Practice now applying the new ASC quality codes
While the deadline for beginning to report quality measures on Medicare claim forms is not until October 1, 2012, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) can start practicing. On April 1, 2012, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a set of reporting codes for the first 5 measures. The…
Untangling pharmaceutical waste requirements
There’s general agreement that keeping unused pharmaceuticals out of the nation’s water supply is a good idea. But figuring out how to comply with the tangle of regulations governing unused pharmaceuticals isn’t easy. How intensely your facility is involved in managing pharmaceutical waste likely depends on how active US Environmental…
HVAC setback: Saving energy and reducing cost
Depending on your facility’s type and pattern of use, one or more of your ORs likely is not being used a majority of the time. Yet for most facilities, the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system operates continuously, providing air exchanges, humidity, and temperature control as if the OR were…
OR leaders hear about culture of safety
Managing Today's OR Suite conference attendees hit a winning streak of networking and lessons learned in Las Vegas. Participants attending the 22nd annual conference October 7 to 9, 2009, networked with colleagues and listened to inspiring and informative presentations ranging from creating a culture of safety to operating a successful…
Staying on top of code requirements
It is not enough to prevent infection and always to identify the right surgery site. It is not enough to have smooth hand-off procedures and to question patients thoroughly about their allergies and ailments. To keep patients (and employees and visitors) safe, the very architecture of an ambulatory surgery center…
Keeping it low: Protecting teams from radiation during surgery
With more minimally invasive surgery, the C-arm has become a regular resident in the OR. Surgeons rely on imaging during cases to guide implant placement and other critical aspects of surgery. How much radiation are OR teams being exposed to, and what safety measures should they be taking? Safety pointers…
Keynote: Technology could aid safety
In the future, patient safety is likely to be as much a part of education for the surgical team as dissection, suturing, and aseptic technique. Simulation labs are one way OR teams will learn to communicate more effectively and prevent errors. Simulation is playing an increasing role in the education…
Surgeon leads effort for safer surgery
If you look behind some of the major studies on patient safety in surgery, you'll find a common name—Atul Gawande, MD, MPH. He led the well-known 2003 study documenting the incidence of retained items in surgery. He's just finished a clinical study of a bar code technology to aid sponge…
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