Streamlining variability in hospital charges for standard thyroidectomy: Developing a strategy to decrease waste.

Area of Science:

• Surgical Process Improvement
• Health Economics
• Quality Improvement in Healthcare

Background:

• Assessed perioperative processes for standard (total) thyroidectomy to identify inefficiencies.
• Recognized significant variability and waste in current procedures.
• Aimed to develop a strategy for decreasing variability and waste.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficiency, consistency, and appropriateness of perioperative processes for standard thyroidectomy.
• To devise a strategy for decreasing variability and waste in thyroidectomy procedures.
• To quantify potential cost savings through process improvements.

Main Methods:

• Multidisciplinary team evaluated <23-hour stay standard thyroidectomy.
• Utilized nominal group technique, process flowcharts, and root cause analysis.
• Calculated anticipated decreases in costs, charges, and resource utilization.

Main Results:

• Median total charge for thyroidectomy was $27,363 with $48,727 variation.
• Optimized coordination could decrease charges by $1,505; consistent scheduling by $585.49.
• Reduced instrument usage and modified postoperative orders offered further savings, totaling >$200,000 annually.

Conclusions:

• Perioperative process analysis revealed substantial variability in standard thyroidectomy.
• Systematic assessment identified opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• A multidisciplinary strategy can decrease costs and enhance patient-centered care.