Three Ways to Minimize Costs Associated with Surgical Site Infections
Yakima, WA (PRWEB) September 17, 2014 -- A recent study of 54,000 surgical patients at VA hospitals in fiscal year 2010 revealed 3.2% of these patients developed surgical site infections (SSIs), with 0.8% labeled as deep SSIs and 2.4% labeled as superficial SSIs. The average difference for each patient with an SSI and those without was $11, 876, after adjustments.
The study, conducted by Marin Schweizer, PhD, of the Iowa City VA Health Care System and the University of Iowa, found the treatment costs for the hospitals were 1.25 times more for patients with superficial SSIs and almost 2 times greater for patients with deep SSIs than for patients without these postoperative complications.
As SSI prevention continues to attract national attention, with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid no longer paying for costs associated with SSIs they deem preventable, the pressure is on hospitals to prevent the infections both for their patients’ sake and for their financial stability. Below are 3 ways VA hospitals can minimize SSIs:
- Follow skin prep procedures and use antibiotics
- Monitor infection rates and assess quality improvement procedures
- Evaluate sterile processing procedures or use disposable surgical instruments
Studies have shown that reusable Yankauer suction handles retain debris even after they have been sterilized per the manufacturer's instructions. Disposable surgical instruments, like SurgiMark’s Via-Guard suction set, eliminate the risk of transmitting infection and consolidate inventory, proactively saving VA hospitals money on both patient treatment costs and overhead costs.
About SurgiMark, Inc.
SurgiMark offers versatile and cost-effective surgical suction tools and suction tips. Our patented Via-Guard® suction tips provide high-quality, clog-free and dual-action Poole and tip suction in one Yankauer suction device. Our Yankauer suction tips save hospitals time and money, and provide surgical infection control. SurgiMark’s products are made in the U.S.A., and distributed nationwide.
Brock Remy, SurgiMark, Inc., http://www.surgimark.com/, +1 (509) 965-1911 Ext: 106, [email protected]
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