1 1 2
O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 4
Dr. Ruckman runs a small surgery center, but it still "bothers me to
generate so much medical waste," he says, referring to the wide-
spread use of disposable supplies because of concerns over cross-
contamination. Dr. Ruckman points out that reposables now have a
track record of success. Debris might be left on instruments that
could contaminate the next eye, but he hasn't seen evidence of it. "We
get good results — no high instances of TASS or ophthalmitis," he
says. "There's nothing to indicate reposable products create any haz-
ard.
"We've used reposable options for a long time and have a very good
track record of success," he adds. "There are pressures to go to the
other extreme — to use single-use items for almost everything in sur-
gery."
He continues, "I understand the concerns, because there is a small
but definite risk of contamination and infection, but at what point do
you have to balance being able to provide the service?
Reimbursements are flat, but overhead expenses continue to increase.
How do you continue to offer quality surgery and stay in business? At
some point it becomes cost-prohibitive." OSM
E-mail
dcook @outpa tientsurg ery.net
.
M A T E R I A L S M A N A G E M E N T
OSE_1402_part2_Layout 1 2/6/14 2:59 PM Page 112
