Multiple requests for new equipment and technology—usually from surgeons but also sometimes from staff—are not uncommon. As part of their due diligence, OR leaders must determine whether the return on investment (ROI) justifies the purchase. Doing ROI calculations systematically—and involving key stakeholders—can help ensure that the organization makes the best…
After transitioning from a paper-based data and operations management system to one that uses relational database software, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center (LHMC) in Burlington, Massachusetts, saved more than $1 million in product purchases in 2017. The surgical value analysis committee (VAC) evaluated 150 product requests and managed the conversion…
Editor's Note ECRI Institute on October 30 announced a new white paper--Value Analysis: Addressing Top Challenges by Using the PICOTS Framework--which presents findings from national seminars on the top five challenges value analysis professionals face daily. The challenges are: Antiquated workflow C-suite buy-in Accessibility to data Physician engagement Bandwidth. The…
Editor's Note A bill that would repeal the medical device tax cleared the House of Representatives on July 24 in a 283-132 vote. the July 24 The Hill reports. The tax provided part of the funding for the Affordable Care Act. Rep Erik Paulsen (R-Minn), the bill sponsor, says the…
Editor's Note: This study from Iowa State University shows companies have cut funding for research and development (R&D) in response to the medical device tax imposed by the Affordable Care Act. Since 2013, the 2.3% excise tax has significantly reduced: R&D investment by $34 million Sales revenue by $188 million…
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 12 announced a delay in enforcement of unique device identification (UDI) requirements for class I and unclassified devices until September 24, 2020. The FDA also will not enforce direct mark requirements for these devices until September 24, 2022. The guidance…
Editor's Note A study in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association found that some electronic health record (EHR) vendors consistently outperform others, the November 27 Becker’s Hospital Review reports. Epic had the highest performance on five of six meaningful use (MU) stage 2 criteria, including view, download, and…
Editor's Note SERVICEguide is the ECRI Institute’s new membership-based advisory service that helps hospitals maintain and manage their outsourced services. SERVICEguide includes an interactive assessment dashboard with spend analytics that reveal the highest potential areas for savings. Recently, for example, ECRI Institute helped a large healthcare system save more than…
Editor's Note A Market Research Future report predicts the global market for spinal implants will reach $14 billion by 2011 because of an increasing prevalence of spinal injuries and disorders and an aging population, according to the July 5 Becker’s Spine Review. The costliness of spinal implants and unfavorable reimbursement…
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration and medical device manufacturers have made a deal on user fees companies pay to have the FDA review their products, the August 23 Mass Device reports. The Medical Device User Fee & Modernization Act IV will allow the FDA to collect nearly $1…