DATA BENCHMARKS: Study finds wide variation in average charges for cholecystectomies. An in-depth analysis of claims admissions data from The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company compares average charges for in-hospital and outpatient laparoscopic and traditional open cholecystectomies by state and by region. The analysis also reveals significant differences by state in the percent that hospital charges represent of the total bill for those procedures.
Small changes can reduce adverse drug events. Hospitals looking for a quick fix to reduce adverse drug events usually find out it's not that easy. But implementing several minor changes can make a difference. That's what Luther/Midelfort in Eau Claire, WI, did when it revamped more than 10 processes over three years, resulting in fewer medication errors.
Internal grant program inspires caregivers to dream up terrific clinical studies that improve care and post savings to the bottom line. BJC Health System in St. Louis has a long list of success stories from its novel quality improvement program. The one featured in this issue resulted in more than $100,000 in annual savings systemwide after a small change was made in the way suction catheters are used on ventilator machines in the ICU.
Looking outside to meet information technology needs proves a smart way to avert extra staffing costs. Kaiser Permanente saves thousands each year by contracting out cutting-edge IT projects instead of hiring more full-time staff it doesn't need. Learn how the organization incorporates outsourcing and other temporary work methods into its IT staffing strategy.
Data benchmarks: A new study reveals specific elements to include in a reengineering program to boost its chances of success. The authors' review of the health care literature on reengineering reveals some startling discoveries, including the lack of consensus on defining reengineering and the fact that many hospitals are not finding the cost reductions they hoped for in the first years after completing their programs.
Bold new purchasing program will be big cost saver for health system. Saint Barnabas Health Care System in West Orange, NJ, is withdrawing from its GPOs and taking advantage of its economies of scale by purchasing pharmaceutical and medical/surgical supplies on its own. Here's how Saint Barnabas created its own GPO.
DATA BENCHMARKS: Top-performing physician group practices reveal why they are head and shoulders above their peers. A new study released by the Medical Group Management Association offers benchmark data that shows how leading group practices in various specialties are faring compared with their colleagues nationwide.
Pediatric hospitalists are an essential ingredient in some revamped pediatric units. Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA, attributes reduced length of stay in its pediatrics unit in part to its use of a group of pediatric hospitalists. Find out the benefits of such a program and how it works.
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