Surgical ethics: Does money speak louder?
Although I am not a healthcare professional, working for OR Manager offers a peek behind the curtain. What I have learned so far has left me feeling a bit conflicted. When I took this job back in December, I assumed the hospital ecosystem was driven entirely by the Hippocratic Oath.…
Smart knee’s advance heralds future of proactive postop care
Takeaways Transmitting health metrics directly from a surgical implant reduces the need for in-person followup and offers more objective data on recovery than patient-reported measures. This technology’s potential extends beyond knees. Whatever the nature of the treatment, postop monitoring is critical. Patient education is essential for setting up the data…
Robotic-assisted total knee replacements: Improved outcomes, higher costs
Editor's Note A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center shows that total knee replacements performed with the aid of surgical robots generally yield better outcomes compared to traditional manual procedures, but at a higher cost, UT Southwestern’s Newsroom May 7 reports. Published in the Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma…
Study deems EHR manipulation “elephant in the room” for OR scheduling accuracy
Editor's Note Reducing surgeon manipulation of electronic health record (EHR) OR scheduling systems can improve efficiency, save resources, and enhance service to patients, according to data published in the March/April issue of the Journal of Healthcare Management. Although predictive models using EHR and machine learning improve accuracy compared to traditional…
Most physicians negatively view private equity ownership of healthcare practices
Editor's Note According to a March 11 research letter published by JAMA Internal Medicine, most physicians have a negative view of private equity’s growing involvement in healthcare. The findings mostly come from a January 2023 survey of 525 medical doctors conducted by the American College of Physicians (ACP). Some highlights…
Editorial: OR Business Management Conference tackled financial challenges, technological innovations
This past February, the OR Business Management Conference, held in Phoenix, Arizona, brought together business managers of all walks of life. The intimate event was once again a symbiotic blend between financial- and business-centric education and high-quality networking. The education offered for seasoned and new business leaders alike, perhaps more…
2023 was transformative for ASC sector: Growth, regulatory changes, strategic consolidations
Editor's Note Becker’s ASC Review on February 13 published an in-depth overview of the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) sector's growth and activity in 2023. It highlights the ongoing trends, market dynamics, regulatory changes, and notable company performances within the industry. Here are some takeaways: Growth and consolidation: The ASC sector…
Shift to outpatient, emergency services keeps rural hospitals afloat
Editor's Note More CEOs are considering rural emergency hospital (REH) designation, according to a February 12 article in Becker’s Hospital CFO Report. In January 2023, REH was established as a new Medicare provider type to enable struggling rural hospitals to continue operating with outpatient and emergency services only, instead of…
Session: How to make the case for a robotic services line
Editor's Note Robotic surgery can improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and improve efficiencies and turnover time, but only if it’s done right. In a conference session yesterday, Michelle Toder, MD offered insights, best practices, and lessons learned during two decades of experience in pioneering robotic applications in weight loss and…
Costco teams up with Sesame to bring ‘affordable’ telehealth to members
Editor's Note Major warehouse corporation Costco has entered a partnership with virtual care company Sesame to expand its healthcare offerings to its members, Chief Healthcare Executive September 27 reports. This collaboration will reportedly allow Costco members to access Sesame's telehealth services at “affordable rates.” David Goldhill, Sesame's CEO and a…
Free Daily News
- Study: Non-operative management of pediatric appendicitis cost-effective compared to surgery
- AMA letter expresses opposition to CRNA use of “nurse anesthesiologist” title
- House report criticizes COVID-19 pandemic response, calls for reform
- Medical device coating could reduce blood clot risks
- FDA pilot program aims to expedite high-risk medical device recall communication
- Surgeons implant first medically suspended heart pump in US
- Study: COVID-19's impact on oncological surgery offers lessons for future crises
- Study links pandemic stress to persistent increases in nursing-sensitive quality indicators
- Save the date for the 2025 OR Business Management Conference
- Study: Education, exercise improve knee OA with or without prior surgery