Contract Costs Associated with Maintaining Flexible Ureteroscopes: A Single Center Experience
John Michael DiBianco1, Jeffrey Twum-Ampofo1, Jennifer B Rolef1
1Department of Urology, George Washington University Medical School, Washington, D.C.
Urology Practice
|August 18, 2023
Summary
Manufacturer ureteroscope repair contracts are more cost-effective than third-party options. Choosing the manufacturer for flexible ureteroscope maintenance saves significant costs and improves repair efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Device Maintenance
- Healthcare Economics
Background:
- Flexible ureteroscope processing and maintenance are critical for urological procedures.
- Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of different maintenance contracts is essential for healthcare facilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the costs associated with flexible ureteroscope processing and maintenance between a scope manufacturer and a third-party company.
- To determine the more economical option for ureteroscope repair and maintenance.
Main Methods:
- A 3-year retrospective analysis of flexible ureteroscope (Storz 11278AU1 Flex X2) use and repairs at a 371-bed acute care hospital.
- Comparison of maintenance under a manufacturer contract (KARL STORZ) for 2 years versus a third-party contractor (Integrated Medical Systems International, Inc. [IMS]) for 1 year.
Main Results:
- The third-party contract led to a 52% reduction in procedures performed per repair/exchange (11 vs. 19.9).
- Yearly ureteroscope repair costs were higher with the third-party contractor ($158,040) compared to the manufacturer ($125,715, adjusted for inflation).
- Maintaining the manufacturer contract for all 3 years would have saved an estimated $32,325.
Conclusions:
- Manufacturer repair contracts for flexible ureteroscopes are more cost-effective than those offered by third-party companies.
- Opting for manufacturer maintenance can lead to substantial cost savings in ureteroscope repair.
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