Benchmarking in ASCs, specifically in GI centers, is critical to improve the facilities' services, and it especially supports the broader goal of emphasizing the importance of ASCs, said Bob Estes, vice president of operations for Physicians Endoscopy at the 18th Annual Ambulatory Surgery Centers Conference in Chicago on Oct. 27.
Mr. Estes said benchmarking within any specialty ASC involves the identifying, measuring and analyzing of three groups of data: clinical, operational and financial.
Clinical benchmarking data includes on-time start rates, post-op follow-up calls, adverse events and different quality metrics. Mr. Estes says ASCs are entering into an age where quality figures are going to be widespread, specifically regarding infection rates and patient satisfaction. It's crucial that GI centers stay ahead of the curve, begin benchmarking and then compare their data to other GI centers, he said.
Operational benchmarking data includes patient volume, utilization rates by physician, room and day and staffing levels. Financial benchmarking figures are pretty commonplace among all ASCs, which include net revenue, net earnings and total expenses. However, Mr. Estes said while GI centers should monitor their financial data, it shouldn't be the only focus. Tracking and improving upon quality, clinical and operational benchmarking figures is the core of any ASC, and financial improvements will come automatically if a GI center focuses on its core quality measures.
"If you truly manage the basics of your GI center and if you obsess about quality, that in itself will lead to success — not just clinically, but also in the financial standpoints," Mr. Estes said. "That involves putting that [mindset] into your staff and leading by example."
5 Tips for Updating a GI Center's Technology
Mr. Estes said benchmarking within any specialty ASC involves the identifying, measuring and analyzing of three groups of data: clinical, operational and financial.
Clinical benchmarking data includes on-time start rates, post-op follow-up calls, adverse events and different quality metrics. Mr. Estes says ASCs are entering into an age where quality figures are going to be widespread, specifically regarding infection rates and patient satisfaction. It's crucial that GI centers stay ahead of the curve, begin benchmarking and then compare their data to other GI centers, he said.
Operational benchmarking data includes patient volume, utilization rates by physician, room and day and staffing levels. Financial benchmarking figures are pretty commonplace among all ASCs, which include net revenue, net earnings and total expenses. However, Mr. Estes said while GI centers should monitor their financial data, it shouldn't be the only focus. Tracking and improving upon quality, clinical and operational benchmarking figures is the core of any ASC, and financial improvements will come automatically if a GI center focuses on its core quality measures.
"If you truly manage the basics of your GI center and if you obsess about quality, that in itself will lead to success — not just clinically, but also in the financial standpoints," Mr. Estes said. "That involves putting that [mindset] into your staff and leading by example."
Related Articles on GI Centers:
How to Increase Open Access GI Procedures5 Tips for Updating a GI Center's Technology