BACKGROUND: Reducing length of stay has been proposed as a key component of policies that aim to meet demand and minimize costs associated with total joint arthroplasty. However, few studies explore shifting of healthcare utilization when length of stay is shortened. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study examined patients undergoing primary, total hip and knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis to simulate a policy-level institutional reduction in acute hospital stay by 1 day. Costs, quality of life, and rates of complications, readmission and discharge to inpatient rehabilitation were compared in patients with a three- and four-day length of acute stay. Balance was achieved using overlap-propensity weighting. RESULTS: In total, 2023 patients were included. Earlier discharge from acute hospital was not associated with a change in odds of 90-day complications (OR: 0.85 [95% CI, 0.58 to 1.27]
P = 0.447), readmissions (OR: 1.11 [95% CI, 0.67 to 1.82]
P = 0.691), and emergency department presentations (OR: 1.07 [95% CI, 0.66 to 1.73]
P = 0.774). Earlier discharge from acute hospital was associated with an increase in odds of discharge to inpatient rehabilitation (OR: 2.16 [95% CI, 1.45 to 3.20]
P <
0.002). No significant differences in costs and quality adjusted life years were observed at one-year. Cost savings during index admission were shifted onto increased costs associated with inpatient rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Earlier discharge was not associated with changes in 90-day complications, readmission, or ED presentations. However, an increase in utilization of inpatient rehabilitation was observed, offsetting early cost savings. Patients who were discharged from acute care on day three had no difference in costs compared to those discharged on day four.