ERAS Protocol
Move Women’s Surgeries Out of the 19th Century with Health Navigators
Would you accept using the same technology in place in 1843 for well, anything? I wouldn’t. So it makes me wonder why so many physicians continue to use invasive approaches to that date to that period. Having a health navigator or a patient advocate service on your side as you go through this life-changing procedure…
Read MoreSurgery & Seniors
Surgery & Seniors: How to avoid the costliest complications in surgery patients over age 65 Nearly everyone has had the unfortunate experience of watching a loved one who is over the age of 65 undergo a surgery—and then never return to the person you once knew. Something has been lost. The toll is significant, both…
Read MoreThe Power of an ERAS Protocol Checklist
Recently, I spoke with a physician leader championing the implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery across an 11-hospital system. What is ERAS Protocol? The ERAS protocol emerged as a clinically-valid, patient-centric rethinking of the standard surgery experience 20-plus years ago. Over 7,000 articles have been published in the medical literature to support the extensive benefits…
Read MoreDemand 21st Century Surgery with Healthcare Advocacy
It sounded like a miracle, but it wasn’t — it was a result of sound healthcare advocacy on behalf of a patient. One day after undergoing a colorectal operation to remove cancer, the patient was up and about and asking to go home. Don’t let your employees, your plans, or your patients suffer through second-rate surgeries.…
Read MoreOutpatient Surgery is Getting Attention from the Largest Players in Healthcare
Right patient, right place, right time, and right care is a mantra of appropriateness within healthcare. And increasingly when it comes to surgery, healthcare leaders believe “right place” means outpatient, especially in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). UnitedHealth Group’s 2020 Sustainability Report included a 10-year goal to deliver 55% of outpatient surgeries and radiology services at…
Read MoreFinding Health Equity in Surgery and Recovery
Finding Health Equity in Surgery and Recovery Bias, both unintentional and intentional, contribute to differences in the quality of care received by patients in the United States. The consequences of these disparities can be catastrophic to patients and their families. A 2002 report to Congress –just as relevant today as it was 20 years ago—detailed…
Read MoreWhat VCRs and Outdated Surgery Instructions Have in Common
What VCRs and Outdated Surgery Instructions Have in Common By Mario Leyba, MD It seemed innocent enough. A pre-surgery instruction sheet handed to a Goldfinch patient several weeks ago, in advance of a procedure we eventually helped the patient to successfully navigate. If you’ve had surgery yourself—or seen a loved one go through it—you’ve probably…
Read MoreAsking the Right Questions is the First Step in Better Surgery
Asking the Right Questions is the First Step As we have worked with patients in helping them to find the best way through surgery and back to their lives, we continue to be reminded of the importance of being an informed patient. Informed patients understand: The need for surgery Alternatives to surgery, if any, and…
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