Providing Value in Fracture Care: Academic Versus Private Setting

Although the science of fracture care transcends the setting, the delivery of value may be dramatically different depending on the practice situation. Compared to our colleagues specializing in total joint arthroplasty, trauma surgeons have a greater challenge demonstrating increased quality relative to the cost of care. Although most orthopedic surgeons are in private practice, their individual practice settings vary significantly. Generally speaking, private groups with dynamic and forward-thinking leadership can seize opportunity to increase value in fracture care, and nimble action can improve value for the patient and the practice. Academic medical centers have synergies to enhance integrated medical care, and the tripartite mission of education, research and patient care lend themselves to increasing value. In either setting, leadership in orthopedic surgery can enhance value in fracture care.