The Impact of Bundled Payment Initiatives in Orthopedic Surgery Access to Care: Cherry Picking and Lemon Dropping.

This editorial explores the impact of bundled payment initiatives, specifically in the context of orthopedic surgery, on access to care. We examine the phenomenon of "cherry picking" healthier patients and "lemon dropping" higher-risk patients, potentially leading to disparities in access and healthcare outcomes. We discuss recent studies investigating these concerns and highlight the need for more in-depth research to better understand the groups these policies may marginalize. Policymakers are urged to consider measures to protect disadvantaged patients and ensure equitable access to care, aligning with the principles of equality and diversity in healthcare.