Accelerate Recovery program, also known as AVATAR, focuses on patient education, preparation for surgery, comprehensive pain management, anesthesia and physical therapy, among other factors.
2. After refining the program for several years, Dr. King allows up to 70 percent of patients to go home within hours of their surgery.
3. "We are seeing patients achieve in three weeks what used to take three months," Dr. King said. "We take care of every detail in advance of the surgery, so all the patient has to do is show up. Our value proposition is our relentless commitment to excellent outcomes."