Recovering at home from major joint or spine procedures can be as effective as doing so at an acute care facility, according to a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

For the study, researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City examined the cases of almost 5,000 patients who were admitted for cardiac valve surgery, lower extremity joint replacements, or spinal fusions before and after 2012—the year the hospital reduced post-op referrals to rehab facilities in order to participate in a Medicare pilot program.

They found that even though 34 percent fewer patients were discharged to acute care facilities after 2012, there was no significant increase in readmission rates for those patients who were discharged to home care.      

Researchers hope these findings will help surgeons feel more confident about sending patients home to recover instead of discharging them to rehab facilities that cost more and keep patients separated from their families longer.

To learn more, read the entire article.