HCF has highlighted the benefits of its No-Gap Joints program amid escalating costs and extensive wait times associated with hip and knee joint replacement surgeries in Australia.
Annually, about 120,000 Australians undergo these surgeries, facing significant out-of-pocket expenses and long waits.
Research led by Professor Ilana Ackerman predicts this number will double by 2030 due to an ageing population, longer life expectancy, and rising obesity rates.
“The increase highlights an urgent need for new and creative solutions, especially as healthcare costs continue to rise and delays in the public health system make elective surgery waits even longer,” she said.
HCF’s No-Gap Joints program, now available through partnerships with three hospitals in Sydney and one in Melbourne, aims to alleviate these challenges.
The program offers a cost-effective solution for patients needing joint replacement surgery, such as Janet Novak (pictured), a retired travel agent from Katoomba.
“I realised I needed to do something to get it taken care of because I was experiencing significant pain and finding walking very difficult,” she said.
After various treatments failed to provide relief, an MRI revealed significant knee damage, including a torn tendon and bone-on-bone contact.
Facing high out-of-pocket costs, Novak discovered the HCF No-Gap Joints program through her health fund’s website.
“The program not only covered the full cost of the procedure but also helped with all the associated expenses,” she said. “And I was also able to choose from a long list of good surgeons who could perform the procedure at a few different hospitals.”
She chose Macquarie University Hospital based on positive feedback from friends.
“I checked my cover to be sure I was eligible for joint replacements, and then I got in touch with the surgeon to make sure he was participating in the program, and he was, which was fantastic,” she said. “It was all very organised. The hospital had a good pre-admission clinic, and I saw a physio there before I went in, and he organised for me to have physio at home. Having rehab at home made recovery so much more convenient and easier.”
Julie Andrews, chief officer of member health at HCF, highlighted the program’s comprehensive support.
“This holistic approach helps members feel supported at every step of their journey,” she said.
Novak added: “Another benefit is that I didn’t have to worry about long surgery waitlists. I saw him in February, and I had the operation in March, about a month later.”
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed that nearly one in five hip replacement patients and almost one in three knee replacement patients wait over a year for surgery in the public system.
“That can be a long time to wait when you’re in pain. Initiatives like HCF’s program are vital in helping to ease the strain on the public health system and improve patient outcomes,” Andrews said. “By reducing out-of-pocket costs during and after surgery, and simplifying access to quality healthcare, HCF’s No-Gap Joints program allows members to focus on their recovery.
“Janet’s experience serves as a tangible example of the program’s value amid cost-of-living pressures and a backdrop of growing healthcare demands.”
Since April 2021, nearly 700 patients have benefited from the No-Gap Joints program, saving members an average of $2,500 and over $1.6 million in out-of-pocket fees.
Hospitals where HCF No-Gap Joints program is provided are:
“As healthcare costs continue to escalate and waiting times in the public health system persist, initiatives like HCF’s No-Gap Joints program become increasingly essential,” said Walter Kmet, chief executive, MQ Health. “By offering a comprehensive solution that addresses both financial concerns and access to quality care, we are empowering patients to prioritise their health and well-being.
“Macquarie University Hospital is proud to be part of this initiative, offering our world-class orthopaedic unit to ensure patients receive the highest standard of care throughout their joint replacement journey.”
Aside from focusing on healthcare, HCF recently bolstered its investment in netball, a sport that has rapidly gained popularity across the nation. It introduced a new netball campaign comprising a video series that provides an open forum for discussion with top netball stars on often-stigmatised subjects such as mental health and menstrual health.
