Contribution margin per hour of operating room to reallocate unutilized operating room time: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Braz. J. Anesth. (Impr.)
;
73(3): 243-249, May-June 2023. tab, graf
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: biblio-1439622
ABSTRACT
Abstract Background and objectives:
Contribution margin per hour (CMH) has been proposed in healthcare systems to increase the profitability of operating suites. The aim of our study is to propose a simple and reproducible model to calculate CMH and to increase cost-effectiveness.Methods:
For the ten most commonly performed surgical procedures at our Institution, we prospectively collected their diagnosis-related group (DRG) reimbursement, variable costs and mean procedural time. We quantified the portion of total staffed operating room time to be reallocated with a minimal risk of overrun. Moreover, we calculated the total CMH with a random reallocation on a first come-first served basis. Finally, prioritizing procedures with higher CMH, we ran a simulation by calculating the total CMH.Results:
Over a two-months period, we identified 14.5 hours of unutilized operating room to reallocate. In the case of a random ''first come -first serve'' basis, the total earnings were 87,117 United States dollars (USD). Conversely, with a reallocation which prioritized procedures with a high CMH, it was possible to earn 140,444 USD (p < 0.001).Conclusion:
Surgical activity may be one of the most profitable activities for hospitals, but a cost-effective management requires a comprehension of its cost profile. Reallocation of unused operating room time according to CMH may represent a simple, reproducible and reliable tool for elective cases on a waiting list. In our experience, it helped improving the operating suite cost-effectiveness.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Operating Rooms
/
Health Care Costs
/
Elective Surgical Procedures
/
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Type of study:
Health economic evaluation
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Braz. J. Anesth. (Impr.)
Year:
2023
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Switzerland
Institution/Affiliation country:
Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona e Valli/CH
/
Ospedale Regionale di Lugano/CH
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