Marge Schillaci, RN, MS, administrative director of Surgery Center of Joliet (Ill.), which performs a high volume of colonoscopies, EGD and upper and lower GI diagnostics and screenings, identifies five steps her GI-driven ASC has taken over the last year to improve operational efficiency.
1. Assign an instrument/surgical tech to clean scopes between cases to improve
turnover and minimize down time.
2. Provide dedicated primary staff.
3. Rotate OR and some PACU nurses into endoscopy to maximize staffing and
flexibility
4. Hire PRN staff who are experienced in endoscopy
5. Provide a portable endoscopy set up so that we can utilize an OR as a third
endoscopy room
Learn more about the Surgery Center of Joliet.
Read more guidance for GI ASCs:
- 4 Things to Know About Impact of Elimination of Consultation Codes on Gastroenterologists
- 3 Steps to Improved Patient Care: Memorial Mission Surgery Center
- Case Study: Direct Access Colonoscopy Program Increases ASC Colonoscopy Compliance Rate