ASGE 2023 Masterclass EUS: Principles, Best Practices & Innovative Paradigms (Virtual) | February 2023-Ahmad

Ahmad_SET UP AN EUS PRACTICE

Pdf Summary

This document provides guidance on how to set up an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) practice. The stages of program implementation are outlined as planning and strategy, implementation, program evaluation, and maintenance. Planning and strategy involve establishing program objectives, forming an internal evaluation team, overseeing the program, identifying training needs, determining costs, and deciding on the physical footprint of the practice. The strategy should consider the diversification of offerings, target population, regional cancer network, out-of-network referrals, volume, and growth potential. Metrics such as pancreatic protocol CT scans, MRCPs, IOCs, ERCP volume, radiology-guided biopsies, and referrals for EUS/ERCP can be used to evaluate program success. Stakeholders for evaluation include clinical GI leadership, endosonographers, nursing, surgery, oncology, pathology, instrument reprocessing, and administrative staff.<br /><br />The location of the practice, whether in an ambulatory surgical center (ASC) or a hospital-based setting, should be determined based on factors such as economics, efficiency, return on investment (ROI), and patient access. Capital costs for equipment, including processors, scopes, and accessories, should be considered, with options such as new vs refurbished equipment, lease vs own, and different pricing models for accessories. The document provides a table comparing the capital costs for different equipment options from various companies.<br /><br />Training and credentialing requirements for endosonographers, as well as staff members involved in the practice, such as technicians, nurses, and reprocessing personnel, are discussed. Strategies for spreading the word about the practice include the use of social media, local media, newsletters, mailers, medical staff meetings, lectures, and outreach to colleagues. Program evaluation and maintenance involve an oversight team, monitoring quality indicators, tracking diagnostic rates and sensitivity for malignancy in EUS-guided FNA of pancreatic masses, and assessing the incidence of adverse events. Metrics and growth projections should be considered for program success and return on investment.<br /><br />The document concludes by emphasizing the value of EUS programs, the importance of detailed planning, the need for well-defined metrics, the anticipation and planning for challenges, the training of personnel, cost considerations, reimbursement, and the focus on future growth.

Keywords

endoscopic ultrasound practice

program implementation

planning and strategy

program evaluation

maintenance

diversification of offerings

practice location

capital costs

training and credentialing

growth projections