What to do when you need a knee or hip replacement
Finding out you may need a knee or hip replacement can be overwhelming — there are a lot of unknowns and choices to make. Knee or hip replacements require preparation; in fact, there’s even non-surgical care, like physical therapy, medication and lifestyle changes, that can be done before surgery is an option. But if you and your provider decide that surgery is the right next step, here are a few things you should think about when planning your procedure.
Knee and hip replacement basics
These procedures replace damaged or worn joints, which can be caused by injury, age, overuse or conditions like arthritis. They are becoming more common, particularly in Americans ages 35 to 64. In fact, researchers expect to see a 42 percent increase in hip replacements and a 149 percent increase in knee replacements by 2040. Your provider will typically only recommend a knee or hip replacement after you’ve explored other treatment options. If you’ve exhausted your non-surgical care options and still can’t find relief, here’s what you need to consider next and how a hip or knee replacement will impact your health journey.
Hip and knee replacement preparation made easy
Your secure myWellmark® member portal can help you get ready for your upcoming hip or knee replacement. Log in for tools to find providers, estimate your costs and access your benefits.
How to prepare for knee or hip replacement surgery
If you and your doctor decide that a knee or hip replacement is the right choice for you, you’ll want to prepare by researching care options, facilities and what you’ll need in recovery. Consider the following in preparation for your hip or knee replacement:
How to choose a knee or hip replacement hospital or facility
The facility where you have your procedure can have a big impact on your care, recovery and overall cost. When it comes to choosing a hospital or facility for your hip or knee replacement surgery, Wellmark members have options.
Blue Distinction® Centers
You may want to check to see if there is a Blue Distinction Center near you. Blue Distinction Centers are health care facilities that meet national quality measures and show expertise in delivering patient care safely and effectively. To research your facility or find one near you, log in to myWellmark. If you don’t have a Blue Distinction Center near you, you can use the same tool to find quality in-network facilities closer to home.
Outpatient vs. inpatient facilities
Many people are surprised to learn that knee and hip replacements can be performed on both an outpatient and inpatient basis. Having an outpatient knee or hip replacement surgery means you don’t stay more than one night for care and recovery. Inpatient procedures, on the other hand, require admission to a hospital and typically involve a multiple night stay in a facility. Both are safe and effective options for surgery. When deciding between an inpatient vs. outpatient surgery, you’ll want to consider which will give you the best health outcome and compare costs. The facility you choose can affect not only your experience, but also your recovery and your overall cost of care.
How to choose a knee or hip replacement surgeon
Finding a surgeon you trust is important. Search for and browse in-network surgeons and facilities near you with the myWellmark provider finder.
Understanding knee or hip replacement costs
There can be differences in costs between surgical facilities. It’s important to understand how your health plan covers inpatient or outpatient knee or hip surgery. Find your coverage documents and get cost estimates for your procedure on myWellmark.
Additional hip and knee replacement preparation
Your procedure will be specific to your needs. The exact techniques, implants or prostheses and type of replacement will vary based on what your surgeon thinks is best. It’s a good idea to have a clear understanding of the procedure and techniques your surgeon will be using before the big day.
There are many things you can do ahead of time to set yourself up for success for knee or hip replacement surgery and recovery, for example:
- Learn about the procedure, anesthesia, devices used and recovery process.
- Create a plan to recover; tell your employer about any time-off you might need and ask a trusted friend or family member to help you.
- Arrange a comfortable recovery area within your home. Have food, medication and clothing in an easy-to-reach, accessible area.
If you’re earlier your care journey, you may also want to learn more about non-surgical treatment options and ways to manage joint pain before surgery.
Recovering from knee and hip replacements
On average, it will take about six weeks to recover from your surgery. This will vary by person, but there are things you can do to help make the road to recovery a smooth one.
- Stick to your medication schedule, as directed by your provider or pharmacist.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet and stay hydrated.
- Watch for signs of infection like redness or swelling.
- Do exercises for your new joint according to your provider's instructions.
- Attend all follow-up care appointments.
- Speak up for yourself. Communicate with your providers if something doesn’t seem right.
Remember: Wellmark members get more with myWellmark
myWellmark can help you prepare for your hip or knee replacement. Find providers, Blue Distinction Centers, read up on your inpatient vs. outpatient surgery coverage, get cost estimates and more. Log in to explore your care options, compare providers and better understand your coverage as you prepare for your procedure.
Disclosure
Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures for patient safety and outcomes, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for providers located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable healthcare. Each provider's cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Providers in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.