Abstract

Health Care costs in the United States are increasing exponentially with spending reaching 3.3 trillion dollars in 2016 [1]. Estimates show that the total spending on musculoskeletal care for patients over the age of 65 increased from $153 billion between 1996 to 1998 to $294 billion between 2009 and 2011 [2]. In light of these rising health care costs, many are developing strategies to improve quality by reducing the financial burden of these patients on the health care system while improving outcomes. This need has only increased in light of the recent transition from fee-for-service to bundle payment models of care and introduction of alternative payment models for orthopedic care by both the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) and private payers. In order provide high-quality care and improve patient outcomes, it is essential to have an effective risk stratification tool to provide targeted resource-conscious and high-value care to both prototypical and outlier patients. The authors have published on the development of a novel inpatient mortality risk tool, the Score for Trauma Triage in the Geriatric and Middle-Aged (STTGMA).