At the 22nd Annual Spine Orthopedic and Pain Management Conference, Dr. Brett Shore — a leading sports medicine orthopedic surgeon at DISC Sports & Spine Center and founder of Shore Orthopedics — shared valuable insights on the future of orthopedic care.
From shifting procedures to outpatient settings, to staffing strategies and payer partnerships, here’s what Dr. Shore sees ahead for the field — and what it means for patients and providers alike.
PODCAST: Dr. Brett Shore on Becker's Healthcare Podcast
Moving More Procedures to Outpatient Settings
Advancements in minimally invasive techniques have transformed how and where patients recover. Dr. Shore noted:
“It’s clear that more and more procedures are being moved to the ambulatory setting. I think back to some of the surgeries that were two to three night or more overnight stays when I was in my training … and now a lot of those surgeries [are] done as twenty-three-hour observation or same-day discharges.”
- Dr. Brett Shore
This shift allows patients to heal at home, often with faster recoveries and lower costs, which is a win for patients and payers alike.
Meeting Staffing and Anesthesia Challenges
Orthopedics is particularly well-positioned to benefit from the outpatient shift. Dr. Shore shared:
“Orthopedics is in some ways going to be a leader and a pioneer in bringing the majority of surgeries into the ambulatory setting — both as a way to improve patient outcomes, but also to reduce healthcare costs associated with inpatient stays.”
- Dr. Brett Shore
By embracing newer techniques and innovative care models, orthopedic practices can help deliver value while maintaining excellent patient outcomes.
Smart Partnerships Benefit Everyone
Another key trend: stronger partnerships between surgery centers and insurance providers.
“When you can provide safe and effective care at a cost savings for the surgery center and the insurance company and also improve physician reimbursement … then it ends up being a really promising development in the ambulatory surgery model.”
- Dr. Brett Shore
Collaboration and alignment across all stakeholders can ensure that quality care stays affordable — and sustainable.
The Medicare Challenge
One challenge Dr. Shore highlighted is how Medicare reimbursement impacts outpatient care:
“Understanding how to incorporate — or choosing not to incorporate — Medicare into the ambulatory model … is going to be critical for the success of surgery centers going forward.”
- Dr. Brett Shore
Balancing access and financial sustainability will remain an important consideration for leaders across the field.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Shore’s perspective is clear: the future of orthopedic surgery is increasingly outpatient, patient-centered, and built on collaboration. Practices and centers that adapt with smart staffing, innovative partnerships, and a focus on value will be best positioned to thrive — and deliver the highest quality care to the patients who count on them.
