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Growing number of elderly brings issues with LOS, readmissions

In this first part of a two-part series on elderly patients, we discuss problems that cause delirium in and unanticipated hospitalization of seniors. In next month’s issue, we discuss more specifics about the problems, as well as solutions from experts in the field.

Alarm sounded: Recurrent problems in reprocessing

Warning that continuing infection control lapses are endangering patients, the CDC and the FDA recently issued a joint alert calling for healthcare facilities to review policies and practices in cleaning and processing reusable medical devices.

Recommendations for bronchoscope reprocessing

The FDA has issued safety recommendations for healthcare facilities that reprocess flexible bronchoscopes, the American Hospital Association recently reported.

Problem of surgery on the wrong site and retained objects won’t go away

Wrong-site surgery errors persist even after years of concerted efforts to avoid them, and some of the standard prevention policies and procedures might not be effective enough. Some facilities are finding other ways to prevent this never event and other errors.

A blurred line between hospitals and surgery centers

The line between hospitals and freestanding ambulatory surgery centers is becoming more and more blurred.

Retirement system saves $7 million: Coverage adjusted for hospital colonoscopies

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) saved $7 million on spending for colonoscopy two years after it implemented a reference payment initiative that offered full insurance coverage at low-priced facilities but required substantial cost sharing if patients picked a high-priced alternative, according to an article published online by JAMA Internal Medicine.

Evidence for a preadmit showering regimen

A standardized preadmission shower regimen results in maximum skin surface concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate that can inhibit or kill surgical wound pathogens.

Until Nov. 16, ASCs can suppress certain public data

ASCs may choose through Nov. 16 to have 2013 and 2014 data for five claims-based measures suppressed from the Hospital Compare website, the American Hospital Association reported. The five measures are ASC-1, Patient burn; ASC-2, Patient fall; ASC-3, Wrong site, wrong side, wrong patient, wrong procedure, wrong implant; ASC-4, Hospital transfer/admission; and ASC-5, Prophylactic IV antibiotic timing.

The Joint Commission posts changes for 2016, alters office-based requirements

The Joint Commission has approved the 2016 accreditation and certification decision rules for all accreditation and certification programs.

$9.5M settlement in lawsuit over out-of-network centers

On behalf of out-of-network California ASCs, a Los Angeles law firm has filed a motion for preliminary approval to settle a class action complaint it filed more than six years ago.

Same-Day Surgery – November 1, 2015

November 1, 2015