Single-visit surgery: An evaluation from an institutional perspective
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Read the article on jpedsurg.org ↗Article · Mar 2019 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
Single-Visit Surgery consolidates preoperative consultation, surgery, and initial recovery into one visit, demonstrating superior institutional efficiency with 90% OR utilization, 2% no-show rate versus 11% traditional clinic rate, and 92% reimbursement without prior authorization. This retrospective review of 89 pediatric patients shows the model improves operational metrics while maintaining patient safety.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Background/Purpose
Elective ambulatory surgical care traditionally involves three independent visits. Single-Visit Surgery (SVS) is an alternative surgical model that consolidates care into one visit. Evaluation of the effect of this novel program on hospital operations is limited. The objective of this study was to analyze SVS from an institutional perspective.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients scheduled for SVS at a freestanding children's hospital between January 2016 and August 2017. Data collected included clinic "no show" rates, operating room (OR) utilization, reimbursement rates, and postoperative visits.
Results
There were 89 patients scheduled for SVS, of which 63% (n=56) were male, and the median age was 6 years [IQR, 4–9]. The SVS clinic "no show" rate was 2% (n=2) compared to the pediatric surgery clinic "no show" rate of 11% (p=0.01). The SVS OR block utilization rate was 90%. Payment was received from third-party payors for 92% of consultations and 100% of operative procedures without securing prior authorization. Postoperatively 25% (n=17) of patients presented to clinic for follow-up, and one child presented to the emergency department for vomiting. There were no hospital admissions.
Conclusion
Single-Visit Surgery is an alternative model of ambulatory surgical care that improves institutional efficiency while also enhancing the patient experience.
Type of study
Retrospective cohort review
Level of evidence
III