Rethinking Orthopedic Access Through Innovation and Collaboration with Dr. Leo T. Kroonen
Becker’s Healthcare PodcastSummary
Recent shifts in the healthcare landscape have transformed the approach to outpatient surgeries, particularly in ambulatory surgery centers. Dr. Leo T. Cronin, Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Kaiser Permanente San Diego, highlights the challenges faced in managing patient access and surgical backlogs exacerbated by the pandemic. With a patient base of over 600,000, Dr. Cronin emphasizes the importance of efficient clinic and operating room access, noting the need for innovative solutions to address the increasing demand for orthopedic care.
To tackle these challenges, Dr. Cronin and his team have adopted a collaborative model with referring providers, including primary care and urgent care physicians. This approach allows for more tailored patient care, reducing unnecessary in-person visits while still providing essential guidance and support. By leveraging virtual communication and rethinking traditional triage methods, the orthopedic team aims to optimize resources and improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Cronin stresses the necessity for healthcare leaders to embrace curiosity and openness to change in order to navigate the evolving demands of the industry. He advocates for a reassessment of existing resources and processes, encouraging a shift away from conventional practices to explore more effective care delivery methods. This mindset, he believes, is crucial for adapting to the complexities of modern healthcare and ensuring that patient needs are met efficiently.
Show Notes
This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Leo T. Kroonen, Chief, Orthopaedic Surgery, Kaiser Permanente San Diego. He discusses tackling post-pandemic access challenges, redesigning care pathways through virtual orthopedics and provider collaboration, and why curiosity and openness to change are essential for healthcare leaders navigating growing patient demand.
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