Bariatric Times July/August 2007

20 Bariatric Center Spotlight Bariatric Times • July/August 2007 hospital due to open is in Southwest Houston and will be followed by a facility in Dallas, Texas; all other locations are currently being assessed. Bariatrics is a specialty that we plan to implement at all of our hospitals across the country. HOW HAS MANAGED CARE AFFECTED YOUR FACILITY AND THE CARE THAT IT PROVIDES PATIENTS? University General Hospital works with insurance companies on both an in-network and out-of-network basis. Our friendly admissions team works individually with each patient to gain approval for coverage of services. As a new facility lack of managed care contracts has limited us with the types of patients that can obtain care at University General Hospital. In applying for network participation status with the major managed care networks we have been turned down because the networks state they do not have a network need at this time. University General Hospital has recently negotiated and entered into contractual relationships with some larger managed care companies. University General Hospital continues to work with other managed care organizations and plans to have additional contracts completed in the next several months. WHAT MEASURES HAS YOUR FACILITY IMPLEMENTED IN ORDER TO CUT OR CONTAIN COSTS AND IMPROVE EFFICIENCY? University General is a unique facility in that we are doctor owned and operated. It is not only administration that monitors costs, but our physician partners as well. All parties have a vested interest in managing costs and acquiring supplies at the best price at the time of purchase. University General keeps a tight inventory, and every employee is a steward of our resources and is charged with mitigating and reducing unnecessary waste of supplies. As it relates to bariatric services, we have been able to stabilize costs and improve efficiency by investing in specialized packs for bariatric procedures. Since we do a large volume of gastric banding, for example, we have developed a pack specific to the surgeon's individual preferences that the surgeon uses for the procedure being performed. This pack specific approach not only saves money, but reduces waste and staff time required to open a multitude of items. This process provides for efficient operation of resources and staff time and aids in reducing OR turnaround times. DOES YOUR FACILITY HAVE AN OUTPATIENT PROGRAM? Our bariatric program does not currently consist of an outpatient program. Patients do receive preoperative testing, nutritional education, psychological evaluation, and support groups on an outpatient basis. All other follow-up occurs at the surgeon's office. HOW DOES YOUR FACILITY DEAL WITH THE ISSUE OF PATIENT SAFETY AND STAFF SAFETY? DO YOU HAVE A CERTAIN PROTOCOL FOR LIFT AND TRANSFER, FOR EXAMPLE? Patient safety has been addressed from inception to construction to operation at University General Hospital. All bariatric designated patient rooms consist of walk-in showers, floor mounted commodes, reinforced vanity area, bariatric chairs and beds. Additionally, we purchased a specific lift system for our bariatric patients called the Hover Jack, which http://www.ironintern.com http://www.ironintern.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Bariatric Times July/August 2007

Cover Editorial Message Table of Contents Editorial Board Letter to the Editor Malpractice Preventative Maintenance: Record Protocols and Happy Lawyers Resolution of Fibromyalgia Following Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass University General Hospital Bariatric Program at University General Hospital Journal Watch Category List Trade Name Index Company Index Products and Services

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