How Orthopedic Surgery Practices Can Use Technology to Improve the Patient Financial Journey

Orthopedic practices are known for precision, innovation and clinical excellence. But increasingly, that same level of sophistication is expected across the entire patient experience — not just in the operating room. From scheduling and diagnostics to billing and payment, digital tools are reshaping how practices operate day to day.

By extending technology beyond clinical care, orthopedic practices can simplify workflows, reduce delays and better support patients as they navigate both treatment and cost considerations. When done thoughtfully, these improvements can strengthen the patient experience and the operational health of your practice.

Orthopedic Technology Is Everywhere — From Diagnosis to Discharge

In many orthopedic practices, innovative technology plays a role in nearly every stage of the patient journey. Advanced imaging, AI-supported diagnostics and virtual surgical planning are transforming how providers evaluate and prepare for procedures. But the impact of technology doesn't stop there.

Behind the scenes, digital tools are helping practices manage scheduling, streamline patient intake, coordinate follow-up care and improve communication. These systems can reduce administrative burdens while helping teams stay organized and responsive.

Billing is another area where modernization can make a meaningful difference. Traditionally, orthopedic billing has relied on repetitive manual tasks such as coding, insurance verification and reviewing charges with patients. These processes can be time-intensive and leave room for mistakes. In fact, in a 2025 Experian Health survey, 56% of healthcare providers reported that patient information errors are a leading cause of denied claims.¹ And 83% said faster, more comprehensive insurance verification is urgently needed.¹

When billing workflows are automated, practices may be able to reduce errors, accelerate reimbursement and allow staff to focus more on their patient-facing responsibilities. But even the best clinical technology can't deliver a seamless patient journey if the financial experience is still manual, confusing or delayed.

High-Tech Care Deserves High-Access Orthopedic Patient Financing

Even as insurance processes improve, many patients still face significant out-of-pocket costs, especially for orthopedic procedures. For example, a hip replacement patient enrolled in a high-deductible family plan could be responsible for as much as $17,000, the IRS maximum out-of-pocket limit for 2026.²

Cost can influence orthopedic care decisions, particularly when patients feel unprepared for what they'll owe. Synchrony's Healthcare Journey Research Consumers and Providers study shows that 34% of orthopedic patients are surprised by how high their care costs are. In fact, 37% of orthopedic providers say the bill ends up higher than the estimate — including 5% who say the bill comes in more than 20% higher, potentially increasing patient hesitation to move forward with recommended treatment.³

That's why introducing a clear payment solution early can make a difference. Yet only 53% of orthopedic patients surveyed said they were offered any type of financing or payment plan.³ Proactively offering a third-party financing solution like CareCredit, which offers both the CareCredit credit card and CareCredit Pay Later loan, can help patients move forward with care by offering a simple way to pay over time.* With a fast application and instant decisioning, plus the ability for patients to see if they prequalify with no impact to their credit score, CareCredit can help reduce friction at a moment when cost concerns might otherwise delay treatment.

Patient Financing to Improve Orthopedic Treatment Acceptance

Financial conversations are an important part of the care journey, particularly for procedures with significant out-of-pocket costs. When those discussions happen early and often, patients may be better equipped to make informed decisions.

Convenient digital payment solutions can help simplify the financial side of orthopedic care by giving patients a self-serve way to view estimates, understand their balance and choose how to pay before and after treatment. Whether they're planning a pre-surgery deposit or managing out-of-pocket costs for the procedure and postoperative therapy, digital tools like online prequalification for financing solutions, payment links and mobile-friendly portals can help patients better manage payments and stay on track.

Ease of payment also matters. As healthcare consumerism rises, patients increasingly compare the payment experience to what they get in everyday retail. Yet compared to other industries, healthcare still lags in perceived convenience: In one survey, just 8% of consumers said it was easy to pay for healthcare versus 51% who said the same about groceries.⁴ Improving this experience can shape how patients perceive your practice long after their visit.

Helping Staff Lead More Effective Financial Conversations

Equipping your team to navigate and initiate these conversations can make a measurable difference. When team members can clearly explain available options and answer questions, it can help build trust and keep the focus on care.

Consider sharing the following best practices:

• Start the conversation early. Introduce cost expectations and financing options during treatment planning, not at checkout.
• Keep explanations simple. Use clear, patient-friendly language when outlining costs and available options to reduce financial stress and confusion.
• Offer digital tools. Give patients the ability to apply, review and manage financing on their own time, such as directing them to payment solution information on your website or sharing secure application links they can access outside the office via a custom link or QR code.
• Normalize the discussion. Position financing as a standard part of the care process.

Streamlining Practice Workflows With Patient Financing Solutions

In addition to supporting patients, financing solutions can simplify internal operations at your practice.

More broadly, offering third-party financing can:

• Reduce time spent on payment collection and follow-up.
• Minimize the volume of unpaid or aging accounts.
• Improve consistency and predictability of incoming payments.
• Allow staff to spend more time on patient care instead of billing tasks.

When your orthopedic practice offers CareCredit as a payment option, patients can complete an easy application and receive a decision in less than six seconds. If approved and they use the card, you get paid within two business days — CareCredit handles the rest, which can reduce staff time spent on follow-up and help bring more consistency to cash flow.

Orthopedic Technology and Patient Financing as a Practice Growth Strategy

Orthopedic practices are already investing in advanced clinical tools to deliver high-quality care. Pairing those capabilities with modern financial solutions helps complete the picture.

When patients feel supported — not just clinically but also financially — they may be more likely to move forward with recommended care and their full treatment plans. At the same time, practices benefit from fewer delays, more consistent payments and a smoother operational flow.

By approaching innovation holistically, from diagnosis through payment, orthopedic practices can create a more seamless, efficient experience that reflects the same level of excellence found in the operating room.

A Patient Financing Solution for Health and Wellness Providers

If you are looking for a way to connect your customers with options that empower them to pay for the care they want or need, consider offering CareCredit as a financing solution. CareCredit offers customers two ways to pay for out-of-pocket health and wellness expenses over time — the CareCredit credit card and a CareCredit Pay Later loan — while helping enhance the payments process for your practice or business.*

When you accept CareCredit, patients can see if they prequalify with no impact to their credit score, and those who apply, if approved, can take advantage of financing on qualifying purchases.* Additionally, your practice or business will be paid directly within two business days.

Learn more about CareCredit as a patient financing solution or start the provider enrollment process by filling out this form.

Author Bio

Nancy Mann Jackson is a journalist and content writer who writes regularly about finance and healthcare. Her work has been published by AARP, CNBC, Entrepreneur and Fortune.

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