Same-Day Surgery 2003-04-01

Surgery centers, hospitals could lose millions under OIG recommendations

If implemented, recent recommendations from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) would result in millions of dollars in payment reductions for hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) and ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). OIGs report recommends that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) set uniform rates for outpatient services provided in ASCs and HOPDs.

Same-Day Surgery Manager: Ensure your program succeeds in tough times

There was a kinder time in the world. Nations were relatively at peace, and the future held nothing but blue skies and harmony. While our own industry is as stable as any, changes in reimbursement, shifting of physician loyalties, and profit compression have changed the way we operate our facilities. Or they should.

Code of conduct attracts and keeps nurses

As same-day surgery managers struggle to recruit top quality nurses, retention of current staff is more important than ever. One way to keep nurses in your same-day surgery program is to make sure the work environment is one in which they feel appreciated, respected, and valued.

Magnet status aids recruitment, retention

While most same-day surgery programs are struggling to recruit and retain nurses, managers at some facilities are watching nurses jump at positions, even when the specific positions werent their first choice. Whats their secret? Magnet status.

Magnet facility enjoys low turnover, few open positions

In this age of a nursing shortage, the same-day surgery program and other departments at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, NC, enjoy the enviable reputation as a place that nurses want to work.

HIPAA Q & A

This column addresses specific questions related to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) implementation.

Bronchoscopes suspected after infection outbreak

Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh has determined that the cause of an outbreak of pulmonary infections in 12 patients may be contaminated bronchoscopes that werent properly sanitized. Of the 12 patients, one patient died.

Nurse loses license, must pay $99,000 fine

The nurse in Oklahoma City who admitted to reusing syringes and needles, which may have infected dozens of patients with hepatitis C, has had his nursing license revoked for five years and was given a $99,000 fine. The decision was the harshest allowable under Oklahoma state law.

SDS Accreditation Update: On-line tool makes self-assessment easy to access

Continual survey readiness, no last-minute crush of work to prepare for a site survey, and a penalty-free period to correct deficiencies that you identify are a few of the benefits cited by participants who underwent a self-assessment during the pilot project of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations new approach to accreditation.

SDS Accreditation Update: Anesthesia monitoring requirements clarified

Requirements for credentialing and privileging, responsibility for patient care, anesthesia monitoring, and availability to resuscitate have undergone major changes in the Wilmette, IL-based Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Cares standards for 2003.

SDS Accreditation Update: Focus on underreported infection-related events

The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is targeting infection control as a key focus for revision of standards and enhancement of sentinel event reporting efforts.

Patient Safety Alert Supplement

Same-Day Surgery – April 1, 2003

April 1, 2003