Implementation period for outpatient payment rule cut short by CMS delays
Nearly a month past the statutory November 1, 2013 deadline, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its final 2014 hospital outpatient and ambulatory surgical center (ASC) payment rule, CMS-1601-FC. CMS published the rule in the December 10, 2013 Federal Register. The deadline for comments is January 27,…
Use of refined protocols reduces pressure ulcer rates
Each year, 2.5 million people in the US develop pressure ulcers, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Surgical patients are at especially high risk because of immobility during long procedures and anesthesia that blocks sensitivity to pain and pressure. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid estimates…
Cleaning audits lead to better environmental hygiene
Environmental hygiene is an ongoing concern in all hospitals because of its role in patient safety and infection control. Standardized processes can greatly improve the efficacy of OR cleaning, but continuous monitoring is needed to ensure compliance with those steps. Inconsistent cleaning processes, staff turnover, new equipment, and unclear expectations…
Editorial
As the holiday season approaches, I’m aware that it will soon be time for my annual review—not only my job performance but also my personal goals. I’ve long had a tradition of reflecting on each year’s milestones and continuing the practices that serve me best. I consider this process “evolution”…
Best practices and new technology on tap at 2014 OR Business Management Conference
The upcoming OR Business Management Conference provides a timely opportunity for OR business managers and surgical services directors to learn what they can do to optimize their hospitals’ resources—especially in the current climate of ever-tighter budgets and reimbursement concerns. The conference, which will be held February 11-13, 2014, at the…
Preoperative screening program reveals missed diagnoses and reduces mortality
Cancelled surgical procedures at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (CRMH) in Roanoke, Virginia, are considered a success rather than a failure. “That’s because we cancel procedures for cause,” says Sandy Fogel, MD, FACS. Before 2010, many patients at CRMH were having surgery with undiagnosed, untreated medical problems, and postoperative 30-day mortality…
Simple but thoughtful process changes can improve patient satisfaction
OR Business Performance is a series intended to help OR managers and directors improve the success of their business. Better-performing surgery departments have always paid careful attention to the patient experience. Today, payment reform and market evolution are making patient satisfaction in an OR more important than ever. Patient…
Using chemical sterilants and high-level disinfectants in health care facilities
The update of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation American National Standard Chemical sterilization and high-level disinfection in health care facilities, ANSI/AAMI ST58:2013, is available for purchase and should become part of health care facilities’ evidence-based library. Below is a brief description of the contents of the recommended…
Free Daily News
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Career Center
- Director of Nursing, Behavioral Health - Signet Health Corporation - Coos Bay, OR
- Academic Trauma & Acute Care Surgeon, Worcester, MA - UMass Memorial Health - Worcester, MA
- Vascular Surgery Physician - Fairfield Medical Center - Lancaster, OH
- Orthopedic Surgery PA - Lahey Hospital & Medical Center - Exeter, NH