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On May 2, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a formal request that Shelhigh in Union, NJ, recall all of its medical devices, including hospital inventories, because of sterility concerns. Shelhigh has responded that it will not initiate a recall.
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In the aftermath of reports that some surgical hospitals called 911 when patients developed complications, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a Survey & Certification letter clarifying that all hospitals are required to appraise medical emergencies, provide initial treatment, and provide referral when appropriate, regardless of whether the hospital has an emergency department.
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No one likes to undergo surgery, and children are especially vulnerable to anxiety prior to surgery. A recent study demonstrates that pre-surgical intervention designed to reduce the fears of children and parents does have a positive impact on the child's surgical experience and recovery.
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Save $100,000 in one year? It takes time and effort, but the key to achieving this cost-saving milestone for Calumet Surgery Center in Munster, IN, was careful attention to contracts that automatically renewed themselves.
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Are you ready for the biggest change for ambulatory surgery centers in 20 years? The impact of other changes, such as preparing for Y2K, are dwarfed in comparison to the new payment system coming for ambulatory surgery centers, says Judith L. English, vice president of business operations at Surgery Consultants of America and Surgery Center Billing in Fort Myers, FL.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that facilities stop using Custom Ultrasonics endoscope washer/disinfectors if alternative automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs) are immediately available and it is feasible to make the switch. The affected products include the System 83 Plus Washer/Disinfector, the System 83 Plus MiniFlex Washer/Disinfector, and all accessories.
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Although thyroidectomies now are performed using minimally invasive techniques, surgeons have been reluctant to move the procedure to an outpatient setting for a variety of reasons including risk of bleeding and the threat of low blood calcium levels.
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Question: Is cross-training of staff really that cost-effective? I have several of my staff threaten to quit if I force them to work in PACU. I am forcing the cross-training based upon an article you wrote in Same-Day-Surgery some time ago.
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Informed consent can be a challenge with any patient, but it is particularly difficult with pediatric cases. One option is a multimedia presentation that can help get the necessary information across to the patient and family members in a more engaging way than the standard discussion.
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Physician recruitment, cost containment, staffing, and managed care contracting are all key parts of any outpatient surgery manager's job, but if your program is struggling, how do you decide which area is most important?
