Looking at GI Practice Management Differently: Fortify the Business of Healthcare in the GI Practice | November 2021-07-Putting the Pieces Together

07-Putting the Pieces Together_Chaudhry

Pdf Summary

The ASGE GI Operations Benchmarking Survey - COVID-19 Special Edition presented data on the service interruptions and recovery of gastrointestinal (GI) units during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey included hospitals, academic institutions, office operations, and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). <br /><br />The survey found that hospitals, academic institutions, and office operations experienced service interruptions, with some reporting consecutive weeks of interruption. Collectively, the participating units reported a loss or diminished capacity of several weeks. ASCs had the highest percentage (66%) of respondents reporting service interruptions. <br /><br />When it came to ramping back up after a full interruption, the survey revealed that academic units took an average of 8 weeks to reach 100% capacity, while hospital units took an average of 7 weeks. Office units took an average of 8 weeks, with some reaching and maintaining 100% capacity earlier on. ASC units took an average of 8 weeks, with almost half of the units reaching 100% capacity by week 8. <br /><br />The survey also highlighted reduced capacity in some units, with hospital units, academic units, and office units reporting weeks of reduced capacity ranging from 25% to 80%. The total estimated loss of capacity due to service interruptions was significant, with participants potentially losing over 1.5 million cases. <br /><br />The survey emphasized the negative impact of the loss of capacity, particularly in screening colonoscopy services, which may lead to a rise in cancer cases in the coming years. It also noted an increase in the cost of doing business during the pandemic, including clinical labor, medications, medical supplies, laundry, and personal protective equipment (PPE). <br /><br />To navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, the survey advised healthcare units to prepare with strategies such as cash flow management, retaining staff, streamlining processes, and maintaining customer service. It also encouraged innovation through the use of telehealth, robotic process automation (RPA), specialty pharmacy services, and collaboration with local providers. The survey stressed the importance of technology, financial planning, and having a backup plan to adapt to the changing healthcare landscape.

Keywords

ASGE GI Operations Benchmarking Survey

COVID-19 Special Edition

service interruptions

recovery

gastrointestinal units

ramping back up

loss of capacity

screening colonoscopy services

cost of doing business

telehealth