Cutting Costs, Not Corners: A Guide to OR Efficiency for the Otolaryngologist

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Surgical care commands a substantial one-third share of all healthcare spending in the United States. With healthcare reaching a staggering $6 trillion annually and a projected increase of nearly 5.5% each year over the next 5 years, cutting costs becomes pivotal, exerting a severe influence over our medical practices. Amid a burgeoning body of literature surrounding cost-saving interventions in surgery, varying estimates of dollars spent and dollars saved present a challenge. How can we navigate this data maze and improve efficiency without compromising on quality in our operating rooms (ORs)?

This panel seeks to provide multi-faceted insight into the role of Otolaryngologists in optimizing OR resource utilization. First, we will explore the current economic environment for OR operations, in light of recent events and policy changes affecting overall administrative costs. Second, we will discuss an Otolaryngologist’s hands-on approach and experiences in maximizing value across practices. Here, we will showcase real examples of targeted cost reductions without sacrifice of patient care quality. Finally, we will provide an overview of the intersection of medical education and value. In this section, we will discuss the impact of Resident education on healthcare costs, describe the effect of purposeful educational changes on Physician-in-Training competencies, and emphasize a goal of empowering future generations of Otolaryngologists to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation. In essence, our panel provides a roadmap to not only navigate the complexities of surgical cost dynamics, but also to empower the next generation of physicians to continuously seeking the tools needed to optimize healthcare value.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Analyze costs associated with use of hospital resources and understand the limitations of existing cost data.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Recognize opportunities for minimizing cost without sacrificing quality in everyday Otolaryngologic practice.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Identify reasonable ways to integrate lessons on thoughtful resource utilization into medical training to empower future practitioners to optimize healthcare value down the line.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: With healthcare costs rising, providers need to practice more cost-conscious care. We seek to clarify the Otolaryngologist's role in cutting costs without compromising on quality. In response to 2024 feedback, we will discuss sustainability and PP models to add dimension to the discussion.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement : We are not submitting under the Comprehensive Otolaryngology track; however, we feel this is a conversation relevant to comprehensive Otolaryngologists and subspecialists alike.