About 1,500 ACS have a reprocessing program, and ASCs have the opportunity to save $15,000 to $25,000 per OR with a reprocessing program, according to Amy Gagliardi, vice president of supply chain for Regent Surgical Health.
She discussed how orthopedic ASCs can implement a reprocessing program successfully at the 12th Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + Future of Spine on June 14.
Even though the savings opportunities are large with reprocessing, some surgery center administrators may be hesitant to add a program because of the industry's somewhat sketchy history. However, reprocessing is one of the most heavily regulated processes in the healthcare industry right now, Ms. Gagliardi said. In fact, a law passed in 2003 holds reprocessing manufacturer to more stringent requirements than the original equipment manufacturer, and every reprocessed medical device is inspected and tested for functional performance.
For ASC leaders considering implementing a reprocessing program, the most important first step is education, according to Ms. Gagliardi. "Make sure everyone on site has the appropriate educational tools they need to feel comfortable [with reprocessing]," she said. For those who are on the fence, she suggested sending them to the reprocessing facility if possible, and the noted that reprocessers will often visit the centers and give the staff a full training session.
Regent Surgical Health's seven surgery centers that are actively reprocessing have eliminated 2500 pounds of medical waste, and have saved $98,000 through five months this year. Those centers are on track to save $250,000 in total this year.
She discussed how orthopedic ASCs can implement a reprocessing program successfully at the 12th Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + Future of Spine on June 14.
Even though the savings opportunities are large with reprocessing, some surgery center administrators may be hesitant to add a program because of the industry's somewhat sketchy history. However, reprocessing is one of the most heavily regulated processes in the healthcare industry right now, Ms. Gagliardi said. In fact, a law passed in 2003 holds reprocessing manufacturer to more stringent requirements than the original equipment manufacturer, and every reprocessed medical device is inspected and tested for functional performance.
For ASC leaders considering implementing a reprocessing program, the most important first step is education, according to Ms. Gagliardi. "Make sure everyone on site has the appropriate educational tools they need to feel comfortable [with reprocessing]," she said. For those who are on the fence, she suggested sending them to the reprocessing facility if possible, and the noted that reprocessers will often visit the centers and give the staff a full training session.
Regent Surgical Health's seven surgery centers that are actively reprocessing have eliminated 2500 pounds of medical waste, and have saved $98,000 through five months this year. Those centers are on track to save $250,000 in total this year.