HBF launches no-gap joint replacement trial: places now open
HBF, South Perth Hospital and HFRC are offering a unique pilot program that aims to reduce costs and speed up recovery. Places for suitable HBF members are open now.
Patients needing a knee or hip replacement often have two key concerns – the out-of-pocket costs, and how long they’ll need to spend in hospital.
“At HBF, our members have told us that they want to be with their family as they recover and get on with their lives, rather than being in hospital or having to regularly travel back to hospital for rehabilitation for weeks on end,” says Dr Daniel Heredia, HBF Executive General Manager – Health.
“Our members have also raised concerns about out-of-pocket costs and hospital excess charges in addition to paying for outpatient rehabilitation services – on top of paying their health insurance premiums.”
To address this, HBF, South Perth Hospital and leading rehabilitation provider HFRC have teamed up to provide an innovative pilot program, designed to reduce costs and facilitate faster recovery.
How the program works
The pilot program is open to HBF members only, and is made up of three stages:
- Pre-operative assessment.
An orthopaedic surgeon will assess the member to determine if they are clinically suitable for the program. - ‘Joint school’ education program.
Patients who are deemed suitable will then take part in an education program delivered by a multidisciplinary team, who will also oversee the patient throughout their admission for surgery at South Perth Hospital.
- Rehabilitation at home.
Following surgery at South Perth Hospital, participants will undertake a six-week rehabilitation program delivered by HFRC. This combines face-to-face home visits
and telehealth, overseen be a rehabilitation physician. Participants will have access to a nurse, exercise physiologist or physiotherapist, and 24-hour telephone support.
What does it cost?
Participating HBF members will not be charged a gap by their surgeons, and any hospital excess will be waived.
HBF will also cover the cost of providing rehabilitation in the home.
Refer a patient now
To find out more or request an appointment contact: Murdoch Orthopaedic Clinic (08) 6332 6332
Participating surgeons include:
Ben Jeffcote
Gerald Lim
Mark Hurworth