may increase as they need more time and decrease if they don't use
their time. Emphasize that you'll adjust block times based solely on
their actual data, as reported in the monthly utilization report.
Draft your block scheduling policy and procedure. To keep your
block program running efficiently, you'll need to set rules and
boundaries for your surgeons covering such areas as block release
and minimum utilization rates.
• If a surgeon won't be using some or all of his block, he must notify
you 72 hours in advance so that you can release the block and offer
the slot to another physician. It'd be best if your scheduling software
can automate the 72-hour block release.
• Surgeons risk losing their block time if their utilization rate falls
below a certain threshold. I'd suggest 60-70% at the outset, with an
ultimate utilization goal of 80% or higher. For the first year, assess uti-
lization of block time every 3 months.
• Surgeons must notify you they will be on vacation or out of town
for an extended period so that you can fill their time.
Keep 1 OR open. Keep at least 1 room open for add-on cases and
for cases you want to flip out to a second room. Open blocks will
let you continue to accommodate new surgeons.
OSM
Ms. Beydler (kathybeydler@bellsouth.net) is the managing partner of
Strategic Surgical Solutions in Eads, Tenn. She's also
a surveyor for the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
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