Same-Day Surgery – September 1, 2008
September 1, 2008
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Is your staff prepared for MH? It's probably the key to saving lives
The cause of death in the case of a Florida teen having breast surgery has been confirmed as malignant hyperthermia (MH),1 and the eyes of the nation have turned to outpatient surgery providers and their preparation to handle an MH episode. -
Details of fatality that occurred from MH
The report by the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Office regarding Florida teen Stephanie Kuleba, who died earlier this year of malignant hyperthermia (MH), doesn't answer all of the questions surrounding her death. -
Response steps to an MH crisis
When your patient develops malignant hyperthermia (MH), take these steps, providers suggest: -
Cards spell out duties of 4 nurses
At Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery, cards were developed to explain the role of each of four nurses who handle malignant hyperthermia (MH) resuscitation. -
What is required by accrediting groups?
The Joint Commission says that "emergency medications and other interventions can help mitigate the impact of a [malignant hyperthermia (MH)] episode, but only if the needed materials are readily available and staff is adequately trained." Specifically, The Joint Commission requires: -
AORN updates guideline on malignant hyperthermia
The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) has updated its "Malignant Hyperthermia Guideline," which is published in the Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices, 2008 Edition. -
RACs gear up for nationwide expansion
The final report on the three-year recovery audit contractor (RAC) demonstration project for hospitals shows that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made "a lot of important changes," says Don May, vice president of policy for the American Hospital Association (AHA). -
Details of payments that were under, over
Recovery audit contractors (RACs) have returned $693.6 million to Medicare. -
How to select patients for natural orifice surgery
(Editor's note: This month's issue includes the second part of a two-part series on natural orifice surgery. In this month's issue, we explore patient selection, physician skills, and tools in development. Last month, we gave you an overview of the current status of the surgery.) -
What to look for in physicians
Outpatient surgery programs will have to look for physicians with a combination of skills before granting privileges for natural orifice surgery, says Marc Bessler, MD, director of laparoscopic surgery and director of Obesity Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital at Columbia University, New York City. -
Same-Day Surgery Manager: Separating inpatient and outpatient ORs
The company Starbucks made a significant business decision a few months ago. Their board decided that they needed to focus on what they thought they did best: Operate as a specialty coffee store. -
How to handle contract renewals
(Editor's note: In the second part of a two-part series on contract negotiations, we give you tips for handling contract renewals, and we tell you how to identify the best potential contracts. In last month's issue, we told you what to do when your contact is up for renewal.) -
Look at your patients to ID potential contracts
Identifying the best payers with whom to contract in your area can be done by researching local employers, but another way is to pay attention to what insurance cards you see from your patients.