Harrer SL, Yayac M, Austin MS, et al. - This study was attempted to ascertain whether staging bilateral total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures within 90 days have an effect on bundled episode-of-care costs. Between 2015-2019, researchers examined a consecutive series of Medicare patients undergoing staged primary THA and TKA. In this study, 48 individuals had undergone staged procedures within 90 days (35%) and 88 patients between 91-120 days (65%), out of 136 patients undergoing a staged bilateral THA or TKA. In comparison with those undergoing a staged procedure from 91-120 days, patients undergoing staged bilateral THA or TKA within 90 days have increased episode-of-care costs. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should address the inappropriate allocation of costs to ensure institutions are not penalized, since patients may still not be fully recovered from the first procedure.