Stelkast Launches Industry Initiative at AAOS

What’s Next?

Stelkast Inc. is directing that question to orthopedic surgeons in an effort to identify the regulatory and market changes affecting the industry and devise new business models to improve the quality of care. The McMurray, Pa.-based implant designer and manufacturer began asking the question last week, launching its “What’s Next” initiative at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) annual meeting in Chicago, Ill.

“We are reaching out to surgeons to find out how we can best partner with them. The market is changing and they are under a lot of pressure,” John K. Reyher, senior vice president/general manager told Orthopedic Design & Technology during the show. “The current business models are not sustainable. The cost of healthcare is rising and we want to understand from surgeons how we can best help the situation.”

To discover the kind of help practitioners want and need, Stelkast has created a three-minute online survey that seeks surgeons’ opinions on the kinds of business models they expect to adopt by 2020 (physician-owned distribution, ambulatory surgery center, bundled payment, hospital employed); the reasons for considering a new model (to see more patients, lower patient costs, increase revenue, create more opportunities for innovation, more freedom over the implants/instruments used); their thoughts on reimbursements in the next five years (1-10 percent increase, more than a 10 percent increase, 1-10 percent decrease or more than a 10 percent decrease); ways implant manufacturers can support a stronger industry; the biggest challenge they currently face and their projections about future changes in their practices. The survey can be found at www.WhatsNextForOrtho.com.

“Innovation isn’t just about implant technology anymore. It’s about the way we deliver health care,” the online survey reads. “New business models are emerging all the time that better align incentives for surgeons, hospitals and manufacturers. Through cooperation, we can care for more patients more efficiently. To do that, you’ll need more than an implant supplier. You’ll need a business partner. Think of it as a joint venture.”

Reyher doled out business cards with the survey website during the AAOS conference. He said the company will use the survey results to help surgeons and hospitals craft sustainable new business models and improve patient care.

Stelkast designs, manufactures and distributes hip and knee implant systems.