Laparoscopic service economic considerations

Laparoscopic surgery has revolutionized the outpatient surgery industry by increasing the types of surgical cases that can be performed on an outpatient or extended recovery basis. This article examines the economics surrounding laparoscopic surgery by discussing operational considerations as they relate to the surgical delivery of care. Methodologies for basic analysis of the financial impact of instituting or upgrading laparoscopic capabilities are presented for the physician's understanding of how technology affects an ever-shrinking base of reimbursement. Proposals by the Health Care Financing Administration in redesigning reimbursement for outpatient surgery services provided to Medicare beneficiaries are critically important in health care delivery because the growth in the over 65 group will soon be touched by the first of the baby-boomers. Finally, examples of various studies examining the significant direct costs for benchmarking and the advantages of laparoscopy as a surgical technique are presented.