Understanding what population health means and how to get there will be critical for all specialties.  However, the recent launch of the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement initiative, the first compulsory bundled payment program coming out of CMS, amplifies the need for the orthopaedic community to understand what it means to operate in this new environment.

In recognition of its importance, this column is the first of a six-installment series that will explore the essential components of population health management, and provide insights into the key disciplines, competencies, and processes required for success.  This issue provides an overview of the drivers behind population health and the articles to follow.