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Disclosure of surgical cost linked with reduced OR costs
Investigators of this study found surgical cost disclosure may be an effective way to reduce OR costs.
Surgeons were given a score card by a regional health care system that included the cost of OR cases, which were broken down by subspecialty, and the data for each surgeon compared with those of their peers. The analysis used in the study focused on rotator cuff repairs. During a 2-year period, the actual direct cost per case was determined quarterly and collected. Researchers also administered a questionnaire to surgeons to ask whether they were interested in the scorecard.
Findings showed during the 2-year study period, the actual direct supply cost per rotator cuff repair decreased by $269. Investigators noted a strong relationship between the initiation of the scorecards and cost containment. Savings totaled $39,831 during the study period.
According to researchers, 89% of the surgeons included in the study were interested in the scorecard and 56% changed their practices due to the results. – by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosure: Austin reports he is a paid educational course instructor for DePuy.