Better health care happens when patients and physicians are on the same page.

It's all about communicating.

It's all about getting better together.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons believes that quality healthcare starts with a strong patient/physician relationship. That is why we and our members are strong advocates of Patient-Centered Care.

Patient-Centered Care brings the "voice of the patient" to the center of the health care system. It is responsive to the individual patient's preferences, needs, and values. It ensures that the patient's voice--your voice--guides all clinical decisions and that you know, in advance, what all the treatment options are to better enable you to make an informed choice on how to proceed.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, patient-centered care is:

"The provision of safe, effective and timely musculoskeletal care achieved through cooperation among the orthopaedic surgeon, an informed and respected patient (and family) and a coordinated health care team."

Health care that is truly patient-centered meets other goals as well.

Patient-Centered Care Public Service Announcements (Print/Video/Audio) Patient-Centered Care Public Service Announcements (Print/Video/Audio) (http://www6.aaos.org/About/Pemr/PSA/2007/psa2007.cfm)

Health care that is truly patient-centered is:

• Safe...
  ...ensuring the care you receive will not harm you.
• Effective...
  ...ensuring the care you receive is based on scientific knowledge of what works best.
• Timely...
  ...ensuring that waits for care or delays in delivery of care are kept to a minimum.
• Efficient...
  ...ensuring the elimination of waste in equipment, supplies and energy.
• Equitable...
  ...ensuring that all people receive quality care, regardless of gender, ethnicity, geographic location or socioeconomic status.

This section of the AAOS patient education website includes information about our efforts to support patient-centered care.