• E-mail
• Print
• RSS

Study shows methods for efficiency in centers performing myringotomy

Ambulatory Surgery Reimbursement Update, November 8, 2005

A survey conducted by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) Institute for Quality Improvement has identified a "wide range of efficiencies and costs" in outpatient surgery centers performing ear tube insertion (myringotomy), according to the institute.

The institute surveyed 22 ambulatory surgery organizations about their practices and outcomes in performing myringotomy with tympanostomy tubes inserted in children. The procedure is used to treat ear infections, or otitis media, and is the most common pediatric operation performed in the U.S.

The survey demonstrated the vast differences between centers performing the procedure in such operational issues as preprocedure and operating room times. The survey also examined the different factors affecting the cost of materials.

"This report demonstrates that organizations can be similarly outstanding in quality andoutcomes, yet some achieve these results at dramatically lower costs," said Naomi Kuznets, PhD, managing director of the institute.

To view highlights of some of the findings and to learn more about how to order the study, click here.

• E-mail to a Colleague
• Print
• RSS
• Archive